JoAnn Durgin – Fictional Romantic Interview – Part 2 of 2

Contemporary romance author, JoAnn Durgin shares insight into her fictional characters’ romance from her latest release, Daydreams. Comment on any post dated Dec 10 – 14 to get your name in the drawing. Deadline: Dec 22nd, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s JoAnn:

Character: Amelia (“Amy”) Madelyn Jacobsen from Daydreams*
*Because there’s a twist in this book, I’m only referring to the hero as “he” or “my hero” for now.

•  What’s the most romantic thing your hero ever did for your heroine?

He came to my rescue. Well, not really to my physical rescue, but he appeared unexpectedly when I didn’t have a clue he’d come. Just when I needed him, and he even brought reinforcements. You’ll have to read my story in Daydreams to find out what I mean, but it was so precious for my heart. He drives this restored vintage red and white Chevy truck named Matilda. When I saw Matilda coming toward me through the fog on that cold December morning in Texas, I think that’s when I knew for sure I loved him (although I had my suspicions earlier). It was also one of those instances where the Lord stepped in and answered my prayer in the unbelievable way only He can.

• Where is the most romantic place your hero and heroine have ever been?

In Austin, Texas, in early December, he took me to a Winter Festival of Lights. It was absolutely gorgeous and whimsical, and the night was beyond romantic. Bittersweet, too, though, since he was taking me to Houston the next day and we were going to say goodbye for an indefinite time. When he draped his jacket around me and pulled me in his arms, I knew I belonged with this man. Before that, we’d danced together at the wedding reception of my friends, Rebekah and Kevin. That dance was incredible, and I kissed him for the first time there, but I couldn’t be sure if it was just feelings stirred up because of the romance of the night. Weddings will do that, you know. Of course, the very next morning after the wedding, it was back to reality in a very dramatic way. And the beginning of an adventure I’ll never forget!

• What’s the most romantic present your hero ever bought your heroine?

When we were in Texas, I ended up giving away my winter jacket to a teenage girl who needed it. Actually, it fit her better than me and looked great on her, but it was also one of those instances where the Lord planted me right where He needed me to be to fulfill a need. My hero made sure I wore his jacket until he could get me another one. I adore and cherish his chivalrous and gentlemanly qualities. His Texas mama raised him right.

•  What simple gesture does your hero do that melts your heroine every time?

He gives me that cockeyed grin that’s become addictive, and I find it impossible to resist him. I’ll say something and then he’ll say, “You love it.” Then I’ll say, “Didn’t say I didn’t.” We reverse the order of who says what sometimes. Makes it fun and I love how we challenge each other. We’re both in the publishing industry, so we’re all about the words. One thing he does is talk “Texan” with me. It’s sweet talk, flirty “love” talk—goofy and silly—and it thrills my heart every time. When he first mentioned it, I had no clue what he was talking about, but now we talk “Texan” all the time. Needless to say, he’s a very creative man. I imagine it’ll get really interesting once we’re married.

• What simple gesture does your heroine do that melts your hero every time?

He loves to tease me, and he loves it when I get a bit flustered and ramble. Not that I haven’t ever heard him ramble (although he’d never admit it). Strange as it seems, he also likes when I scrunch my nose.

•  How soon after meeting the hero did the heroine know he was the one?

He claims he knew right away that he loved me even though he wasn’t looking for a permanent relationship. I’ll admit I was a bit wary of his motives in the beginning. He was almost too smooth, sophisticated and also very flirtatious. I’d never met a man like him before, but I’d just told my brother Mitch I needed someone to challenge me. Not to mention there was a magazine article naming this man as one of New York’s most eligible bachelors. The women at my magazine always talked about his blue eyes, how handsome he was. And I’d seen the photos of him in the Times almost every week with some beautiful woman nearby. But on our first date together, I could see what a great guy he was—giving, caring and kind. I mean, I was tempted to kiss the man on the first date, and that had never happened before!

• Who said, “I love you” first, your hero or your heroine?

He told me first, but in a very roundabout way. To be honest, at the time, I wasn’t sure whether to be flattered or insulted. Let’s just say it was in a very heated moment—a time of revelation and confrontation—and I was very confused, to say the least. Then a few weeks later, he started to say it again and I stopped him because I wasn’t ready. When we finally both got around to saying it, I think he was still the first one to actually say the words. That’s okay. I’m just so thankful he said the words. I love him with everything in me and can’t wait to be his bride. He says we’ll be married and doing the New York Times crossword puzzle together within six months. We’ll see, but I have a feeling he’s right on this one (just don’t tell him). We might run off and elope like “Papa Bear” Sam Lewis and Lexa or just have a small, private wedding. I don’t care as long as I end up in this man’s arms for the rest of our lives. The Lord is so good, and we’re blessed beyond words. Lexa and Winnie (even Sam) knew the “right” man of God’s choosing for me was out there somewhere, and once again, I’m thankful I waited on His timing and that my dearest friends in the world were right—again!
About JoAnn: JoAnn Durgin is the author of the popular Lewis Legacy Series, and her Christmas novella, Meet Me under the Mistletoe (where hero Jake shares Jim’s philosophy on kissing a woman for the first time), from Pelican Group Ventures/White Rose Publishing. She and Jim live in her native southern Indiana after living in California, Texas, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, and JoAnn is an estate administration paralegal in a Louisville, Kentucky law firm. She’d love to hear from you via her website (www.joanndurgin.com) or drop her a line on Facebook.  
About the book – Daydreams: Now a junior editor at a trendy New York magazine, and living in a Manhattan walkup inherited from her famous grandfather, Amy’s living the dream. When she meets Manhattan publisher, Landon Warnick–tall, dashing and incredibly handsome–he certainly doesn’t look like any other publisher she’s ever seen. When her Wall Street financier brother, Mitch, wrangles a meeting between the two at dinner one evening, Landon wastes little time in asking her to dinner and then takes her on a cozy carriage ride in Central Park. When Amy comes this close
to kissing him, she wonders if she’s lost her mind or if it’s the wonder of the Christmas season or stars in her eyes. Usually wary of smooth men and romantic entanglements, she leaves a week later to be a bridesmaid in a TeamWork wedding (finally a wedding;  my readers have been asking for one, so here it is!). Headed down the aisle in the wedding, Amy’s steps falter and she nearly faints when a late-arriving groomsman steps into place at the front. What’s Landon Warnick doing in her world, with her friends? And why does he suddenly have a crescent-shaped scar on his forehead and a Texas drawl? Sharing a romantic dance at the wedding reception, Amy tosses aside her better judgment and kisses him. Has she completely lost her senses or is the Lord showing Amy the “right” man for her heart? Let the adventure begin!
If you liked the witty bantering between Sam and Lexa in Awakening, you’ll love these two. I had so much fun with this one and I think you’ll find it’s full of fun, passion, drama, emotion and friendship, as in all my books.
Come back Dec. 14th for Marian Merritt!