It’s so easy to fall in love—with books. I’ve been in love with reading since before I could make out the words. And now that I’m actually writing my own stories, I’m in love all over again.
Historical romance is my first love. I started as a teenager with Kathleen Woodiwiss’s The Wolf and The Dove, set in my favorite period, the Middle Ages. Ironically enough, Woodiwiss’s final book, Everlasting, also set in the medieval period, was the reason I fell in love with romances again. And the impetus for me to become a romance writer.
The first book I ever wrote, Time Enough To Love, will be published as a series of novellas starting in December. This is the book inspired by Everlasting. Here’s the blurb and a short excerpt from the first novella of this series, Betrothal.
Lady Alyse de Courcey is head over heels in love with a man to whom she’s barely spoken, Thomas Knowlton, a nobleman in King Edward III’s court. Alyse would give anything to marry him. However, she must come to terms with her betrothal to Thomas’s best friend, Sir Geoffrey Longford, a handsome and imposing knight, yet hardly the man she wants to wed. She continues to cherish hopes of Thomas, though as her nuptials approach, Geoffrey is the one most often on her mind.
Sir Geoffrey Longford is bound by his father’s hand to wed Lady Alyse. And Geoffrey is eager to do so after meeting the young maid. She is gentle and beautiful, with just enough spice and wit to make her seem a willing partner in and out of bed. But when Geoffrey learns of her infatuation with his friend, and sees her regard for the man growing as their wedding day approaches, Geoffrey takes matters into his own hands. Can he win his lady’s love without killing his friend into the bargain?
Excerpt from Betrothal:
“Rise, my lady.”
She did so on unsteady feet. “I am ready, as always, Your Majesty, to obey my father as I would you.” Holy Mary, let it be Thomas Knowlton.
Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos
King Edward lifted an eyebrow toward Alyse. “A very pretty answer, my lady. And are you ready to accept your father’s decree for your betrothal? His messenger has today reached me with the contract, as I am to stand in his stead in this matter.”
Alyse took a deep breath and hoped her voice did not tremble. “Yea, Majesty, I will obey my father and accept his choice.”
King Edward nodded. “What say you then, Sir Geoffrey? Does the lady not speak fair? I vow she will make you a proper wife, and a dutiful one as well.”
Alyse turned until that moment unaware that Geoffrey Longford stood beside her before the king. Chills coursed down her body as the king’s words echoed in her mind. The sensation of falling backward assailed her, as though she rushed away from the tall man at her side even as his figure loomed larger and larger in her sight.
Not Thomas Knowlton. Her numbed brain repeated the phrase, trying to comprehend that instead he would be her husband. Geoffrey Longford. God have mercy on me, for by the look of him, this man will not. Fearful, her gaze climbed higher, over his chest, over his chin, finally resting on the dark blue eyes turned toward her.
Geoffrey returned her appraisal, his eyes sweeping her figure as a smile crept over his face. “Your Majesty.” He spoke to the king but his attention remained fixed on Alyse. “I also give my obedience to you, and to my father, doing your bidding in all things. My father told me of the betrothal contract before I left his home and I resolved then to play the dutiful son. I find, however, I do not wish to act that role after all.” His eyes held hers as he paused.
Dear God, does he mean to renounce me here before the entire court? Alyse fixed her stare on the man beside her, willing herself to remain erect, despite the chills and heat that alternated through her body.
“Now I find I would rather play the ardent lover.” An amused murmur ran throughout the hall at his words. Geoffrey grinned, his eyes now sparkling with humor and something more. Despite the uneven light, Alyse saw an unfathomable promise in their dark depths.
Betrothal is scheduled to be released sometime in early December.
And to sweeten the pot this Thanksgiving weekend, I’ll be giving away to my Grand Prize Winner a $10.00 gift card to Amazon. Then, a copy of one of my e-books to three lucky commenters. You may choose from any of my erotic contemporaries: Hog Wild, Almost Perfect, or my latest 7 Days of Seduction. And as a bonus, I’ll throw in a copy of my Christmas collection, All Wrapped Up. Just leave me a comment telling me what was the first book you fell in love with. Any genre is fine. And don’t forget to LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN THE COMMENT!
Here’s hoping you fall in love with books all over again! Now to continue the hop, click the icon below.
Jenna Jaxon Romance--because passion is timeless. 
Stone of Tears by Terry Goodkind
bituin76 at hotmail dot com
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The first book I can remember was Chicken Little. I made my mom and dad read it over and over.
cmucha319@yahoo.com
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The first book that I “fell in love” with wasn’t a romance. It was The Scarlet Letter. I loved the ability to leave my world behind and journey to somewhere so far outside my world.
planterofhope(at)aol(dot)com
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Cinderella 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway!
by.evie at yahoo dot com dot br
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Twilight series, definitely! thanks for the giveaway!
happy holidays!
beccaboo97200 (at) att (dot) net
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The Twilight series! Thanks for the chance to win!
natasha_donohoo_8 at hotmail dot com
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I fell in love with Brianna by Judy Mays. Thanks for being part of the hop and for the chance to win. reneebennett35 (at) yahoo (dot) com
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I fell in love with “A Rose In Winter” by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. Such an inspiring read! Thank you so much for the giveaway.
divajefferson AT gmail DOT com
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I fell in love with Annie’s Song by Catherine Anderson!
susanmplatt AT hotmail DOT com
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I fell in love with Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas:0) Thanks for the giveaway! Tanya my1lulabug at yahoo dot com
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Ah, that’s a hard one! Okay, memory cap on…
I’m afraid I can’t remember exactly which! But as a child, I was lucky to have access to Childcraft, the children’s encyclopedia, and I just devoured them.
muggledATgmxDOTcom
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Hmmm.. I fell in love with Pride and Prejudice, I love re-reading it!
Thanks for the giveaway.
alinutza4u2004[at]yahoo[dot]co[dot]uk
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For me it was Lynn Viehl If Angels Burn
fiza700[at]gmail[dot]com
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Dying to Please by Linda Howard — liked the mystery, thriller aspect and the romance!
booksconsidered[at]gmail[dot]com
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I read On Dublin Street by Samantha Young not that long ago and I fell in love with the characters and the chemistry between them!
Thank you for the giveaway!
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I have loved reading since I first learned how lol my first book love was The Monster At The End Of This Book starring Grover ,my first real romance book that I fell in love with I still have its stored in my treasure closet its called Follow The Sun by Deborah Smith it is a cherokee trilogy. Having a great time on this hop.Thank you for this chance to win.Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and have an amzing weekend.
flanagan@mebtel.net
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Kathleen Woodliwiss – nice choice. Mine was her book Shanna – very steamy. Have you noticed it’s the love scenes that make a book a keeper with readers?
susan_francesny[at] hotmail [dot] com
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The first book I fell in love with was a Nora Roberts book, the McGregors series,
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The first book I feel in love with was actually a series: The Boxcar Children. Or at least that I can remember. Then in middle school I know I was obsessed with Sweet Valley High. LOL To this day I still like mystery and romance.
Happy Thanksgiving!
bas1chsemail at gmail dot com
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Happy Thanksgiving!! Just taking a few minutes from the madness to say HI! I have all of your books and love them!
The first book I fell in love with was Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree. I still have my original copy.
mel
bournmelissa at hotmail dot com
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Hm.. an early childhood . A Lindgren – Pippi Longstocking 🙂
swordlily_girl[at]yahoo[dot]com
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The first book I fell in love with was a book by Rosemary Rogers. They were about Steve and Ginny. They started my love of romance.
debby236 at hotmail dot com
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I always loved to read the stories by Enid Blyton – full of pixies & fairies. That was quite a while ago.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
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the first book i fall in love is DEVIL IN THE WINTER by lisa kleypass..
the hero is sebastian st. vincent..i love him so much…
i always reread this book at least once in a couple of months..
thx u for the chance to win ur ebooks..
i’d love to read ur books ^^
-nurma-
chikojubilee at gmail dot com
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The first book I fell in love with when I was a little girl was Snow White! And I’ve been hooked on romance and happily ever after since!
ivegotmail8889(at)yahoo(dot)com
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Happy Thanksgiving!
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