Blurb:
Caleb Myers watched as his sister and brother-in-law, Joshua, drove away from Clearwater for a much needed vacation, leaving him to housesit, and take care of the family business. The idea of a long weekend of peace and quiet at their country cabin turned out to be a short-lived dream when a phone call from his employee at Winter Lilly’s Outfitters brings news of an unwanted visitor. Riley Campbell wants nothing more out of life than to impress the pig-headed bosses who like to use her as client eye candy at her Houston law firm, and put her career on the fast track for partner. Nothing made her happier than legal battles and paper pushing, but when she is sent miles from her normal city life, and thrown into the country setting of Clearwater, Wyoming, she fears she may have met her match. With an offer in hand to buy Winter Lilly’s Outfitters, Riley tries to convince Caleb to take the deal, but his good ole boy ways, country charms, and fierce loyalty leaves her wanting more than just his name on the dotted line. Can two people from opposite worlds come together under such an Unwanted Proposal?
Top ten things you don’t know about me:
1. Cotton or Silk?
Depends on the situation, for everyday comfort I am all about some cotton yoga pants but on those summer nights when things get hot I will take silk any day.
2. Champagne/beer/wine?
None of the above, I am tequila girl all the way!
3. Plotter/pantser
Definite pantser. I sit and write whatever pops into my head. I have had instances where I’m in the most inopportune place and a story will just demand to be written.
4. Describe your workspace
My husband and my two beautiful daughters actually just set me up a new desk for Mothers day. It is a beautiful cherry desk with a new Mac. The walls surrounding it are decorated by hand painted art from my 7 year old. I have a special monkey that keeps an eye on me to be sure that I stay on track, a piece of mica and amethyst for good luck from my daughter and a stiletto tape dispenser. My kids are outdoor junkies so they placed it next to the glass doors overlooking our side yard and their swings set so that I can keep an eye on them while I stay inside and play with my imaginary friends.
5. Sports fan or just tolerate it?
I can get into some football and I love the Olympics but other sports have never entertained me.
6. Who is your biggest influence on writing?
Hmm that’s a tough question because there are so many. Kim Harrison was
a big influence in why I started writing. I met her at a signing a few years before I was published and she gave me some great advice, she said if you want to write then write. I started my first novel shortly after, of course its rough and has never been seen by anyone other than me but maybe one day I will polish it up and let the world see it.
7. Favorite food –
Sushi of any kind! I am lucky that I live close to this tiny sushi restaurant that has the freshest tuna and squid salad. Yum
8. When did you start writing?
I first started writing as a kid around age 12 with my best friend. We would fill page after page of notebooks with short stories. But it wasn’t until 2010 that I sat down to write my first full-length novel.
9. If money were no object, where would you like to live?
I would split my time between Hawaii and Alaska. I know they are total opposites but the landscapes just call to me. Although I must confess the mountains of West Virginia are hard to beat in beauty and outdoor activities.
10. What’s next for you?
I just finished my first paranormal novella Ravens Legacy and hope to have it released sometime next year. It’s a stretch from what I am used to writing and I hope that everyone will be as excited as I am about it. I am also working on a very secret project that includes a shy, sweet girl and a sex on a stick hottie that shows up to turn her world upside down!
Thank you for having me today; these questions were a lot of fun!
Review:
This is my first Clearwater novel and it won’t be my last. I loved this town and the setting. Plus, I’m a complete sucker for two complete opposites to find true love. This book has it in spades.
Riley was just the little spitfire to light up Caleb’s life. While Caleb’s life was good in some respects, I got the feeling that he really didn’t know what he was missing until Riley came into his life. Riley is a Houston lawyer that is out to prove to her bosses that she is more than “arm candy” for the firm. Realizing that this is her last shot, she gives it her all.
Not expected to run up against a good ole boy with morals, integrity and more charms than Lucky, she has her work cut out for her. I loved the scenes by the lake. She finally gets a taste of what SHE is missing from her life, too. I love that there was give and take in what each other was missing.
I really enjoyed the dialogue and inner most thoughts of the characters. They talked to each and didn’t assume things about the other. When things got hot and heavy, I was left with my jaw on the ground. I didn’t expect that and I stand up and applaud Ms. Johnson for that one aspect in the book. I’ve never read that from a certain character and it was refreshing. Yes, I’m being cryptic because if I said “who” it would totally spoil it for you. 😉
I loved this story so much that I’m begging to read Caleb’s sister’s story now. I liked how protective she was of her brother and the business that is her namesake. Plus, again, I fell in love with this town and the people.
The ending was unexpected, too. These two needed a big ole slap upside their heads and they got it. Loved it. Give the town of Clearwater a try. You won’t be disappointed at all.
About J.N Johnson:
Living in her hometown of Charleston, West Virginia, JN Johnson is the proud mother of two beautiful little girls and is married to her high school sweetheart (and greatest supporter ) whom she considers the rock that keeps her grounded.
She was first introduced to the world of fantasy when she was seven years old reading The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe making her never want to read about “the real world” again. Her mother and grandmother’s love of romance novels gave her the opportunity to learn about book trading, taking all of their old books to the local flea market to trade for anything that sparked her interest. Those days are long gone; her books now stay safely on her book shelves at home and out of harm’s way
He was so much fun to write. I must admit I was shocked at that one point too. I never expected the twist and when it showed up on my screen, even though I was typing it, my mouth hit the floor too 🙂 they were happy tears 🙂
That one scene is one of the hottest, sweetest and jaw dropping that I have read in a very long time. Never saw it coming but again, that’s what makes for great writing 🙂
Harlie
No tears! I loved this story. Caleb is the bomb!
Harlie
Thank you for the awesome review and having me here today! You had me in tears!