Sunday, May 2, 2010

Jo Davis brings another Firefighter to the Lair!

interview with Suz

Suz: Welcome back to the Bandit Lair, Jo. I can't believe we're on the fourth book of this series.

You know, not long ago I had to call the paramedics for a family emergency and boy, not only did they send me two paramedics, but four extra guys rode in on the big quint! Sigh. It was almost worth calling them, just to see theses six BIG, sexy, handsome, uh?did I mention BIG firefighters walk into my house! I swear I was looking at your firefighter crew from Station Five! As inappropriate as it would've been, I sooooo wanted to just reach out and caress one or two or all of them.

Suz: How did you ever envision this group? Did they appear one at a time or all at once?

Jo: First, thanks so much to the Bandits for having me back today! I always love to visit and chat with this group! You guys are so much fun. To answer your question, the Station Five guys simply walked into my office one day and demanded that their stories be told. Like your firemen/paramedics that came to your house the other day, they were big, sexy, and oh-so-yummy. Who was I to deny their request?



Suz, staring at the new cover and fanning herself: So...uh...yeah... in book #4, LINE OF FIRE, you're letting us see the youngest of the A crew, Tommy Skyler. By all appearances, Tommy lives a charmed life, doesn't he?

Jo: It would seem he does, and that's what most of his buddies think. But Tommy is still reeling from the repercussions a very painful, tragic family loss. This event changed the direction of his life and now he's questioning the choices he's made since then-including his decision to become a firefighter. He's afraid he made that choice for all the wrong reasons and gave up too soon on his dream of playing for the NFL.

Suz: Tommy met his heroine Shea Ford in an earlier book. What kept them apart all this time?

Jo: Shea wants Tommy for her own, but she's using the excuse that he's too immature to keep him at arm's length. She's not really that much older than him, only five years older, and her excuse doesn't wash. The truth is, Shea is gun-shy from a terrible mistake she made years ago, one that still haunts her. Tommy reminds her of that error and trusting a man is very hard for her to do.

Suz:  How does he win her attention and do things go smoothly for them?

Jo, saying with that mischevious twinkle in her eye: Now, I can't tell you how he gets her motor running...the readers will have to find out for themselves.  But I will say that the road to happiness is anything but smooth. Some real obstacles are going to stand in their way, both from within themselves and from a tragic event.

Suz: Without giving anything away, what do you feel makes this book different to the series? (You can hint that there's a change to the team dynamics, if you want.)

Jo: The tragic event I referred to before sets this book apart from the others. Readers who have followed the series know that Captain Sean Tanner is headed for real disaster. This book is pivotal in changing the lives of everyone on the team forever?Sean's and Tommy's lives in particular. Have tissues handy, folks.


Excerpt:

Grabbing Shea's hand, Tommy pulled her into the throng and spun her to face him before she could protest further. He made it appear easy, just to throw caution to the wind and let loose.
Like liquid, molten sex.

"I'm not that great a dancer," she said, raising her voice to be heard above the music. Trying to match his graceful moves, she felt like a dork.

One strong arm snaked around her waist, pulled their hips together. He rocked against her, his unmistakable hardness pressing into her belly. "Believe me, you're doing fine."

Her cheeks blazed. She wasn't some simpering virgin-far from it-but the man caught her off guard at every turn. And Tommy was a man, not a boy. No doubt whatsoever, if there ever had been.


As they moved, the friction of their bodies setting her on a slow burn, she watched his face. Studied the nuances. There was no trace of the young, carefree charmer in evidence now. In his place was a man she'd never seen before. A man completely confident of his intentions, his crystal eyes dark with desire. One who made her blood quicken, her soul cry out to answer his unspoken challenge, to be his.
The fast song ended, abruptly snapping her from the spell. Thinking to make a quick getaway, she stepped back, but he caught her hand.

"This next one, too. Please?"


The soft, pretty opening to "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts began, one of her favorite songs. She paused for a couple of beats and, apparently taking her hesitation as a yes, he enveloped her in his arms. Began to sway gently, big hands spread over her back, chin resting on top of her head. In spite of her qualms, she felt herself melt in to him, soaking up his strength.


Warm. Intoxicating. Incredible.

Like coming home.

"God, it feels so good to finally hold you," he whispered into her hair.


She didn't answer. Couldn't, not when her senses, every barrier she'd erected between them, were under toe-curling assault. Searching for the right response, she lifted her head to meet his gaze.


Instead, his lips brushed hers. A sensual glide that wasn't a tentative question, but a warning. Electrifying her to the core.

His fingers brushed down her cheek. "Pretty baby."

And he claimed her mouth then, kissed her like a man kisses a woman when he means business. When he wants her no matter the cost, above all others. Whatever it takes.



His tongue tangled with hers and she whimpered, unable to help herself. He tasted so good and she wanted to slide under his skin, stay there forever. Wrapped up in him. The party, the guests, vanished as the kiss went on and on. It might as well have been the two of them locked in their own world, free of doubts and unwanted baggage. For the first time in more than a decade she felt protected and safe.




But she'd been wrong before.


Suz: So what's next for the Firefighter series?

Jo: LINE OF FIRE, Tommy's story, is being released in bookstores near you tomorrow, May 4! Next up is Captain Sean Tanner's story, RIDE THE FIRE, which will be released on December 7. Sean's story is five-hankie all the way, and I'll tell you guys right now that while writing one scene in particular, I sobbed my heart out! This book even choked up my editor. Fear not, though. Sean is due for his happy ending, and I promise you won't be disappointed!

Suz: And what's next for Jo Davis?

Jo, grinning excitedly: My next series for NAL is going to come as quite a surprise for some of my readers, so I hope they'll bear with me. We're going to move away from Sugarland, for a while anyway, and delve into a brand-new paranormal romance series! As much as I would love for Detective Shane Ford and the other boys at the PD to get their stories, my publisher is taking me in a new direction. I never say "never" when it comes to revisiting a series my readers want, but I think many readers will be excited by what's coming. I can't give away too much of the concept right now, but I will hint that a team of very hot, mouth-watering wolf shifters and one equally delicious Sorcerer/panther shifter are involved? Stay tuned for more news on the new series!
Jo: Now I want to know from the reader, do you enjoy reading paranormal romance and why? What is it about these heroes (whether they are shifters, vampires, demons, angels, etc.) and these series that continues to captivate readers?

Suz: Jo will be giving away a signed copy of LINE OF FIRE to one commenter today. Don't forget to visit Jo's website: http://www.jodavis.net/

75 comments:

Unknown said...

Come to me my golden one!

Unknown said...

Hi Jo, your new series sound great! I do read some paranormals and shifters are my favorite, although I do enjoy the vamps sometimes too! Also love to read about witches too. I think I just like them all! If its a book with romance I will read it!

limecello said...

Oooo hi Jo - thanks for visiting with us today! Love the sound of your stories -and as for your question, yes on paranormals, generally. I need to read a variety of genres, but I love their unique other wordly abilities, and how very feral they can be - in a sexy way. (Because that's kind of the point, right?)
And I know this is shallow, but I love your covers! The art department did a great job.

Enjoy your day with the GR, Virginia! I met him at RT O_o

Fedora said...

Oooh!! Hi, Jo!! As Limecello mentioned, I love your covers, too--a very droolworthy set, all!

As for paranormals, I think it's the combination of the known and fantasy that does it for me--when you add the element of special powers or a different sort of world, it makes the story and characters a special kind of escapist read, and that's why I pick up a book usually anyway.

I'm very much looking forward to your next firefighter and to your new series!

Congrats on the GR, Virginia! Keep that bird in line!

Michelle Santiago said...

HOT DAMN! those are super hot covers!!!

hi jo and suz! i love reading paranormals... they are something else and takes you out of the ordinary and into a whole different world. it's exciting and fun and sometimes unexpected and i really like that--i like being surprised in my romances.

have a great time with the GR virginia! :)

Kim in Baltimore said...

Your covers are hot ... did you hire the Cabana Boys for the photo shoot?

Laurie G said...

I've only read a few paranormals Twilight with vampires and werewolves,

Lori Handeland's Dark Creatures

Jayne Castle's futuristic Ghosthunters: Dark Light controllers and Green Light controllers

I like them because they venture outside our ordinary lives. They have extra ordinary talents! They are powerful. They follow different rules.

I prefer the ones that protect humans.

Gillian Layne said...

Firefighters are so heroic, Jo. I love your series!

Paranormal world building is so fun to read, and I'm always impressed by the different ways that authors come up with to bring their alternate realities to life. I really enjoy paranormals, so I'll be looking forward to your new series. :)

Helen said...

Well done Virginia have fun with him

Jo

I ordered Line Of Fire the other day and am eagerly awaiting its arrival I can't wait to read it I have loved this series awesome.

I have only been reading paranormal for a couple of years and prefer shapeshifters to vampires so your new venture really makes me happy although I do hope you get to write the PD series one day. And why I love them I really am not sure but they pull me into the worlds they live in and they are so male and georgeous yummy.

Congrats on the release and thanks Suz for inviting Jo back.

Have Fun
Helen

Jo Davis said...

Good Morning, Banditas!! It's great to be back in the Lair. Thank you so much for having me here again. I always look forward to hanging with you guys. :)

Jo Davis said...

Congrats on nabbing the GR, Virginia!

I love shifters, too. I never imagined being able to write them, or paranormal at all, so when my editor and publisher asked me whether I'd be willing to write them, I jumped at the chance! I'm SO very excited!

Jo Davis said...

Hi Limecello,
Thanks, it's great to be back! I agree on the paranormal world. As an author, it opens endless possibilities. Shifters are soo sexy, too. :)

Thank you, I love my covers! That's not shallow at all! Those folks take their artwork very seriously. Covers sell books!

Jo Davis said...

Good Morning, Flchen!

Thank you, I do love those covers!

I too enjoy the escape a juicy paranormal provides. I read tons of them, and I'm excited about delving into my new world. I have one more book to finish before I can tackle "Alpha Pack." :)

I hope you love Tommy's story!

Jo Davis said...

Hi Chelley,

Thanks so much, I do love my covers. :)

I hope you enjoy LINE OF FIRE should you give the firefighters a try!

Jo Davis said...

Hi Kim,

Thanks so much! Girl, if I could afford to hire cabana boys, they'd have much better things to do than pose for pictures! At least pics anyone could view publicly... :))

Jo Davis said...

Hi Laurie,

I agree. I love paranormals where the heroes are powerful and protective. I think you might like my new Alpha Pack series. The guys are a team of black ops heroes who are wolf shifters with special abilities. I'm really psyched about getting into the first book!

Jo Davis said...

Hi Gillian,

I'm so glad you're enjoying the firefighters! Tommy's and Sean's stories will break your heart...but no worries about the happy ever after! :)

I'm excited about the new paranormal series. Can't wait to sink my teeth into it, no pun intended!

Jo Davis said...

Hi Helen,

I hope you love Tommy's story! His book was one I could not have written early on because I had to watch him grow from a boy into a man. I think he grew up nicely, too. :) I'm anxious to hear what readers think.

Thanks for the congrats on the new series. I hope I get to write the PD too one day, especially Shane Ford's story, but this new series is going to be lots of fun!

Gannon Carr said...

Hi, Jo! Hooray for another firefighter book! Love those guys from Station 5. My sister used to live in NYC, and she said she would always stop and gawk and the firefighters--they were very hot!!!


I love paranormals! I think part of the appeal is the unknown, dark elements. I love the sound of your shapeshifters!

Jo Davis said...

Hi Gannon,

I'm happy Tommy's story is being released tomorrow! I hope you love him as much as I do. There's something about these guys that have stolen my heart. I have a good author friend who just moved to NYC and now she gets to ogle the firemen, lucky gal! :)

I hope you enjoy my shifters! This will be a fun series to write.

jo robertson said...

Hi, Jo! A hearty welcome back to the Lair! Love your Station Five books.

Congrats, Virginia, got any plans for the rooster? If not, send him my way. I have TONS of work he could do!

Jo, your upcoming new series sounds delicious! I love werewolf stories and a whole clan -- uh, den, uh, pack of them sounds great. I think it's because there's something very primal about them.

Jo Davis said...

Hi Jo,

Thanks so much, I'm happy you're enjoying my firemen! I'm thrilled about the new series too. What fun this will be! :)

Tracy Garrett said...

Hi Jo! I've been counting the days for this release right along with you. I can't wait to get my very own copy.

And shifters are my favorite people--uh, creatures--uh, stories. :D

Kay Thomas said...

Hey Jo (and Suz!)

Great interview!
I'm so looking forward to reading Tommy's story and Line of Fire. That is one hot cover! Your heroes are just...yummy.
Congratulations on your new shapeshifters series, too. Can't wait to meet your paranormal heroes!

Kay

Jo Davis said...

Hi Tracy,
Thanks for stopping by, CP! I've been counting the days, too. Can't believe Tommy's story comes out tomorrow. It's wait wait, and then the day is here before I know it!

Shifters are going to be fierce... :)

pjpuppymom said...

Hi Jo! Congrats on the release of Line of Fire. I *LOVED* Tommy's story! You're right to give a tissue alert. Readers will definitely need them. Can't wait for Sean's story!

I've never really gotten into the vampire stories all that much but I really enjoy shapeshifters. Can't wait to hear more about your new series.

Jo Davis said...

Hi Kay,

Thanks, I'm so looking forward to Tommy's story coming out tomorrow! I hope you enjoy it. He's one of my favorites.

Thanks for the congrats on the new series, too. I'm thrilled! :)

Jo Davis said...

Hi PJ,
Great to "see" you again! I'm SO happy you enjoyed Tommy's story! His story needed tissues, but Sean's will need the whole box. BTW, my editor said the end of Tommy's book gave her the chills. :)

The idea of shifters coming up are getting a very good response from my readers, and I'm looking foward to telling my heroes' stories!

pjpuppymom said...

BTW, my editor said the end of Tommy's book gave her the chills. :)

I'm with her. Many chills! And I sure didn't see that coming. Can't wait to see how it all plays out!

catslady said...

Great excerpt and fantastic covers!

I've just started reading paranormals and enjoying them. I like variety and much prefer reading about things not of my time.

Beth Andrews said...

Welcome back, Jo! It's always a pleasure to have you with us. Line of Fire sounds fabulous and I loved the excerpt *g*

I enjoy paranormal romances as they take escapism to a whole new level :-)

runner10 said...

Looks like a "HOT" series.

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Virginia, have fun with the chook!

Hey, Jo, welcome back! The cabana boys loves your visits! Great interview.

Linda Henderson said...

Your firefighters are yummy. I do enjoy reading about men in uniforms. I enjoy reading paranormal as well as contemporary romance. A paranormal needs romance for me to enjoy it. I like shifters, vampires and werewolves because they are usually powerful, charismatic and fearless. I also like the fantasy part. I know I will enjoy your paranormals when you publish them.

Addison said...

Jo:

I am SO excited this book comes out tomorrow - I've been waiting for this one! :-)

And I am also so excited for your new series. You write the most awesome heroes - I know we're all in for a treat!

Addison

Jane said...

Hi Jo,
Congrats on the new release. Can't wait to read Tommy and Shea's story. I'm hoping you'll get to write Shane's story someday soon. I do enjoy paranormals, especially the ghost and shifter stories. I think it's entertaining to read about these non or half humans who have these extraordinary powers.

Congrats on the GR, Virginia.

Nancy said...

Jo, welcome back! I love paranormals. I tend to prefer magic or psionic abilities to shifters or vampires. I like the broader story possibilities of those "extra" powers, I suspect, and I've always loved super-heroes though I've never analyzed the reasons too closely.

Virginia, congrats on the rooster!

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Welcome back to the Lair, Jo!

We always LOVE to have you visit and bring along another of you HOT covers! :-) Congrats on your new shifter series!

Sorry to be late, but I had to go to the dentist today. URG! At least I have NO CAVITIES! YAY!

Congrats on the chook, Virginia! He had a wild time on Saturday competing in the 100 mile bike race.
AC

Nancy said...

Limecello, I love those covers, too! And we have another great excerpt.

Nancy said...

Fedora, sounds as though you and I both like that added layer the powers add to a paranormal story. I should also add that I like what the powers can do to a character, too, what problems they can raise and challenges they can pose.

Nancy said...

Hi, Chelleyreads--I like that twist in a story, too!

Nancy said...

Kim wrote: Your covers are hot ... did you hire the Cabana Boys for the photo shoot?

LOL! Now Sven is strutting around here as though he'd just won Mr. Romance.

Nancy said...

Laurie, I've enjoyed Lori Handeland's Doomsday series a lot. I also warm to paranormal characters who use their abilities to protect others--the whole "might for right" thing I find so attractive in the Camelot legends.

Nancy said...

Gillian, I like worldbuilding, too. I'm open to all kinds of paranormals, but I especially like the ones with complex worlds and magic systems.

Nancy said...

Helen wrote: And why I love them I really am not sure but they pull me into the worlds they live in and they are so male and georgeous yummy.

Well, that would suffice as a reason for many of us, I think. Certainly for me. :-)

Nancy said...

Gannon, we were walking down a sidewalk in NYC, and the firefighters were hanging outside the station--really seriously cute guys. *sigh*

Now that you mention dark, I'm thinking that had something to do with the lure of paranormals for me. What's a hero without a villain? That's why, I've heard, writing Superman is such a challenge. Heroism comes from being pushed, and it's hard to get someone who can push Superman.

And I think paranormals, in turn, helped push me over to the dark side.

Tempting though it would be to just blame Anna Campbell and be done with it. *g*

Nancy said...

Tracy, do you particularly like one type of shifter over others, or do you just enjoy them all?

Nancy said...

Kay, those really are fabulous covers!

Nancy said...

PJ, thanks for the warning on the tissues!

Nancy said...

Hi, Catslady--I like variety, too, though I like it more in the worldbuilding and the "rules" than in the type of paranormal.

Deb said...

Hi, Jo! Congrats on the new release.

I'm not sure how I feel about paranormals, to be honest with you. I'm not into vampires and I've never read a shapeshifter story. Guess I need to venture out of my reading comfort zone. :)

Becke Davis said...

Hi Jo! I love your books! Were you at RT? I heard you were but never found you.

Donna, it was great to see you there!

s7anna said...

Ooh this sounds like a fab series! It looks like an awesome read.

hugs,
Anna
s7anna@yahoo.ca

Jo Davis said...

Hi Catslady,
Thanks so much! I luv my covers. :)

What sorts of paranormals do you like?

Jo Davis said...

Hi Beth,
So glad you liked the excerpt! I hope you enjoy Tommy's story. I love this one. :)

Jo Davis said...

Hi Runner10,

It is hot indeed! Do you like firemen? I think they're heroic. :)

Jo Davis said...

Hi Anna!
It's always great to be here! Send some of those cabana boys my way... :)

Jo Davis said...

Hi Karyn,
I'm so glad you enjoyed Tommy's story! And I can't wait for Sean's book and the readers' reactions.

My special ops wolf shifters promise to be dark, tortured, and oh so yummy! I hope you like them. :)

Jo Davis said...

Hi Linda,
Thanks so much! I think my firemen are yummy as well. :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Jo Davis said...

Hi Addison,
Thanks so much girlfriend! I'm both excited to see Tommy and Sean get their stories, but also sad to see the series end.

I'm happy you love my heroes! Wait till you meet this next team of hotties... :)

Jo Davis said...

Hi Jane,
Thanks! I hope you love Tommy and Shea's story. I'd love to write Shane's story someday, and I never say never! :)

Jo Davis said...

Hi Nancy,
It's great to be back! Hmm, if you like heroes with "magical" or extra abilities, check out my brand of shifters when they arrive! They're not your average shifters... :)

Jo Davis said...

Hi Aunty!

It's good to be back! I luv my hot covers too! I'm SO looking forward to seeing what they come up with for my new series. Thanks for the congrats!

No worries on chiming in late-- I had to take a break myself to run to the store and then make dinner. My family lived on takeout while I was at the RT Convention last week and I had to take pity! :)

Jo Davis said...

Hi Deb,
Thanks so much for the congrats! Tommy's story got to me emotionally, and I hope he does the same for readers. :)

Paranormal isn't for everyone, but I hope you give them a try. They really are total escapism, and have wonderful heroes to boot! :)

Jo Davis said...

Hi Becke!
Thanks so much, I'm happy you enjoy my books! There's more coming at you too!

Yes, I was at RT. I gave one workshop, sat on 2 panels, sat in Club RT, and did the big signing on Saturday! I was definitely around. Sorry I missed you!

Jo Davis said...

Hi Anna,
Thanks so much! I'm excited about the new series and hope readers embrace it. I think it has some really cool elements mixed with the shifting abilities that readers haven't seen before, and I can't wait to get going on it. :)

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Well, I finally got home from Ohio and the airport! So sorry I missed the whole day of chatting with Jo and her firefighters, (couldn't be helped as my daddy had surgery and I'd gone home to help mama with him), but it looks like y'all took good care of Jo and her boys while I was in transit!

Pat Cochran said...

Hi, Jo, Welcome back to the Lair!

I always look forward to your
visits, especially with all those
magnificent covers and even more
gorgeous firefighters! I don't
if my heart is going to be able
to handle these next books! It may
take more than a box of tissues!
Thanks for giving us Station Five!

Pat Cochran

Pat Cochran said...

Oops!

It should read "I don't know if..."

See I'm so excited, I can't get
all my words in a row!!

Pat Cochran

Jo Davis said...

Hey Suz!
Glad you got home from Ohio safely! Your Banditas took very good care of me today, and we had a super chat!

Glad your Dad is doing well. :)

Jo Davis said...

Hi Pat,
Thanks so much! It was truly my pleasure to write for my Station Five boys. I hope you love Tommy's and Sean's stories as much as I loved writing them.

This new series will be a great adventure, though. I'm eager to get started! :)

Nancy said...

Jo, I'll certainly be checking out the shifters. And Tommy's book as well. :-)

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Jo! Late to the party, but welcome back to the Lair!

Virginia...good snag on the golden rooster!

Jo Davis said...

Awesome, Nancy! I hope you enjoy them! :)

Jo Davis said...

Hi Jeanne,

Thanks so much, it's great to be back! :)