The God of Love is certainly busy this time of year.  And nowhere are his arrows more needed than in my romance novels!  Hi, I’m Jenna Jaxon for those who don’t know me.  I write erotic contemporary and historical romance novels and thought I’d share some moments from my books when Cupid’s work is either very apparent or desperately needed.

In my latest release, Almost Perfect, an erotic contemporary set on a deserted island, Cupids arrows are needed badly.  Stranded on a desert island,  expecting her fantasy 1 Night Stand date–an Orlando Bloom-esque pirate ready to ravish her with her full permission–Pam finds instead her ex-husband.

“You’ve just had all the bad luck with jobs, haven’t you?”

She raised her chin. “I haven’t had to struggle to make ends meet.”

“Thanks to the alimony I deposit into your account each month.” He picked up her water-stained sandal, pointedly staring at the name emblazoned down the middle. “Gloria Vanderbilt? I do remember some of the designers you used to frequent.”

She sprang onto her knees and snatched the shoe out of his hands. “What I do with my money is my damned business. You wanted out of the marriage bad enough to pay substantially for it.”

“I think any man would want out of a marriage where his wife compares him to a lukewarm Pee-wee Herman, then likens his lovemaking skills to ‘Pee-wee’s Big Top Adventure with the good bits taken out.’” Spoken in a soft, even tone, the words made her squirm. But there was no way to deny it—those were her exact words the night he’d thrown her out.

“I just called it as I saw it.”

“And you saw it so infrequently I’m surprised you remembered.”

Cupid’s arrows are sorely needed on that island paradise!

In my novel, Only Scandal Will Do, to be released on May 21,  Cupid seems to have already struck.  Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam has been kidnapped and sold at auction to a masked and caped man.  She tells him her story and after initially doubting her, the stranger suddenly acquiesces.

“Lean your head just there, sweet.” She could hear the strong beat of his heart, smell the clean, comforting citrus of his cologne. The fresh scent reminded her of home.

“You will be all right now,” he whispered, holding her securely to him. Safe at last. She closed her eyes and leaned into his caresses, contentment stealing through her for the first time since leaving Virginia.

His fingers found her chin, turned her face up to his. Her eyes flew open and peace fled as he pressed her mouth with a gentle kiss that stole what breath she had left. His lips–soft, warm, insistent–generated heat all the way to her toes. A sensation so overpowering Kat forgot everything around her, giving herself completely to the pleasures of that kiss.

Somehow his tongue slipped through her quivering lips, stroked her tongue, caressed her depths. Kat groaned, her face aflame at this unexpected intimacy. No man had ever kissed
her this way, plundering where he would and denying her the will to protest. Raw power leaped from his mouth, streaked through her body, inflamed her craving even more.

But Kat needs to beware–Cupid’s arrows don’t always find their correct mark.

Another pair of my characters, Lula Wolfendale and Jesse Hogue, require just a nudge from Cupid.  Both seem ready (more than ready) and willing to be his victims in my erotic contemporary Hog Wild.

“Jesse Hogue?”

“That’s right.”

A stunning smile spread across her red, red mouth as she extended her hand. “Lula Wolfendale.” He grasped it, immediately warmed by the heat emanating from her palm. She should be wearing gloves. Hell, should be wearing all her gear. But he was glad she wasn’t. She was so much eye candy a man could get a sugar rush from twenty yards.

“How can I help you, Ms. Wolfendale?” Jesse smiled back, releasing her hand.
“Lula, please, Mr. Hogue.” Amusement flickered in her eyes.

“Then call me Jesse, Lula. Were you looking for me? I noticed you checking out the addresses as you came down the street.”

“I have been looking for you pretty much all day, Jesse.” She nodded her head and something in the gesture caused his stomach to twist in anticipation. “I have a proposition for you.”

That statement stopped him cold. “Proposition?” Anticipation became an outright heat bloom that sank into his cock. He took a breath. “Would you like a beer?” He raised the bottle of Dos Equis. “If I’m going to be propositioned, we might as well both enjoy ourselves.”

A light gleamed in Lula’s eyes. She threw back her head and laughed. “That would certainly be novel, Jesse. So, yes, a beer would be nice.” She eyed the bottle. “Are you the most interesting man in the world?”

Her laugh was infectious. He grinned and motioned her up the steps. “Perhaps not in the world, but I hope the most interesting one here.”

“And are there others around?”

“No.”

She turned to him as she stepped onto the porch, her eyes searching his with sharp interest. “Then I suspect you’re right.” Her mouth puckered with amusement. “You may, in fact, turn out to be delightful.”

Another relationship I’m not sure is going to turn out as planned.

And finally, my heroine from my Victorian short romance, Heart of Deception.  Celinda Graham is one of Cupid’s favorite victims, for she suffers from love at first sight.

She had met Lord Hurston two months earlier, at the Hamptons’ gala ball opening the London social season.  Her heart began to beat a bizarre, staccato rhythm at the sight of the tall, dark-haired stranger, dressed in the elegance of a black swallowtail coat, accentuating his broad shoulders and narrow waist. He walked towards her, deep in conversation with Lady Hampton, who smiled and nodded at him while shooting speculative glances at Celinda.

“Lady Celinda Graham, may I present Andrew Finley, Viscount Hurston?  My lord, Lady Celinda Graham.”  Lady Hampton’s presence melted away as Celinda curtsied to the handsome man, her eyes only for him.

“Lady Celinda, I am enchanted.” His deep voice sent shivers through her.   “I am just returned from America and so have not had the honor of making your acquaintance.  A devastation of which I am now acutely aware. ”   Celinda blushed at the compliment and tried not to smile.  “May I hope, Lady Celinda, that you will allow me to lead you out for the first dance?”

Without even checking her dance card, Celinda nodded and gave him her hand.  Smiling broadly, the viscount swept her into the first waltz where she was caught in the depths of his fascinating crystal blue eyes.   The heat of his hand penetrated through her long white gloves as he guided her into the dizzying whirl of the dance.  Crisp linen and faint, spicy cologne wafted over her, setting her pulse into a frantic beat.  By the end of the waltz she was convinced this was the man she was destined to marry.

But is all as it truly seems in paradise?  The course of true love never did run straight!  And Celinda’s is no exception!

Thank you all for checking out my works.  To read the blurbs on any of the above mentioned works, please visit my Published Works page at the top of the blog.  To purchase any of my works other than Only Scandal Will Do, please go to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or All Romance E-Books or click the publisher link on the covers to the right side of the blog.  And thank you!

So which ones do you think will be Cupid’s Choices?  Who seems most likely to end up Happily Ever After?  Leave me a comment and follow my blog and you’ll be entered to win a copy of one of my published works.   The grand prize winner will win a $10.00 Amazon Gift Card!

Now, keep on hopping  by clicking on JustRomance.Me’s Cupid’s Choice Blog Hop and heading back to the linky list for more great offers and excerpts.  Thanks for coming by Jenna’s Journal!  And Happy Valentine’s Day!