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. 
Gone with the Wind! Thanks for the chance 🙂
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pride and prejudice
bn100candg(at)Hotmail(dot)com
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It was Black Beauty, Thanks for the chance to win!
kimberlybreid at hotmail dot com
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The first book I fell in love with was The Little Prince. I so love that book!
anne.j2 (at) gmail (dot) com
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The first book I fell in love with was Hunchback of Notre Dame 🙂 It was a children’s edit with pictures in it, part of a classic series. Love it so much!
hisboywonder(at)gmail(dot)com
thanks!
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The first book I fell in love with was A Wrinkle in Time~ still love it! Thank you for the lovely hop 🙂
MostlyMisha [at] gmail [dot] com
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I guess the first book I fell in love with was CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY.
Thanks for the giveaway.
June
manning_J2004 at yahoo dot com
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The first book I fell in love with was the Harry potter series! They are such great series I absolutely loved them!
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Mcrlover32@yahoo.com
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tales of know space by larry niven (scifi) – regnod(at)yahoo(d0t)com
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I really can’t remember the first book that I fell in love with. I know it was a Harlequin romance because they were what got me to reading.
sstrode at scrtc dot com
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The first book I remember falling in love with was Jane Eyre. I have had many loves since then though. I think my favorite today is Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files series.
Thank you for having this giveaway.
Melissa
abinormyl@gmail.com
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I started reading at three and have almost always had a book on me since. One of my most treasured books is my copy of Where The Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein that I have had since my early days of reading!
I started reading romance in my teens and was hooked. I could not even begin to tell you the first romance book I fell in love with. I started with Harlequins and progressed quickly to Historicals. Now I am all over the place in my reading!
Grapeapril75(at)gmail.com
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The first romance novel I fell in love with was Shanna, by Kathleen Woddiwiss. Love the blog and Only Scandal will Do!
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The first book that I fell in love with was, believe it or not, Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham. I memorized the story before I was old enough to read, and though it might have been puppy love, that is most definitely something. The first book that I fell in love with that was a little bit more… shall we say “developed,” is Eoin Colfer’s Artemis Fowl. I still love those books today, and I’m heartbroken that the series ended.
– chesao@live.com
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The first book I fell in love with was a school read, The Giver by Lois Lowry. It was the book that really made me want to keep on reading.
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Forgot the email address, oddball2003@hotmail.com , sorry!!
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DISNEY CINDERELLA:D! thanQ
redz041@yahoo.com
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The first book I’ve ever loved was the Magic Tree House Series. I used to LOVE that series when I was little and it’s the first series of books that I truly adored.
Thanks for the giveaway!
farrahsayyedATgmailDOTcom
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The very first book I fell in love with was Matilda by Roald Dahl.
smurfettev AT gmail DOT com
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i have been a reader as long as i can remember but i fell in love with romance after reading a book called the black swan
meandi09@Yahoo.com
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I think the first book I fell in love with was Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, I reread it a lot as a teen 🙂 Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
bookliaison(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
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The first book I fell in love with was probably Twilight 🙂
laceyblossom1(at)gmail(dot)com
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It was Spellbound by Nora Roberts, I was a teen. It’s what started me reading. :0)
Thanks!
Jesse
jesse.kimmelfreeman@gmail.com
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It was Alice in Wonderland. The first book that I read all by myself!
maybe31 at yahoo.com
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The first book I fell in love with was Romona Quimby and The babysitters club series! But recently I fell in love with Twilight and that began my love of paranormal and YA!
Thanks for the chance to win!
kacidesigns AT yahoo DOT com
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First book I fell in love with was Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.
Thanks for the amazing giveaway!
elizabeth @ bookattict . com
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