Jamie Beck Q&A
Jamie Beck’s WORTH THE RISK. When Jackson St. James decided that six weeks in Vermont’s Green Mountains would help him get his life together, he didn’t anticipate replacing his craving for whiskey with a craving for his alluring new landlord, Gabby. Now, instead of prioritizing his sobriety and the resolution of the lawsuit threatening his business, he’s making excuses to spend time with the spunky young landscaper whose candor is more than a little addictive…
Q & A
I am so glad you could join us here at Romance Junkies. To start, will you please tell us a little bit about your current projects?
Presently, I’m working on the second book of a new series (The Cabot Novels), which are a set of emotionally complex, connected love stories set in the context of a blended-family saga in which secrets, loss, and betrayals force everyone to face their broken dreams and create new beginnings. I’m tackling some heavy subject matter, but am loving this family. My St. James series fans should enjoy these books.
Who gave you the one piece of writing advice that sticks with you to this day?
Be authentic in your work. I interpret this to mean two things: write what matters to you, and be very frank (don’t shy away from the ugly stuff). I think readers can tell when a writer has only skimmed the surface of a theme, or is writing only what they think readers want to read. The books that readers won’t forget, however, are the ones that challenge their thinking and dig to that deeper emotional level.
Describe the “perfect” hero. What about the “perfect” hero for you?
I honestly love a broken hero. A guy with serious, real flaws (not the fake kind like “he’s too protective”). I don’t even need him to have a great reason for starting off being a bit of a jerk as long as his journey to being redeemed is hard-earned and believable. I think I prefer that because, when I make a terrible mistake or do something I’m not proud of, I like to believe that there can be forgiveness and redemption in my future, too!
What are some of your favorite pastimes? Do you have any hobbies or collections?
I love to cook (when I have time), and I love music (although my piano and guitar skills are so rusty now, it’s rather sad). I enjoy hiking and skiing, and reading, of course. And I love to watch a good drama (TV or movie)…especially if it makes me cry.
What has been your biggest adventure to date?
The answer depends on what one views as an adventure (for example, being a mother of teens is quite an adventure). But I’ll interpret this more literally and say that the 28-day Outward Bound program I did in 1988 woods in the Smoky Mountains between Tennessee and North Carolina was probably my biggest adventure. Hiking, rock climbing, caving, rafting, and spending two days alone in the with skunks, bugs, and no tent. Yeah, quite an adventure, and an excellent self-exploration opportunity as well. I highly recommend this for people in their late teens and twenties.
What is your idea of the ideal romantic evening?
I’m not a classic romantic, which is sort of funny given my career. To me, a perfect date night would involve a great meal (Italian food), a thought-provoking live show or lecture, and then a great conversation about the same. I get very turned on by a good debate or discussion, so that’s the time to light a candle, put on some cool music, and see where the wee hours lead.
How do you describe yourself? How would your family and friends describe you?
I’ve always been a rather serious-minded rule-follower. Most people would likely also describe me as helpful, loyal, generous, forgiving, and pragmatic. I know none of that sounds very fun, but I swear, I can be fun, too!
What is your favorite season? What do you love about it?
I love autumn, primarily because I enjoy dry, crisp weather. It’s also my birthday season, so perhaps I’m biased. And in New England, the red, orange, and gold leaves are simply gorgeous.
Thanks again for blogging with us!
Lightning Round
Tea or coffee: Tea (Earl Grey)
Vanilla or chocolate: Chocolate (as if there is even a question)
Early bird or night owl: Both. I need very little sleep.
Boxers or briefs (readers want to know!): Boxers (but I like the boxer-briefs best)
Favorite holiday: Toss-up between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Favorite season: Autumn
Cat or dog: Dog (tiny ones, not big ones)
Favorite color: Yellow
Worth the Risk
When Jackson St. James decided that six weeks in Vermont’s Green Mountains would help him get his life together, he didn’t anticipate replacing his craving for whiskey with a craving for his alluring new landlord, Gabby. Now, instead of prioritizing his sobriety and the resolution of the lawsuit threatening his business, he’s making excuses to spend time with the spunky young landscaper whose candor is more than a little addictive.
Gabby Decouteau refuses to let her pill-popping mother and unreliable baby daddy turn her into a cynic, so she doesn’t fight her attraction to her enigmatic new tenant. Although Jackson’s smile rarely reaches his eyes, his generosity and dependability make her willing to overlook his demons. But once she convinces him to give in to temptation, Gabby’s jealous ex threatens to disrupt the life she has built for herself and her son.
With so much at stake, Gabby and Jackson must decide if love is worth the risk.
