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    Men In Uniform: Rock Hard And Ready As Ever by Jo Davis
  • Author: admin
  • Published: May 6th, 2009

jo_davisWhen I recently read an assertion on an individual’s blog-that-shall-remain-nameless that books featuring heroes in uniform of basically any kind were “out” and editors are not looking to acquire them, three guesses as to my reaction, my friends.

I laughed. Say WHAT?!  Heroes—and heroines—in uniform of virtually every type are the mainstay of romantic suspense, at least in the U.S. The backbone. Cops, FBI, CIA, military…and firefighters. Sure, there are wonderful civilian heroes and heroines in romantic suspense. But physically remove men and women in uniform from the shelves, in any subgenre, and check out the gaping hole that would be left behind.

Notice I based my opinion on popularity in the U.S. I was recently fascinated to learn from an author overseas that heroes in uniform aren’t nearly the rage in European romances they are here in the States. I was told most readers and authors across the big pond don’t quite understand Americans’ love affair with men in the police and the military. Those guys aren’t put on a pedestal they way they are here. Needless to say, I was surprised! And just as baffled as our European friends.

davis_under_firedavis_alex_coverMany of you know by now that I write about firefighters, and as of February 2010, covert agents/spies. So—big shocker—I’m biased. To me, there’s no man quite like a hero who will run into a burning building or take on an armed gunman because he’s dedicated his life to protecting others. He’s the guy who bravely rushes in when almost everyone else is escaping. He knows his life could be over in the next ten seconds, but he made his peace with that long ago. Because your life means that much to him.

And that, my friends, is a sexy, to-die-for hero. A hero who is here to stay.

What is your favorite type of hero in uniform? Is there a series about a certain type of hero in uniform you’d like to see an author write, and if so, what is it?

Jo Davis writes hot romantic suspense for Signet Eclipse. UNDER FIRE, the latest installment in her sexy series, the Firefighters of Station Five, is now available. Jo also writes erotic suspense for NAL. Her first thriller, WHEN ALEX WAS BAD, releases from NAL Heat on August 4, 2009 and is now in development as a major motion picture. Jo is currently working book 4 of her exciting Station Five series, and is launching the SHADO Agency series for NAL Heat in February 2010 with I SPY A WICKED SIN. Visit Jo’s website at www.JoDavis.net.

39 Responses to “Men In Uniform: Rock Hard And Ready As Ever by Jo Davis”

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  1. kh
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 2:48 am

    i liek any miltary
    cognrts on your books

    i saw alex book is option for a movie congrats


  2. PJ
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 7:46 am

    Hi Jo! Welcome back to RNTV! I adore a man in uniform and yours are especially yummy. :) I have favorite heroes from all types of work – firemen, police, military. I think it’s their selflessness and willingness to put their lives on the line to protect others that I find so incredibly sexy. And, of course, the hot bods under the uniforms don’t hurt either. ;)


  3. Jo Davis
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 8:08 am

    Good morning, ladies! It’s great to be back here at RNTV again!

    Thank you, kh! Watching Alex progress in the film process is exciting. It’s in development now, and I’m on pins and needles waiting to see what will happen next!

    Hi PJ!! I totally agree–that male-as-protector role is SO darned sexy. I can’t imagine that image vanishing from shelves!


  4. Buffie
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 8:09 am

    Hey Jo!! Great to have you back here with us!!! As you already know . . . I love a man in any kind of uniform ;)

    Wow, that cover for WHEN ALEX WAS BAD is smokin’ hawt!!! And now it is in development for a movie. Tell us more about that!


  5. Jo Davis
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 9:04 am

    Hey, Buffie! It’s great to be back!

    I LOVE my cover for ALEX! Though the man looks nothing like either of my heroes, the woman is a dead ringer for Olivia. :) The movie being in development means that the screenwriter is hard at work turning the mss into a screenplay, and that the producer is searching for a director. No news on how the search is going, but they do give my agent updates, which is cool. I can tell you that the producer is very excited about the project and determined to see this happen, so we have that going for us. The project isn’t just sitting in the option pile! :)


  6. Kati
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 9:07 am

    Um, what’s not hot about a man who runs in to danger when everyone else is running away??

    Oh, HI JO! I can’t WAIT to get my hands on Zack. OK, Zack’s book. I love any story where the hero is a firefighter or a cop. Really, I love blue collar heroes best.

    So glad you’re with us today Jo! And congrats on all of your wonderful success!


  7. Jo Davis
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 9:35 am

    Hi Kati! Howz things lately?

    I hope you enjoy Zack’s story! I’m so glad you said “blue collar” heroes–that’s exactly the type of man I’ve always gravitated to, even in real life. My dad is a blue-collar man, worked hard at his factory for 40 years. He’s kind, loving, steady as a rock, and definitely my hero. Maybe subconsciously that has a lot to do with why I write that type of hero…


  8. Buffie
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 9:48 am

    Jo, when the movie is done and it’s time for the release party, you know all of us will want to be on the red carpet (or at least behind the scenes peaking!) :)


  9. Kati
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 9:50 am

    Could be, Jo. I love a man who works with their hands. And the fact that your guys are so, well, sensual, is definitely an added plus!


  10. Tracy Garrett
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 9:54 am

    Good morning, Jo!

    I’m with you about the uniforms. Police, fire, military… I’m in awe of their dedication to strangers.

    Congrats on Zack finally hitting the shelves!


  11. Jo Davis
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 9:56 am

    LoL, Buffie! You’ll have to stand in line behind my family–they’re all insisting they’re going to the premiere! I can only take one person, so it’s a showdown between my darling hubby and my mom! ;)


  12. Jo Davis
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 9:58 am

    Thanks, Tracy! Ya’ll, Tracy is my CP and writes wonderful western historical romances. Check out her releases if you love sexy cowboys. :)


  13. Tracy Garrett
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 10:03 am

    “,,,it’s a showdown between my darling hubby and my mom!”
    And if they take each other out, I’m next in line. :)


  14. Jan
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 10:04 am

    I have to say that my favorite men in uniform are military men. I’m an Army brat so it’s kind of ingrained.


  15. Marisa
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 10:14 am

    HI Jo! So glad you’re back with us on RNTV. I’m so excited to read Zack’s story.

    Since I have some family members in uniform, I’m forever fascinated by them. Heroes in uniform always get my attention. I particularly like firefighters (oh yes!) and SEALS. For me it’s the juxtaposition of the danger that informs their career – like having to overthrow a government or rescue a family from a burning building – and the flip side of their lives – doing the laundry or having to decide what to eat for dinner. In the midst of that they have to ‘merge’ their lives with a heroine and all her baggage. The dynamics of all these issues always engages me.


  16. Suzanne Welsh
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 10:34 am

    Hello, Jo, Maria, Marissa and everyone over here at RNTV!

    Jo, I am so excited that UNDERFIRE finally made it to the shelves! I’ve been waiting a long time to see this big boy up there!

    I so agree with you that heroes in uniform are here to stay. at least in America. Maybe our fascination with them goes bak to the revolutionary war time.When the common mand joined the malitia to protect their common rights. Or maybe they just look good? With your firefighters you get both the guy who rushes into the burning building, but also the paramedics who deal with all kinds of injuries and emergencies. I have a story for you to use about my friend’s paramedic husband who got called to his first baby delivery….hehehe…I’m thinking at least one of your firefighters might’ve had this experience! hehehe


  17. Jo Davis
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 10:35 am

    LOL, Tracy! :) Then you’d have my kids and cousins to contend with!


  18. Jo Davis
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 10:36 am

    Hi Jan! My hubby’s side of the family are marines–both my father-in-law and brother-in-law are retired. Love those military men!


  19. Jo Davis
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 10:40 am

    Hi Marisa! It’s super to be here again! I’m so with you on the contrast of their job vs. everyday life. I can’t imagine how they balance it, but somehow my brother-in-law did (my hubby’s bro). He actually courted one of my best friends while in the marines, during the end of Desert Storm! They met through me long-distance and fell in love while writing letters! How cool is that? And it would make a great story… hmmmm. Not even family is safe from story ideas! ;)


  20. Jo Davis
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 10:42 am

    Hey, Suz! Oooh, what a great idea about a newbie firefighter delivering a baby! And I know just who to use it with! Thanks, my friend! :)


  21. Sandy Blair
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 10:57 am

    Hi Jo!
    I’m so looking forward to reading this new release! Men in uniform–the risk takers–alway make women’s heart stutter. Thanks for the great stories!!

    Sandy


  22. Buffie
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 11:01 am

    Well I definitely will bow down to the family! They deserve to be there with you on the red carpet. You will just have to have a huge special showing for all your fans!! Wouldn’t that be a great party?! :)


  23. Jo Davis
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 11:52 am

    Hi Sandy! I luv those Scottish men in uniform, too! :) Thanks for stopping in!


  24. Jo Davis
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 11:53 am

    Buffie, if this this goes all the way to theater release, you’d better believe there will be more than one party! I’ll have a big online bash, for sure!


  25. LisaK
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 2:48 pm

    Hi Jo, we’ve already talked about that, haven’t we? You make me feel like it were my thoughts that gave you the idea for this blog (huh, exorbitant boast, thy name is Lisa! *g*).

    I’m definitely very ignorant when it comes to uniforms. Who wears “real” uniforms except firefighters, policemen and the army? Seems my European self shines through here. Sorry, I know I’m of no help but I have absolutely no idea. *whine*

    Suz, this story is so cool! I’d love to read about it in one of Jo’s books (there’s something cool about knowing how a certain scene came to be!).


  26. Suzanne Welsh
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 2:52 pm

    LOL, Lisa…uh, when I tell it to Jo, she’ll have to figure out if she wants to include the funny/gross part!!


  27. cyclops8
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 3:33 pm

    Hi Jo,
    I can’t wait to read Zack’s story. I love all uniforms, military, police and fire. Can’t wait to hear more about the SHADO Agency series.


  28. Gannon
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 4:23 pm

    Men in uniform?! Absolutely, positively! My hubby is a retired naval officer, so he would be my favorite hero in uniform….and out! ;)

    Of course, Jo, your hotties from Station Five are on my list, too! Can’t wait to snuggle up with Zack, um, I mean Zack’s book soon!


  29. Tracy Garrett
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 5:30 pm

    Gannon,
    Not to step on Jo’s toes here, but if you try to snuggle up with Zack, Cori will have a thing or two to say–and she swings a mean hunk of wood. :)


  30. Jo Davis
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 5:37 pm

    Hi Lisa! Yes, boast away! It was the conversation thread with you and Portia that got me thinking about how differently uniformed men are viewed in Europe! :)


  31. Jo Davis
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 5:39 pm

    Hello, Cyclops! I hope you enjoy Zack’s story. The SHADO agency came about because I love James Bond and Jason Bourne. Then I thought, oooh, what if we took that and made it erotic? ;) I’m looking forward to working more on my spy stuff.


  32. Jo Davis
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 5:40 pm

    Gannon, you bad girl you! Hey, I think a Naval officer should get a story, don’t you? :) I’m fascinated with pilots, too.


  33. I Heart Book Gossip
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 5:58 pm

    How many books will be in this series?


  34. Jo Davis
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 6:47 pm

    Hi, I Heart! There will be 5 books total in this series, with a definite conclusion next year in December 2010. The finale is Captain Sean Tanner’s story, and it will be, shall we say…explosive. :)

    Thanks for popping in!


  35. Jo Davis
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 6:48 pm

    Hi, I Heart! There will be 5 books total in this series, with a definite conclusion next year in December 2010. The finale is Captain Sean Tanner’s story, and it will be, shall we say…explosive.

    Thanks for popping in! :)


  36. Jo Davis
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 6:49 pm

    Whoops, sorry about the duplicate–I was having trouble getting the post to go through!


  37. Jo Davis
    on May 6th, 2009
    @ 9:25 pm

    Ladies, thank you so much for dropping in to visit with me today! I’ll stop in tomorrow to see if there are any other questions I to answer for you. :)


  38. chey
    on May 7th, 2009
    @ 8:53 pm

    Hi Jo,
    Men in uniform. hmm… Pilot.


  39. Caffey
    on May 10th, 2009
    @ 2:44 am

    Hi Jo!! Love reading these firemen and heroes in uniforms! (And out of them, LOL). I too love those everyday heroes like construction workers and the like. I think between all these uniform heroes, those SEALs close a second to Firemen!