Pretty Sassy Cool All Things Pretty, Sassy, and Cool.
You already know that we love Jennifer Bonds and the steamy, sexy guys she writes. We were thrilled to be invited to participate on the blog tour for Seducing the Fireman, the third book in Jennifer’s crazy hot Risky Business Series. We got to sit and chat with her a little bit, and we’ve got a fun giveaway–believe us, you want this prize–as well as an excerpt to share with you that will leave you literally panting for more.
First, we want to tell you about a special promotion going on right now. 10% of the first month’s sales of Seducing the Fireman by Jennifer Bonds go to the FDNY Foundation! It’s win-win for everyone, so be sure to go ahead and order your copy of Seducing the Fireman! Now, on to the interview:
***INTERVIEW***
My favorite scene involved an elevator, a package of Spring Oreos and Mercury in Retrograde. I love dropping my characters in unexpected situations and seeing how they’ll react. But even more so, I love writing the kind of scenes where the H/H are locked in a battle of wills with lots of snark and sass!
Since the only firemen I’ve ever met in real life showed up under the dark of night to transport my newborn son and I to the hospital (so not my fantasy), I had to rely on my old friend Google. I’ve gotten pretty good at finding exactly what I need and I think readers will be pleased to know my research extended beyond drooling over hot guys on Pinterest (although I did plenty of that, too). I felt it was critical to give an accurate portrayal of a day in the life of New York’s Bravest, so I hope readers will find Jax’s story, his fears, and his struggles as heart melting as I do.
Seducing the Fireman was never actually supposed to be part of the Risky Business series. I scrapped the originally pitched matchmaker idea after stumbling across the FDNY Calendar of Heroes one day while I was “researching”. I typically start a story with a meet cute idea, but in this case, my inspiration came in the form of a scene where a young, free-spirited photographer was shooting her old flame in his turnout gear. From there, I had to build Jax and Becca’s story backward, which was a total change of pace for me. It was totally worth it though. Jax is the kind of hero that will melt your panties with nothing but a look and I can’t wait for readers to meet him!
You know the cool girl you see at the café every morning? She’s got the funky t-shirt and the vintage Chuck Taylor’s and you just know that if you got up the nerve to say hello you’d be the best of friends? That’s Becca. She’s the kind of girl who always eats dessert, enjoys a good lager, and laughs too loud at her own jokes. And for all the confidence she shows the world, she’s never quite outgrown her awkward stage so you never know what might come out of her mouth.
I just adore Jax. His willingness to push Becca’s buttons, driving her crazy in all the right ways, paired with a healthy dose of FDNY ego is what makes him absolutely swoonworthy. As a fireman, his job is inherently sexy, requiring strength, loyalty and bravery in the most challenging of situations. He’s not the kind of man to back down and will always protect his woman, whether she needs it or not. Did I mention he’s also good with his apparatus? 😉
Definitely. Jax is the kind of guy your mom always warned you about. He’s also the BEST kind of trouble always keeps his heroine on her toes with moments like this…
“You’re playing with fire, Becca. You have no idea how much restraint it’s taking for me not to toss you over my shoulder and take you to bed.” Jax paused, letting his words sink in. With his training, there wasn’t a doubt in her mind he could—and would—do it. He caressed her cheek, his fingers blazing a trail down the front of her shirt, coming to rest at the hollow between her breasts. Her nipples hardened in response to his touch, her chest rising and falling slowly as her body screamed for more. “But I’m not going to do that. Not until you want me to. Because when I do? It’s going to be the best damn orgasm of your life. I’m going to lick this lush little body of yours until I know every inch of it as intimately as I know my own, and I’m not going to stop until you know what it means to come undone with a real man.”
Behind on life. 😉
Game of Thrones season six, which my husband has kindly informed me isn’t technically a book-to-screen adaptation since The Winds of Winter has been on hold since…forever.
BICHOK – Butt In Chair, Hands on Keyboard. (Thanks, Laura Kaye!) I think of this phrase often when I’m restless or when I’m struggling with a particular scene. It reminds me that it doesn’t always get easier and some days you just have to be persistent and push forward.
I’m probably not supposed to say this because it’s like having a favorite child, but I have a soft spot for Ryan Douglas of Once Upon a Power Play. I also have a thing for Daemon Black of the Lux series, but don’t tell him because, let’s be honest, his ego is plenty big as it is.
I’ve been doing a lot of outlining lately and I’m torn between a new adult romance and telling the stories of the hunky hockey players introduced in Once Upon a Power Play. I feel like Bash, in particular, needs a little TLC.
Let’s be friends? Lol. Making friends as an adult is HARD and I’m socially awkward, so while I love meeting new people, I’m not great at making the first move. Which, come to think of it, is probably why my heroes tend to be all alpha! But if you like alpha males and sexy romance, we probably should be friends so feel free to pop over and say hello on Twitter or Facebook!
Thanks so much for having me at Pretty Sassy Cool and for giving me the chance to chat about the sexiness that is Jackson Hart!
***About Jennifer Bonds***
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.
***About the Book***
Seducing the Fireman by Jennifer Bonds Also by this author: Once Upon a Dare, Once Upon a Power Play
Series: Risky Business #3
Also in this series: Once Upon a Dare, Once Upon a Power Play
Published by Entangled: Brazen on May 2, 2016
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Erotica, Friends to More, Second Chance Romance
Character(s): Firefighters
Pages: 187
Goodreads Buy the Book
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.
***EXCERPT***
Becca may have a weakness for dessert, but Jax has always had a weakness for her. And after ten long years of fantasizing about the girl he left behind, he isn’t above pressing the advantage to get this sexy spitfire in his bed.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Becca asked, planting a hand on her hip and blocking the entrance with her other arm.
“Coming up for dessert.” Jax held up the carryout bag her mother had given him on the way out the door. “Your mom packed tartufo for two. It’s still your favorite, right?”
Keep Reading the Excerpt for Seducing the Fireman
Keep Reading the Excerpt for Seducing the Fireman
“Keep it.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m on a diet anyway.”
“Liar. You’re perfect just the way you are.” His gaze slid over her body, assessing her from head to toe and giving her all the feels in her belly. It was clear he liked what he saw. Lust burned bright, flickering in those blue eyes like a flame greedy for oxygen. She squeezed her thighs tight, refusing to acknowledge her own desire. “Besides,” he went on, “I don’t have any spoons at my place, so if you don’t invite me up, I’ll just have to leave them both here with you.”
Becca weighed her options. Her mom’s tartufo was the best in the borough, and if they stood around arguing about it much longer, there’d be nothing left but a soupy mess. Refusing to forgo a perfectly good dessert, she relented and opened the door for Jax to pass.
Once inside the apartment, she moved swiftly, making quick work of the carryout package. Then she and Jax settled in at the bar, spoons in hand. Only, the way he was looking at her spoke of an entirely different kind of hunger, one she refused to consider any further before dessert.
Instead, she dug into her ice cream.
“Oh, my God,” she moaned, the dark chocolate coating her mouth with its silky goodness. “This is so good, I could orgasm right here.”
Good one, Becca.
As soon as the words were out, she regretted them, but what could she do? He seemed to have that effect on her. Every time she was near him she felt like that bumbling kid again, fifteen and clueless.
Shit.
The last thing she needed was for Jax to think she had sex on the brain. Especially sex with him.
“Well, isn’t that a sad state of affairs.”
“Excuse me?” She dropped her spoon on the counter and shot him the haughtiest look she could muster. Who the hell did he think he was, anyway?
“I like dessert as much as the next guy, but if you think ice cream can make you come,” he said, his words a smoky caress, “then you’ve never had a real orgasm. I’d be happy to correct that for you any time. Just say the word.”
***Our Thoughts***
Kassiah: If you’re looking for crazy hot heroes and sassy women who aren’t doormats, I really feel like Jennifer Bonds’s books are some of the most underappreciated out there. I don’t know why everyone isn’t reading her stuff. At least, the ones I’ve read have been off-the-charts.
Jackson Hart stood up Becca for their first date with no explanation. Fast forward ten years and he’s back and wants a second chance. Becca’s got a strict three date rule, but will Jackson finally wear her down and get her to see that they are meant for each other?
What did I like? Lots of things, but I’ll start with Jackson. *swooncity* He’s a firefighter and he’s definitely cocky. I love his personality–the guy’s got swagger for sure. He’s genuinely contrite and allows himself to be vulnerable. He’s a total package, and did I mention how hot he is? Dang.
Jax lowered his lips to her ear, gently pushing her hair out of the way. “Don’t worry.” His tongue traced the curve of her ear. “I’ll be inside you soon enough.”
I loved the pacing of this book and how much we got to know these characters in such a short amount of time. I read this book all at one time and it was awesome.
So what didn’t I like? I wasn’t crazy about Becca for most of the book. I just…it really doesn’t surprise me. I liked her well enough, but she’s not my favorite heroine by any stretch. She just doesn’t deserve him! 🙂 I have to give Jackson the benefit of the doubt, though, and figure if he likes her, I should, too. And boy, does he like her!
“Put it to the test.” He took a step closer. Her knees brushed his thighs, but she held her ground, keeping him at a distance.
“Wh-what are you suggesting?”
“I’m suggesting”–he ran his palms up her soft thighs, spreading them wide–I’d like to lay you out right here on the table and work that sweet little body of yours until you’re writhing in ecstasy, back bowed and screaming my name.”
I also didn’t like part of the drama in this book. I won’t give anything away, but it just didn’t feel right to me for Jax to react the way he did when he finally got what he wanted. Also, I didn’t like that his nickname is Jax. I know it’s picky, but I feel like that name is so overplayed.
With crazy hot chemistry, great banter, and a hero you’ll definitely swoon over, Seducing the Fireman by Jennifer Bonds is a great choice for all romance fans.
- {Review} Heartland by Sarina Bowen (with Excerpt) - January 31, 2020
- {Cover Reveal} Moonlighter by Sarina Bowen (with Giveaway) - September 26, 2019
- {Spotlight} The DNA of You and Me by Andrea Rothman - March 26, 2019
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| Overall: | 4 |
***GIVEAWAY***
3 Runner-Ups: A FDNY 2016 Calendar & 1 digital backlist title from Jennifer Bonds
Good luck and don’t forget to check out the other stops on the blog tour for Seducing the Fireman by Jennifer Bonds!
