About
Jodiann is a fiction lover, educator, and dedicated community volunteer. After raising two sons and earning a doctoral degree in educational administration, Jodiann decided it was finally time to try her hand at her favorite genre—romance. Carefully Vetted is her heartfelt, sassy debut which blends small-town charm and a love for animals. Jodiann lives in Northwest Connecticut with her husband and mischievous dachshund, Fritz.
Jodiann's Thoughts on Life and Romance
I’ve always loved romance novels as much as ice cream. In high school, they were my escape from ancient epics that I was forced to read in English class—just say the name Beowulf and I’ll scream! Many helped me become a strong woman—thanks, Jane Austen! Some answered questions about sex that I was afraid to ask my parents—thanks, Sandra Brown!
​
Of course, romance novels also messed with my head a little. I longed to be adored, imagining that magical moment where a boy would see me across a crowded room and fall instantly in love. He never did. (I dated my husband well over a year before he said I love you!) Thankfully, I had parents who reminded me to focus on myself and friendships. When I cried that “no boys liked me,” my mom told me it was because they were intimidated by how pretty and smart I was. I’m sure that wasn’t true, but it made me feel better—and gave me the space to build confidence, solid friendships, and not spend time crying over boys.
​
In my twenties, when I was painfully self-critical of every aspect of myself, romance novels showed me women who were brave, sassy, and comfortable in their own skin. I am drawn to stories with strong female leads—women who find love not just with someone else, but who love and respect themselves. So when my character Maddy in Carefully Vetted battles self-doubt, she has her bold friend Jill to help her tell those doubts to f-off.
​
Now, a few decades past twenty, romance novels are my favorite escape from the chaos of real life. Like Maddy, give me a comfy porch chair, a glass of wine, and a juicy love story, and all that chaos disappears—for a few hours at least. I love great literature, but I also need fun, feel-good reads that make me laugh and break away from stress and, on a rare occasion, boredom.​ And yes—after 25 years of marriage, I crave a little spice in my romances.
​
So Carefully Vetted is intended to be a fun, feel-good read with a little heat and a lot of heart. My next book will be sassy too—with a historical twist—but this one’s all about laughter, love, friendship, and helping you toss a little of your own self-criticism across a parking lot.​
