If I Loved You (Hollywood Hearts 1)

Jean Joachim has been writing professionally for the past fifteen years. She is the author of
seven non-fiction books. Now and Forever, a Love Story is her first work of fiction. Her second
work of fiction is a “sweet” romance, “Sunny Days, Moonlit Nights”. She also writes a
syndicated weekly movie review column for parents called “Movie Choices for Kids”.           

Jean loves both the city and the country, though as times passes she finds the beauty of the
country and the warmth of country folks create a peaceful life, one she enjoys writing about.
She is currently working on her first contemporary romance that takes place in the city.         

When asked where she gets her ideas, she’ll tell you they seem to appear by magic in her head.
When asked if her characters are taken from people in real life, she’ll tell you “no” firmly, at
least for main characters. Sometimes minor characters are built on people she knows and
admires. She will admit that her pug, Homer, is her muse and she can be seen walking in
Central Park talking to him about plots or characters. The pugs in her books are tributes to
Homer and her way of thanking him for his help.         

Jean is married and lives in New York City with her husband, two sons and a rescued pug
named, Homer.

 

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

~TANYA'S 4 STAR REVIEW OF IF I LOVED YOU by JEAN JOACHIM

 

If I Loved You by Jean C. Joachim
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a great, light and romantic read you will enjoy here. A love story full of realistic drama and publicity that comes with being a star. The characters, Megan Davis, an intelligent, financial adviser and Chaz Duncan a very handsome and famous actor, first meet when Chaz decides to invest his money with the company Meg works for. The attraction is instantly mutual but of course there are those typical good things and bad things that come along with being a celebrity, especially a very attractive one!

Chaz and Megan are both private people and just like all of us they have secrets about their past. They want to trust each other so much and Chaz loves everything about Megan but can he trust her? Will these two share there secrets with each other and how on earth will they navigate through the difficult world of cruel celebrity gossip magazines and very jealous people? Will their relationship stand all the hurt?

Jean Joachim writes a very tasteful romance with heartwarming tenderness and passionate love scenes that can very much be a reality. I smiled and enjoyed their story very much. A wonderful romantic read for me to finish 2012 with and I recommend you check this out. She has several books out there so if you are looking for romance with HEA'S you will certainly find it with her work!

Review for If You Loved me by Jean C.Joachim

Title:  If I Loved You

Series:  Hollywood Hearts book 1 

Author:  Jean C. Joachim

Genre: M/F Contemporary   

Length: Novel  

Publisher:  Secret Craving Publishing

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating: 5- OMG

Blurb:   

 

Does love always mean total truth? Successfully shunning the limelight was one way for Megan Davis to keep her family secret. The press intruded on her life when her twin brother, Mark, became the star quarterback for the Delaware Demons. A smart, successful financial advisor, disrespectful of tabloid superstars, Meg was shocked when she was selected to launch a celebrity division in the prestigious investment firm, Dillon & Weed and overwhelmed by the charisma of her first client.

Gorgeous, magnetic movie star, Chaz Duncan, wary of women who wanted to bask in his fame or sell his secrets to the media, valued privacy above all else. Would attractive Megan Davis, his new financial advisor charm the truth from him or would he continue his high profile but lonely existence to keep his secret safe? Jealousy, deceit and scandal threaten two careers and the quest for true love and trust in this roller-coaster-ride contemporary romance.

Product Link:  http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=485

 

Reviewer:  Cat

Review:  Jealousy, deceit and scandal threaten the two careers and personal lives of Megan Davis and Chaz Duncan. Megan is selected to start a celebrity division in her financial firm. Chaz her first client is a sexy movie star.  Sparks burst into flames between the two, putting both their lives and careers on shaky ground.

 You at me at the first paragraph! I was absolutely taken in by both Chaz and Megan.  The description of Chaz at the beginning had me swooning. I couldn't put the book down. Not only was the characters captivating so was the story. One twists after another left me breathless. The end leaves me begging for the next book in the series!! I am hooked!

 

Omg is Cathyspeak for Oh My Gosh!

If I Loved You - Jean Joachim

Does love always mean total truth? Successfully shunning the limelight was one way for Megan Davis to keep her family secret. The press intruded on her life when her twin brother, Mark, became the star quarterback for the Delaware Demons. Disrespectful of tabloid superstars, financial advisor, Meg, was shocked when she was tapped to launch a celebrity division in the prestigious investment firm, Dillon & Weed. The biggest surprise: the charisma of her first client.
Gorgeous, magnetic movie star, Chaz Duncan, wary of women who wanted to bask in his fame or sell his secrets to the media, valued privacy above all else. Would attractive Megan Davis, his new financial advisor charm the truth from him or would he continue his high profile but lonely existence to keep his secret safe? Jealousy, deceit and scandal threaten two careers and the quest for true love and trust in this roller-coaster-ride contemporary romance.

First thoughts after.....
Yay can't wait for the next one in the series!!!


How distracted did I get......
If I Loved You is a fun romance that sweeps you up and takes you away.  With love, vengeance, Ms. Joachim's first female villain this story has the perfect recipe.  Meg is smart and sexy and sweeps Chaz right off his feet the moment they meet.  I had to force myself to put my kindle up this morning to get some sleep.  This story is perfect for the sweet romance mood!
  I give If I Loved You........

5 Baskets!!!!!

 

Story Excerpt

Megan could hardly breathe. Her mouth, suddenly dry as desert sand, managed a smile as her eyes connected with his. Instantly, she understood Chaz Duncan’s enormous film success. His presence filled the room the second he entered it.

Chaz stood about five foot eleven, with a slender build and shoulders that stretched from New York to California. His expertly trimmed, rakishly long, dark brown hair threatened to fall into his eyes at any moment. His eyes were the darkest brown, fringed by long black lashes. His nose was straight and just long enough. His lips were perfect, with a slightly fuller lower lip that looked completely kissable.

He wore chocolate brown pants tailored to his body topped by a fitted white silk shirt, open at the neck, revealing a hint of chest hair. The scruff on his face was the right length—not too long to appear sloppy, but long enough to be sexy as hell. A burnt-orange and red, narrow-striped tie dangled down below the undone top button of his shirt. He struck a studiously casual stance with the brown jacket to his suit slung over his shoulder, hooked on the finger of one hand. He took a step forward and extended his hand.

She took a breath as his warm, dry hand enveloped hers in a firm grip. “A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Duncan. Won’t you please sit down?”

“Chaz, please,” he said, taking a seat.

Megan returned to her seat. “Coffee?” She directed her gaze at her visitor.

“Andy, black coffee and water for me.” She called out to her assistant seated at a desk near her door. About a gallon; a pint to drink and pour the rest over me before I burst into flame.

Chaz put his jacket around the back of the chair before parting his lips in a dazzling smile. The heat of his stare as his gaze traveled the length of her body, stopping momentarily at each attractive curve, raised her body temperature. The sudden warmth caused by his attention forced her to take off her jacket. She noticed he glanced at her chest as she pulled her arms back. Megan scooted her chair up to the desk. She sat up as straight and tall as she could at five foot four. Chaz slid his chair closer.

With a trembling hand, Meg picked up her list of questions then cleared her throat. When her gaze met his, she noticed an amused air, as if he was stifling a chuckle. Andy interrupted them to bring in the coffee and water. Chaz closed long fingers around his coffee cup and leaned back. Her eyes narrowed slightly. She put the paper down on her desk. “Look, I know you’re famous. My brother is famous…”

“Mark Davis. Star quarterback for the Delaware Demons, right?”

“He’s my twin.”

“You don’t look at all alike. Can you toss a football?” A smile curled his lips.

“Like I haven’t heard that one before. I don’t give a damn you’re famous, okay. Can we get that straight? I’m not impressed, not going to grovel at your feet. You’re simply a potential client whose money I may be managing. No more and no less. I’m not going to swoon and ask for an autograph or throw myself at you. Of course, I’ll do my best to take care of your money as if it was my own, but that’s as far as it goes.”

“Way to use your charm on me to win my business.” Chaz leaned forward.

“I don’t need charm; I have brains.” A smug smile crossed Meg’s lips.

“Whoa! Oh, yes…Harvard M.B.A., right? Harvey told me.” Chaz sat back in his chair again.

“Right.” Meg leaned back, too, folding her arms across her chest.

“Yale School of Drama here. So don’t condescend to me. I’m not a ‘dumb’ actor in love with himself. And you’re dressed pretty hot for a financial advisor with only dollars and cents on

her mind. Not that I’m objecting. I love eye candy…great rack, too…” He grinned at her then pulled out his cell phone.

“Eye candy? Rack? Did you say rack? Why the nerve! Is that your cell phone? Turn it off…” She rose up out of her seat.

“My cell phone is my livelihood. I’m not going to miss an audition or an opportunity to read a script because you want my phone off. And rack is a more polite term than some men would use.”

Megan sank down in her chair, speechless, while Chaz returned a text message.

“I think perhaps you should talk to someone else here…” She stood up and moved toward the door, but Chaz’s strong grip on her arm stopped her.

“Sit down,” he said quietly.

Meg returned to her chair

“Now we’ve got that off our chests…I can say chests, can’t I? Let’s move forward. Talk to me about how you plan to invest my money.” He relaxed back into the chair, lacing his fingers behind his head.

“You still want me to handle your money?” Megan perked up.

“You have fire…maybe principles…and probably brains,” he grinned at her. “I like that. Let’s see if you have some good ideas about money management, too.” He dialed his smile down to a mere five hundred watts; his demeanor reeked of sincerity.

Megan took a big swig from her water bottle before she picked up the papers on her desk. “I’ve prepared some questions to help me understand your needs, Mr….ah, Chaz.”

“My needs? You don’t really mean needs, do you?” He chuckled while his gaze raked her body.

“I mean your financial needs…ah, maybe goals is a better word.”

“Ah, goals, yes. Goals works for me.”

“If we can agree on three goals, then I’ll prepare sort of a proposal…” 

“Proposal? You’re going to propose to me? We’ve known each other such a short time!” He lifted his eyebrows in mock shock.

Megan couldn’t help herself. She burst out laughing, covering her mouth with her hand to mute the sound.