It’s time to share another Red’s recommended author with you. Joz Maxel’s books were introduced to me when I first started my blog in January 2018. I have became a fan instantly. Let’s find out a bit more about Joz.
Hi Joz, Thanks for agreeing to stop by today. Let’s start with what Genre you write.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
1) When did you start writing ?
Joz: October of 2016
Red: Wow not too long ago. I’m glad I was able to find you. You know I love My Absolution. I have fangirled over you for the past year.
2) Do you have a favorite book that you have written?
Joz: Probably My Absolution because it was to prove to myself I could do it…and I did. And people actually like it.
Red: I am so glad you wrote it! LOVE THAT BOOK!
3) How about a favorite character from your books?
Joz: I don’t have a favourite because I love them all.
Red: OK, I will let that answer slide. It’s a good thing I love you or I would make you choose.
4) Do you have a specific way you choose the characters names?
Joz: Names are from characters in my favourite movies and kids’ names are usually what I had in the running to name my kids.
Red: What a great way to use those favorite names. I always wanted a girl name Aurora Rose. I have 4 sons. Aurora would not have worked for them. Maybe if I ever write a book I can use it.
4) What is your favorite part of being a published author?
Joz: Interacting with people all over the world.
Red: Like me.
5) Where is the strangest place you had a book or character idea come to you?
Joz: The shower is the only place that comes to mind right now. I had to get out of my shower to write an idea down.
Red: In my interviews I have found that the restroom seems to be the main place in the home where creativity hits. I need to research this more.
6) I am sure you dont sit with a timer but if you had to guess how long does it take for you to write a book?
Joz: My Absolution took me 10 months, Under The Rising Sun took about 7 months and Down the Rabbit Hole took 5 months. I’m a mom of three so time is sacred around here.
Red: I’m glad to hear you didn’t rush the process and let the story speak to you. I think it come through your stories.
7) Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
Joz: I read them all and appreciate them for what it is. Can’t please everyone and I can’t be everyone’s cup of tea. As long as you’re not being an asshole just cause, I’ll take bad reviews as a growing opportunity.
Red: The philosophy here in The Redheads Book Blog is that reviews with anything less that a “5 star” rating but be explainable. Well honestly all reviews should explain why you liked, loved, didn’t care for, etc. I hope is to pass on this idea to the readers that use reviews before deciding to make a purchase. Look beyond star ratings and read the content of the reviews. It’s a goal of mine.
8) What do you do what you suffer from writer’s block?
Joz: Walk away, talk it out with my close circle of Sassy girls or walk my dog.
Red: Girlfriend time is essential in our lives.
9) Which of your books do you wish more readers were aware of?
Joz: All of them! Under The Rising Sun is an M/M and it was way out of my comfort zone for writing so I wish more people would give it a chance.
Red: Ok. I will let that slide too because I completely agree. I love all of them.
10) Did you have a mentor when you started?
Joz: Oh yes…AC Bextor. I want to be her when I grow up.
Red: That’s great. I bet you there are writers that say the same thing about you now.
11) What advice would you give an aspiring author?
Joz: Don’t quit and you are not alone. Make friends and connections.
Red: I have found this book world to be so inviting and helpful. Nothing is perfect. Surrounding yourself with the right people is key.
12) What can we expect from you in the future?
Joz: After Down the Rabbit Hole I have another book called Wild Horse I’ll be taking my time with.
Red: I think Down the Rabbit Hole is one of my all time favorite covers.
14) Anything Else
Joz: Thank you for loving my words as much as I love writing them.
Red: Thank you for being you. Your kindness to this newbie blogger way back when will never be forgotten.
Thank You Joz for stopping by and chatting today. Much love and continued success with your writing. I’m always here to support and read. Please write more soon.
~Red xoxo
My Absolution by Joz Maxel
Reds Review:
This story will jump out and make you read without stopping. I know I turned page after page until I finished. The relationship between Nova and her big stoing protective tattooed husband is the kind women dream of. Corey is the man we all want to love us, want us, is devoted and loves his family unconditionally.
The writing flows and kept me wanting more until I was suddenly done. I can wait to read about their oldest son Rourke in the next book.
My Absolution By Joz Maxel
Reds Review:
This book is amazing. After reading My Absolution, I could not wait to download this book.
I read it cover to cover without stopping. I knew I had to learn more about Rourke and Christian. I needed to know how and if they would find each other. I wondered is they would be accepted. How was traveling over seas going to give them the space to connect? I was full of questions I needed answered now.
Reading My Absolution is not necessary before reading this one, it does compliment the story a lot. Little things will have a deeper meaning if you have read book 1 first. Plus My Absolution is GREAT!
Rourke and Christian decide to take a break before college and travel. The underlying travel plans are to spend private time to get to know each other beyond their friendship. Who they meet, the experiences they have and the way they interact with each other makes for a great story.
The descriptive words Joz used when these young men looked at each other drew me in immediately. The sexual chemistry is off the charts. It is more than just a love story. Its what happens when you realize your best friend is the one you want to spend the rest of your life with. The one you want to experience everything with. The good and bad things in life. But you are not sure how or if it will happen. There are a lot of things that could change how you feel about someone after spending so much time together. I found myself feeling the same emotions as Rourke was most of the time. I think he’s my favorite.
I absorbed every word and could not stop reading until suddenly I was done.
I really hope there is a book 3. I think I know who is in that one.
REDS TBR LIST
Down the Rabbit Hole is book 3 in this series https://amzn.to/2QztUgS
Out of the madness came something extraordinary. But not without a price.
An innocent crush
Turned into a rush
When he gave me the attention I craved
His touch became vile
Like a turn of the dial
The path down the rabbit hole he paved
Carrick came along
Told me I belonged
In this world to be cherished and loved
When life spun out of control
It crushed my soul
My fate written in the stars above