Meet Lieutenant Howard “Six-Pack” Paxton—
one of the handsome, hard-bodied firefighters of Station Five.
Four-alarm fires have nothing on him…
Howard may love being a firefighter and riding his Harley, but there’s nothing he values more than his bachelorhood. That is, until a feisty, curvaceous teacher named Kat McKenna falls into his arms at the scene of a fire—and melts the six-foot-six tower of bronze muscle…
But just as passion ignites between them—and they explore new heights of sexual ecstasy—a ruthless arsonist with a deadly secret and a thirst for vengeance becomes their worst nightmare… (from jodavis.net)
RNTV: Hi Jo! Welcome to RNTV and congratulations on your debut novel Trial by Fire. I just finished reading it and Woo Hoo, is all I’ve got to say. Five fabulous, hard bodied, courageous, scintillating fireman and one spirited, gusty, and tough firewoman – what a way to start a series – The Firefighters of Station Five. Your first book in the series introduces us to Howard “Six-Pack” Paxton and Kat McKenna. ‘Meeting’ Howard on the first pages of the book took my breath away. I know it’s a mundane question, but I’m very curious – who/what was your inspiration for your fire fighters?
Jo: Thank you, Marisa! It’s thrilling to know my Station Five heroes are receiving such an enthusiastic response from readers. I believe that’s because they represent the All-American man. These are family men from all walks of life, men who will lay their lives on the line for citizens without a second thought, guys who are as close as brothers and work as a team. All of these qualities held huge appeal to me as an author looking for a fresh, big, hero-driven series to write, and these are what inspired me.
RNTV: This is the first book in the series and we were introduced to all the fire fighters and got a glimpse into their hopes, dreams, demons and fears. Did you know from the very beginning where you were going to go with this series? Do you have all the books planned out?
Jo: I knew from the start where I wanted this series to begin and end—starting with Howard “Six-Pack” Paxton and ending with our sad, tragic Captain Sean Tanner. These guys literally strolled into my office and introduced themselves, and I was blown away. Immediately, I began typing and wrote the outline for the entire series, complete with character sketches and plot blurbs, in one day. The next two books in the series (UNDER FIRE and HIDDEN FIRE) are set to go. The last two books are planned as far as the basic plot and character arc. Right now, the end of the series is Sean Tanner’s story, and promises to be explosive on every level.
RNTV: I personally love fire fighters, IMO they are true heroes. I’ve actually had them visit my house due to leaving eggs on the stove too long and causing major alarms to go off. They couldn’t have been nicer when they rushed up to my home only to find 2 very burnt eggs, lots of smoke and no fire. So I’m wondering did you get to do hands on research for this series, talk to any fire fighters, visit any fire stations?
Jo: Ooh, yes—it’s a tough job to do “hands on” research with firefighters, but stand back ladies, somebody has to do it! Writing the outline of the plot blurbs and characters was easy, but when it came to the nitty gritty of what their day is like, the trucks and equipment, the unbelievable variety of situations they must handle and how…well, I couldn’t even begin chapter 1 of TRIAL until I’d visited several fire stations and interviewed the firefighters. There’s simply no shortcut for research when you’re writing about a totally new subject. They were great, answering scores of questions and touring me around, dressing me in the heavy coat, mask, and air tank! I have one station and captain in particular who helps me with accuracy in my scenes, and even enacted a firefighting scene from TRIAL with me—which I promptly had to revise! I have nothing but the highest respect for these real-life heroes.
RNTV: You have a Masters in Education and spent 16 years teaching – now you’re a published author. How long did it take for you to get here and what was the process like?
Jo: I’ve been writing for 7 years and it took me almost 6 to sell. I was teaching full-time for the first few years and had to set aside time every evening after a long day, dinner, and my kids’ homework to write. I’d write until around midnight, then get up at 6 a.m. and do it all again. I wrote on weekends like a madwoman. I was totally focused and driven to succeed, and when I’d hear the negative percentages of how many writers never get published, I filed that it the garbage where it belonged. For me, it was a matter of when, not if. I’ve wanted to be a published author my whole life, so badly I could taste it. That’s what it takes to succeed, and if my students took away nothing else from my lessons, I hope they learned to never, never, let anyone or anything stand in the way of your dreams.
RNTV: If someone were to write a romance novel of your life – what sub-genre of romance would it be? And what character would you play?
Jo: Let’s see, I’m a woman of modern conveniences, so historical is out! LOL. I do love a hot cowboy, though, so I’d have to go with a contemporary set on a ranch. I’m the feisty, gorgeous (ehem) owner and he’s the younger-than-me-by-ten-years stud! Of course, his poor little heart has been broken, and I’m right there to mend it. Let Jo make it all better, cowboy.
RNTV: Can you give us a hint on what you’re working on now and what book in the series to expect next?
Jo: UNDER FIRE is the next book in the Firefighters series and is Zack Knight’s story, to be released in May 2009. After that, I have an erotic thriller being released in August 2009 from NAL Heat titled WHEN ALEX WAS BAD. Stay tuned in the next few weeks for a big announcement regarding ALEX…and that’s all I can really say for now! Naughty of me, huh?
RNTV: Thanks so much for answering all my questions and for spending the day with us. Now I’ll turn it over to our readers so they can ask you some questions.
Jo:You’re very welcome and thanks for inviting me!
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Fedora
on Aug 6th, 2008
@ 9:09 pm:
Hi, Jo! I managed to tear my eyes away from that cover long enough to read your interview! Thanks for taking the time to do that
I’m glad that you persevered! It’s always awesome to hear how people stick to chasing their dreams and then actually catch them! 
And just to confirm that I read that correctly–you have a total of five books planned for this series? Or is that five more? Mm… firefighters! And uh, Jo, you tease!! We have to wait to hear about Alex??
Joanie T
on Aug 6th, 2008
@ 9:41 pm:
Hi, Jo!
Congratulations on the release of “Trial by Fire”! A certain Bandita named Suz Welsh pointed me in the right direction and now I cannot wait for DHL to deliver my copy so I can start reading!
cyclops8
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 2:27 am:
Welcome Jo,
Congrats on your debut release. I can’t wait to meet Six-Pack. I’ve heard all about your research with the firefighters. I’m sure there are photos floating around somewhere.
Ann M.
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 4:43 am:
Oh.. congrats on your debut release. Your series sounds interesting and I’m going to add them to my wishlist at Amazon. Who are some of your autoreads?
Buffie
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 4:47 am:
Hey Jo *waving madly* It is SO wonderful to have you with us today!!! I think you already know how excited I am about your series. I can’t wait to dive in and get all caught up in the guys (and lady) from Station 5.
Will Six Pack and Zack be making an appearance here today? You know I love a guy with a commanding presence, like Howard!! And I can just see Zack smiling shyly with his glasses. I hope I can make him blush today
Smooches to guys!
Ooohh, a big announcement about Alex!!!!!!!!!!! Can’t wait, girl!
For those of you who have not had the chance to check out Jo’s website, you absolutely MUST do it! You may have to visit it a few times before you read anything because Jo has it decorated very nicely with lovely pictures of hunky firefighters!
AndreaW
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 6:04 am:
Howdy and welcome, Jo!
Congrats on your debut release!!
Wow, I must say that that is one gorgeous cover! Your series sounds amazing and I must check it out. Question: Did you do/plan anything special to celebrate your debut release?
Jo Davis
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 6:09 am:
Hello, everyone! Looks like the party is started! Pardon me while I wake up–it’s 7 a.m. here in Texas, and I just got my coffee.
Yes, there’s a total of five books planned in the series, the first three are scheduled. More hot firefighters to look forward to for a while!
Jo Davis
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 6:10 am:
Hi Joanie! Love those Banditas! Thanks so much, I hope you enjoy Six-Pack’s story!
Jo Davis
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 6:13 am:
Hi Cyclops! There are some great photos on the Firefighters page of my website…drool-worthy!
Natalie
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 6:15 am:
hi Jo, so glad you’re here today. I just got my copy of Trial by Fire and I know what I’m going to be doing this weekend. Looking forward to meeting all the men and women of Station Five. I love that you never gave up on your dream no matter what, you’re an inspiration.
When you were teaching did you look forward to summer vacations so you could spend the time writing? Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?
Jo Davis
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 6:15 am:
Thank you, Ann! Some of my auto-reads are Suzanne Brockmann, Sherrilyn Kenyon, JR Ward, and John Sandford. A mix of pararnormal, romantic suspense, and thriller for me. I don’t have much time to read right now, but I ran right out and picked up my copies of Into the Fire and Acheron!!! Can’t wait to dig in when I get ALEX turned in!
Jo Davis
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 6:20 am:
Hi Buffie!!!Thanks so much, girlfriend! I don’t know if the guys will show today, alas. And believe me, I can’t wait until the big news is out, either. Woo-boy. But it won’t be long now, maybe a couple of weeks. Keep your eyes peeled on Publisher’s Marketplace, Publisher’s Weekly, and Romantic Times.
Jo Davis
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 6:23 am:
Hello, Andrea! Actually, yes–my hubby and kids took me to dinner, then we went book scouting for TRIAL! We went to Borders, Barnes and Noble, Wal-Mart, and he took pictures like a proud father! Every place we went had plenty of copies of TRIAL, all face out and I squealed every time I saw them. It was great, and people walking by were smiling. It was a very fun afternoon.
Jo Davis
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 6:25 am:
Hello, Andrea! Actually, yes–my hubby and kids took me to dinner, then we went book scouting for TRIAL! We went to Borders, Barnes and Noble, Wal-Mart, and he took pictures like a proud father! Every place we went had plenty of copies of TRIAL, all face out and I squealed every time I saw them. It was great, and people walking by were smiling.
Jo Davis
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 6:26 am:
Whoops, sorry for the double post! It got “hung up” and wouldn’t go, so I hit submit again. Duh!
Jo Davis
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 6:32 am:
Thanks Natalie, it’s great to be here! Thank you for picking up TRIAL, too! I hope you enjoy spending an evening or 3 with Six-Pack.
Yes, I’ve always known I wanted to be a writer someday. In the 3rd grade, I made illustrated story books and charged classmates .25 cents each to buy them! No joke. I had Coke money for the vending machine every day after school! I was rich! That desire to tell stories never went away, it was just put on hold for a while.
Buffie
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 6:33 am:
Oh Jo, I think that is so great that your hubby and kids went with you looking for your book AND that he took pictures!!! That is just too darn sweet!
Jo Davis
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 6:51 am:
Yes, he was–is–a terrific man! He was more puffed up about seeing my books out there than I was, which is saying something!
Gannon
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 6:57 am:
Hi Jo! I so enjoyed your visit over at the Bandits, so I’m tickled that you’ll be hanging out here with us today! I’m so excited to read your book. I do hope the guys from Station 5 will pop in today! Mmmmm mmmm, they are HOT!
What a sweetheart of a hubby to take pictures of your book. I love that!
Alisha Paige
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 6:58 am:
Hi Jo! Congrat on the release of Trial by Fire! I look forward to picking up a copy myself! Don’t you have a book signing on Saturday at Firewheel? Who doesn’t love a fireman…especially like Six Pack. What a stunning cover!
Have a fabulous day!
SallyR.
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 7:04 am:
Good morning Jo, Glad to see you here. Made me LOL , third grader selling illustrated books for coke money, too good. Congratulations on your debut book, I’m expecting my copy from Amazon any day now. Can’t wait.
What are your favorite things to do when you’re not writing? any hobbies?
Jo Davis
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 7:14 am:
HI Gannon! Hmm, I don’t know where those boys are today…
Thanks, I always enjoy visiting with the Banditas!
Jo Davis
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 7:17 am:
HI Alisha! Thanks for coming by! Yes, I do have a signing at the Barnes and Noble in Firewheel Town Center in Garland, Texas this Saturday from 2-4. Those of you in the area, please come by and say hello!
I LOOOVE my cover…
Jo Davis
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 7:29 am:
Good morning, Sally! Yes, even as a kid I always had my head in the clouds.
Thanks for ordering a copy of TRIAL! I hope you enjoy Howard’s story. Hmm, hobbies…on constant deadline it’s hard to recall what those are! Always, I buy books. With some women, it’s clothes or shoes. With me, scads of books. My hubby considers himself a fortunate man!
I’m also an artist, which not many people know. I sketch and oil paint–something I don’t have enough time for anymore, sadly.
ArkansasCyndi
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 8:43 am:
Fedora – you mean there’s an interview? I couldn’t get past the picture! If ever a cover made me want to read a book, this is IT! YUMMY. Sigh. Ok, I’m going back to see if there are words to go with this cover….
I’m back. There’s an interview! LOL Terrific interview and congrats on the book (and the series). Seriously, I cannot wait to get my hands on this.
Cyndi (from DARA)
Jo Davis
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 8:52 am:
Hi Cyndi!! Thanks for stopping by! Oh, yes, that cover…and my cover for UNDER FIRE should arrive any day! Can’t wait to see it.
Thanks for the congrats.
MaryKate
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 9:08 am:
*MK rushes in*
Did somebody say fire fighters???
Hi Jo! Welcome to RNTV and congratulations. I’ve been hearing lots of buzz about this series, and the cover are, if you’ll forgive the pun, incendiary. I love an alpha male, and a hero who is a “real” hero is even better. I can’t wait to get my hands on these books!
PJ
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 9:14 am:
Hi Jo! Congrats on the release of your book! I missed your guest spot with the Bandits. Sure glad I caught you here today!
Y’all think that cover is hot? Go to Jo’s site and check out the trailer. OMG! That thing is smokin’! (pun intended) I’m headed to Walmart today. Hopefully they’ll have Trial by Fire on the shelf.
Tracy Garrett
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 9:27 am:
Good morning, Jo! And hello to all my RNTV buddies!
I agree that firefighters are among the ultimate heroes. They risk their lives for strangers and are kind when they do it. *Sigh* Makes my heart go pitter-pat.
Spending your release day hunting up your book? What a great way to celebrate!
Diana Cosby
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 9:33 am:
Jo,
Trial by Fire sounds fabulous! I agree with you, firefighters are amazing hereos. My sincere best to you on the release of Trial by Fire!
Diana Cosby
http://www.dianacosby.com
Duncan’s story coming in December!
Jo Davis
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 9:37 am:
Hi Mary Kate! Ooh, I love to hear there’s buzz!!
Thanks so much–I enjoy writing the Station Five guys because they’re so “real” and down to earth.
Victoria Dahl
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 9:37 am:
Jo, are you following me around or vice versa? *g*
Great interview!
Jo Davis
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 9:39 am:
Thanks, PJ! I love my trailer, which was created by Jane Graves, author of TALL TALES AND WEDDING VEILS! She did a fabulous job.
I hope you enjoy TBF– I know the Wal Mart stores here in Texas are carrying it, so hopefully you won’t have trouble finding it!
Jo Davis
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 9:40 am:
Thank you Diana! I appreciate that.
Jo Davis
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 9:42 am:
Hey, Tracy!! All, Tracy Garrett, western historical author of TOUCH OF TEXAS and the upcoming TOUCHED BY LOVE is my fabulous critique partner. If you love hot cowboys, check out her releases.
Jo Davis
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 9:43 am:
Hi Victoria! Yep, I’m following you around! Congrats on your new release too.
I’m going to have to check it out when I get my deadlines under control.
Joni Sauer-Folger
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 9:46 am:
Hey Jo…
Congrats on the release and can I just say…Wow! What a cover…where do I get him?!?! Ha! Miss you guys…
PJ
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 9:51 am:
Tracy, TOUCH OF TEXAS was terrific. I’m counting the days until November and TOUCHED BY LOVE. Speaking of love, I LOVE the cover for TOUCHED BY LOVE! You and Jo sure have been blessed with sexy guys for your covers!
Jo Davis
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 9:56 am:
Hi Joni!! We miss you at DARA! Hope all is well with you. Thanks for stopping by!
PJ
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 9:57 am:
Ok, I’m off to Walmart. Keep your fingers crossed that I’ll be returning with a hunky fireman!
Tracy Garrett
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 10:10 am:
Hi PJ! Thanks for the compliments. I’m glad to know you enjoyed TOUCH OF TEXAS. And, yes, the cover gods have been very kind. The cover for TOUCHED BY LOVE makes it easy to market the book.
If you want to see it, visit http://www.tracygarrett.com. It’s on my homepage.
Maria Lokken
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 10:18 am:
Jo – you had me at series. I love series – and I’ve got a lot to look forward to with this one!
I love your story of how you became published. Wow, kudos to you on sticking it out, and filing all the naysayer stuff in the circular bin.
Good luck with your first, which I’m sure is only the beginning of many, many, many more terrific reads we readers have in store from you.
Franny
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 10:46 am:
Jo:
Trial by Fire is an AWESOME read – I know everyone who picks up this book will be promptly putting it on their keeper shelf after reading the last page (a very yummy last page, I might add). Howard is just wonderful – he’s got all the characteristics that make him a great hero – courage, honor and a great set of abs!
And super kudos to you for writing a heroine who has a few curves!
Your perseverance in a business that is challenging and has many ups and downs is so inspiring. I’m so excited for you and I can’t wait for the rest of the series!!!
Franny
PS
And WHEN ALEX WAS BAD sound delicious!! Can’t wait until you can share your news.
Jo Davis
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 10:55 am:
Thank you, Maria! Looking back, I shake my head and feel grateful I didn’t know what a long road it would be. I buried my head in my stories to escape the stress of my day job, and the years flew. I had fun writing, and still do. I’m blessed.
Jo Davis
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 10:57 am:
Franny, thank you girlfriend!! All, my good friend Franny is an awesome writer whose day is coming VERY soon…can’t wait for you all to read her books!!
suz welsh
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 11:43 am:
Hey Jo! Just crawled out of bed for a bit to see how everyone was liking your book Trial By Fire! I have been so excited for you and for this book to hit the shelves. It’s one of the best books I’ve read in years! And of course all those hunky, sexy firefighters doesn’t hurt things either!!
MaryKate
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 12:15 pm:
Jo – I ran to Borders at lunch and picked up Trial by Fire to take with me on my vacation next week. I need a hot fireman to keep me company at the beach!
Jo Davis
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 12:15 pm:
Hey Suz! All, this is my other critique partner and awesome writer, not to mention terrific Romance Bandit!! Of course, she’s biased.
Jo Davis
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 12:17 pm:
Oh, Mary Kate, thank you so much! I’m sure Howard and the boys will keep you company…
Maria Lokken
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 12:22 pm:
Man – Howard sounds like my kind of company!
suz welsh
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 12:27 pm:
Excuse me, girlfriend!! I am biased about your writing………..it’s great!! Trust me when I say your voice is unique and very attention grabbing.
Jo Davis
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 12:47 pm:
Awww, shucks.
Buffie
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 2:29 pm:
Hey Tracy! I loved Touch of Texas. In fact it is sitting in a prominent position on my bookshelf. I can see it everyday while I’m checking all the blogs
I can’t wait to read the next one. November, you say? Off to write that down.
Franny
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 2:50 pm:
Wow, Jo! What a lovely compliment – thank you!! You’ve made my day!
Franny
Franny
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 2:51 pm:
Buffie-
I’m with you – TOUCH OF TEXAS is fantastic and I’m eagerly awaiting TOUCHED BY LOVE!! (And oh my, oh my, oh my…that cover!)
Franny
Tracy Garrett
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 4:00 pm:
Hi Buffie! (waving from Missouri) I’m on your keeper shelf?! Oh, wow! Thanks. TOUCHED BY LOVE comes out November 4. Mark your calendars–or preorder from Amazon or Borders.
Hello, Franny. You guys are too sweet.
Now ask Jo about the look on my face the first time I read Trial by Fire.
Hint: I don’t write really hot stuff. She does. lol
Marisa O'Neill
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 6:22 pm:
Ok Tracy, I’ll bite – Jo, what was the look on Tracy’s face the first time she read Trial by Fire? I can only attest to the look on my face, I was smiling from ear to ear.
Jo Davis
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 7:02 pm:
Oh, I’m sure her expression was something like, “Wow, this is hot!” Not too shocking for how my material can be…not like ALEX!
Thank you for having me on RNTV today! I’ve had a blast and hope you’ll have me back again!
Marisa
on Aug 7th, 2008
@ 10:01 pm:
Jo, it was an extreme pleasure having you visit with us today! Thanks so much. We’d love to have you back anytime – especially when Zack’s book comes out. And of course – we’ll be on the look out for the ‘big news’ you spoke of earlier!
Janna Johnson
on Aug 15th, 2008
@ 9:20 pm:
Jo, We are so excited and proud that you reached your dreams! I have just order Trial by fire and can’t wait to meet your fire hunks. Ladies I grew up with Jo and I remember her 25cent books. Most of all I remember what fun we had as kids and what an imagination!!! I can’t wait to dive in to station 5!
Three Cheers Jo,
Janna