Monthly Archives: January 2014

Open water swimming, panic attacks and the connection to writing your novel

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A couple of weeks ago I started swimming training again and yesterday I did my first open water swim since I was 16. It was a fun swim- 500m- and well within my capabilities as I’ve been swimming a kilometer or so most days in training. But you, know, I thought I would start off slow and thank goodness I did. I got into the muddy water, my face went under and boom! panic attack! My throat closed, my chest closed and every cell in my body said that this was a very bad idea. Bad, bad, terrible idea.

I’m not sure why I panicked; it could’ve been claustrophobia from the muddy water, it could’ve been the people…all I knew was that I couldn’t do this. I could not swim with my head above the water (which is seriously energy sapping) and yet I couldn’t give up…dilemma. Eventually I got my breathing under control, managed to get my face into the water and I focused on reaching the first buoy and by then I was in a rhythm and feeling strong. By the time I hit the second buoy I felt like I could carry on for a long while yet.

So (and this is especially for the people entering the Mills and Boon Tempted To Write competition) what’s the connection to writing? Well, I guess it’s writing past those first panicky chapters, resisting the urge to go back and start afresh, it’s about not giving up. It’s about reaching the end despite an ugly start…

Writing takes determination, you need to push through, you need to put your head down and just get the damn thing done. You need to swim/write your way through the mud and the waves and the person kicking you in your side. And then you have to have the guts to go back and do it all again on the second and the third drafts, getting better all the time.

The great thing about writing though, unlike finishing an open water swim, is that nobody takes a revolting photo of you exiting the water, hair plastered against your face, adjusting the top of your swimming costume. Eeep! *hides face in hands*

Best,

Joss

xxx

Book List and Buying Links

US  & CANADA Harlequin Kiss EBOOKS
UK Modern Tempted PAPERBACK;EBOOK
AUSTRALIA Mills and Boon Sexy PAPERBACK;EBOOK

Taking the Boss to Bed

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One kiss from the boss is all it takes! 

When producer Ryan Jackson kisses a beautiful stranger to save her from a lecherous investor, he doesn’t know she’s his newest employee…or that she’s also his best friend’s little sister all grown up. Now the only way to save his business deal is a scorching, hands-on, make-believe affair with the one woman who is absolutely off-limits. So why is he thinking more about seducing Jaci Brookes-Lyon than toeing the corporate line? When sexual ruse becomes reality, can faking it save his business and lead to love?

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Amazon UK

Claimed By the Warrior

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Bad boy Jed Hamilton is ex-special Forces and a current undercover recovery agent who’s mentally and physically tough, a lone wolf and, above all, violently allergic to commitment, permanence, and anything wedding related.

So when he learns, in the very sexy McKenna Dixon’s bridal salon, that his younger sister is getting married and wants him to be her “man of honor”, Jed wishes he was anywhere but in Cape Town. Especially now that he’ll be spending more time around the one woman who makes him consider perilous phrases like “what if” and “maybe”…

McKenna Dixon loves bad boys, but her past experience with the species has led to nothing but pain and heartbreak. Jed Hamilton is exactly the type of man she should avoid, but when a nasty incident threatens her and her daughter, Jed immediately appoints himself as their protector, even though it’s not a part of his job description.

McKenna is determined not to allow another bad boy to flip her life inside out, and Jed is determined to retain his bachelor status and to keep travelling and working. But, as they both discover, love does its best work when busy making other plans…

Amazon

Amazon UK

One Night Two Consequences

14

Billionaire’s baby surprise!

Beautiful free-spirited Remy Draycott doesn’t believe in happy-ever-afters. A former child prodigy, she’s finally shaken free of the world’s expectations and is determined to live for the moment―including one scorching, unforgettable night with handsome stranger Bo Tessier!

Billionaire wine magnate Bo never expects to see Remy again―their mind-blowing night together felt like playing with fire, except he wanted to get burned! But six weeks later Remy returns. She’s pregnant―with twins! And this time he can’t let her go so easily…

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Amazon UK

The Honeymoon Arrangement

THA

‘Yes, I will be your fake wife!’

Travel journalist Finn Banning has bagged the honeymoon trip of a lifetime. The trouble is, after his world imploded two weeks ago, he’s now desperately in need of a wife!

Wild-child-turned-party-girl Callie Hollis needs to get out of the country and away from painful family memories – fast. Accepting Finn’s honeymoon arrangement is the perfect escape plan! She might have to pretend to be a loved-up newlywed, but it’s a strictly no-strings agreement. Except one knee-weakening, brain-melting kiss from Finn later Callie’s already struggling to remember what’s fake and what’s real.

And that’s before they’ve even started their ‘honeymoon’…

Amazon

Amazon UK

Her Boss by Day

HBBD

His accountant by day…

After a devastating break-up, Willa Moore-Fisher is determined to prove herself. With an honours degree, she’s certainly got the talent. So when international fitness tycoon Rob Hanson needs a new accountant Willa can’t believe her luck. There’s just one problem: she already knows her new boss… intimately!

His mistress by night!

Brooding bachelor Rob doesn’t do long-term—watching his stepfather destroy his family sealed that fate. Willa might have a head for numbers, but she has a body made for sin. Soon Rob finds himself wondering if he should make his new temp a more permanent fixture in his life!

The SYDNEY’S MOST ELIGIBLE…miniseries

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Amazon UK

The Chatsfield- Proposal in Room 309

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Step behind the hotel room doors of The Chatsfield, London…When Ben treats girlfriend Joely to a luxurious birthday night at The Chatsfield, he has more than celebration in mind… Joely may be anti-marriage, but Ben is determined to show her they are destined for happy-ever-after! With every proposal attempt ending in disaster, Ben’s last hope is the stunning sapphire engagement ring burning a hole in his pocket… But who would have thought that being walked in on by a stranger—whilst naked!—would be so good for a relationship?

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Amazon UK

Christmas With A Billionaire- A Diamond for Christmas

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A DIAMOND FOR CHRISTMAS
Headstrong Riley’s holiday run-in with hot gemstone tycoon James Moreau is unsettling to say the least. But she soon discovers that the only thing better than resisting temptation is finally giving in!

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Amazon UK

Your Bed or Mine

Your Bed or Mine?

 

 

 

 

 

Breaking her man-ban!

Tori Phillips has spent years looking for The One. Unfortunately she’s never been able to find the right one – and when she catches her latest Mr Wrong in flagrante with another woman she imposes a man-ban.

But Tori suddenly finds herself regretting her promise when a slight misjudgement finds her in the wrong bed with her new roommate, irresistibly sexy Matt. Matt knows from experience how much trouble love can cause, so he’s steering clear of forever. But one night with sex-bomb Tori can’t hurt. After all, it’s only a fling – the hardest decision they have to make is her bed or his. Right… ?

The Flat in Notting Hill: Love and lust in the city that never sleeps!

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Amazon UK

More Than A Fling

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“I will consider doing the campaign—seriously consider it—if you sleep with me.”

When Ross Bennett has the not-so-enjoyable pleasure of hearing those words come out of his mouth, he realises he must have left his pants in charge. Because the woman sitting opposite him may be seriously gorgeous, but this is serious business—not some sleazy backroom deal! Until Ally floors him by agreeing to his terms….

Ally Jones may find Ross utterly irresistible, but that can wait: she has a thing or two to teach him first! Her first lesson? Everything comes to those who wait….

 Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Amazon UK

 

US  & CANADA Harlequin Kiss EBOOKS
UK Modern Tempted PAPERBACK;EBOOK
AUSTRALIA Mills and Boon Sexy PAPERBACK;EBOOK

9780373178964_LP

Flirting with The Forbidden

April 2014

He can look…but he’s not supposed to touch! 

Bodyguard Noah Fraser hasn’t seen diamond heiress Morgan Moreau for eight years—but the image of her naked body has been imprinted on his mind ever since! The sexy socialite was totally off-limits and it took every ounce of Noah’s iron control to walk away….

Now he’s been hired to protect her again, so picking up where they left off definitely isn’t an option. But Noah’s body doesn’t seem to have got the memo—keeping his hands off Morgan is a 24/7 battle! And how can he resist the forbidden when giving in is so irresistibly tempting…?

Buy:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Amazon UK

 

US & CANADA Harlequin Kiss EBOOKS
UK M&B Modern Tempted PAPERBACK &EBOOK
AUSTRALIA M&B Sexy PAPERBACK &EBOOK

9780373207497

The Last Man She Should Call
February 2014

She’d got his number…

For savvy antiques dealer Rowan Dunn life is good-until a passport error gets her deported back to South Africa! Stranded at the airport, Rowan can only remember two phone numbers: her parents’ (definitely not an option!) and her best friend’s brother. As much as she hates it, Rowan knows she has no choice. It’s time to call Seb Hollis and ask for help…

Seb is even sexier than Rowan remembers-and just as infuriating! He’s always pushed her buttons, but at least now she knows how to push them back. Maybe it’s time to start sleeping with the enemy-even though Rowan’s sure there won’t be a whole lot of sleeping going on…!

Buy:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Amazon UK

9780373207428

Too Much of a Good Thing
December 2013

Be careful what you wish for!

It’s time for Lu Sheppard to get back in the game-fact. After ten years of playing mom to her younger brothers the boys have left home and she’s determined to make up for lost time! Item number one on her list? A man to have some fun with!

Rugby coach Will Scott is just what Lu needs to ease herself back into the dating game. Only in town temporarily, king of the fling…he’s perfect. But his kisses are so electric that remembering they have an expiry date is getting harder. Suddenly Lu starts wondering…maybe it is possible to have too much of a good thing!

Buy:

Amazon

Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

9780373207299

If You Can’t Stand the Heat
September 2013

Resisting temptation has never been so impossible…

Living on the edge used to make maverick war reporter Jack Chapman feel alive. These days he needs some time out before he burns out. So what better distraction than delectable pastry chef Ellie Evans? She’s oh-so-tempting…and sleeping right next door! Perfect for a short-term seduction!
Ellie knows it would be beyond stupid to fall for a guy with ice in his veins who’s always on the move. But daredevil Jack is even more irresistible than her death-by-chocolate cake—and saying no has never been Ellie’s strong point…!

Buy:

Amazon

Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

IWOAK web

It Was Only A Kiss
May 2013

The most distracting boss of all…

For driven businessman Luke Savage success is the only option. So when gorgeous marketing intern Jess Sherwood waltzes into his office and casually informs him that his newly inherited vineyard has an image problem he’s outraged! She’s naive, overly ambitious, a know-it-all… And all Luke can do to stop her talking is kiss her senseless.

Eight years later the vineyard needs a boost—and Luke needs a hip new marketing strategy to save it. Jess may drive him crazy but she’s the right woman for the job. Their only problem is how to keep their minds on work and off that kiss!

Buy:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Wild About The Man Modern Tempted

Wild About the Man
January 2013

He’s rude, arrogant…and infuriatingly delicious!

Nick Sherwood has no time for poor little rich girls. All he wants is to run his luxury game reserve in peace. So socialite Clementine Campbell—a tempestuous redhead with flashes of vulnerability he knows shouldn’t intrigue him—is his guest from hell!
For Clem, getting dumped on live TV was bad enough. Now she’s having to kick her stiletto heels on safari whilst her PR team run damage control. She doesn’t care how gorgeous the enigmatic Nick is—she wants out! Until he gets under her skin…and dangerously close to her battered heart.
Then only one question remains: what will it take to get Nick to lose his cool and finally kiss her properly?

BUY:

Amazon

Amazon UK

SSOH

She’s So Over Him
September 2012

What not to do with your ex…

Maddie Shaw has spent the last ten years not thinking about her fast-and-furious fling with Cale Grant. His dark blue eyes, his hot chocolate voice, his magic touch… No, she doesn’t remember anything like that. Only the numbing devastation when he let her down and she walked away.
Now Cale’s sauntered back into Maddie’s life – drinking in the same bars, working on the same projects, and setting off the same fireworks inside her. It’s Maddie’s chance to prove just how over her ex she really is…but one steamy kiss later she’s fallen at the first hurdle…!

BUY:

AMAZON

It Was Only A Kiss

RT REVIEWS AND TOP PICK!

RT FINALIST FOR BEST HARLEQUIN KISS!

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It Was Only A Kiss by Joss Wood

For driven businessman Luke Savage success is the only option. So when gorgeous marketing intern Jess Sherwood waltzes into his office and casually informs him that his newly inherited vineyard has an image problem, he’s outraged! She’s naïve and overly ambitious, all Luke can do to stop her talking…is to kiss her.

Eight years later the vineyard needs a boost – and Luke needs a hip new marketing strategy to save it. Jess may drive him crazy but she’s the right woman for the job. Their only problem is how to keep their minds on work and off that kiss!

Modern Tempted Writing Competition!

Do you want to write contemporary romance for Mills and Boon? Do you want a chance to be published?

I’m going to be a judge for the upcoming Mills and Boon writing competition which is mega-exciting! And it’s an excuse to read….yay!

The competition is starting on the 20th January on the Mills and Boon FaceBook page https://www.facebook.com/millsandboon

TemptedToWrite

TemptedToWrite2

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Head on over there….now!!!!!

Joss

xxx

The Last Guy She Should Call

9780373207497

Hi everyone

This is my Harlequin Kiss/Modern Tempted release for February 2014.

She’d got his number…

For savvy antiques dealer Rowan Dunn life is good-until a passport error gets
her deported back to South Africa! Stranded at the airport, Rowan can
only remember two phone numbers: her parents’ (definitely not an option!)
and her best friend’s brother.
As much as she hates it, Rowan knows she has no choice. It’s time to call
Seb Hollis and ask for help… Seb is even sexier than Rowan remembers-and just as infuriating!
He’s always pushed her buttons, but at least now she knows how to push them back.
Maybe it’s time to start sleeping with the enemy-even though Rowan’s sure there won’t
be a whole lot of sleeping going on…!

Hugs

Joss

xxx