I’m back this week sharing snippets from the first book of the House of Pleasure series, Only Scandal Will Do. It’s one of my favorites of my books, and although many of you may remember it, I do want to share that 18th century world of Georgian England with you once more.
I began at the very beginning with an introduction to the heroine, Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam, then moved on to the auction block, where Lady Katarina was perused by Duncan Ferrers, the Marquess of Dalbury. This week, their first meeting where Kat tries to convince him she’s a lady. (Very creatively punctuated to conform to WWW rules.)
“A lady in distress?” he laughed and straightened. “How did a lady come to find herself on display at an auction, scandalously clad in a transparent Greek costume, in Madame Vestry’s House of Pleasure?”
“House of Pleasure?” she squeaked.
“Where else would such a thing occur?” The masked man’s amusement seemed to deepen at her indignation. “And there will certainly be pleasure here tonight, slave.”
He ran a hand slowly down her arm, fingers trailing silkily against her bare flesh. Mouth agape at such a liberty, she slapped the hand away and ran for the door. With a long arm, he snared the diaphanous folds of her gown. The material strained against her body and Kat froze lest it rip, exposing her completely; cursing her own folly for choosing such a costume, she swung around to face her captor.
BLURB:
He has the woman of his dreams, but what price will he have to pay to win her heart?
Kidnapped and sold at auction in a London brothel, Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam squelches an undeniable attraction to the masked stranger who purchased her, pits her wits against him, and escapes him and the scandal that would ruin her life.
Unable to resist temptation in a London brothel, Duncan Ferrers, Marquess of Dalbury, purchases a fiery beauty. She claims she’s a lady, but how can she be? No lady of his acquaintance in polite society is anything like her. Then he discovers she is who she says, and that this latest romp has compromised her reputation. He knows how that is. One more scandal and he’ll be cast out of London society, but he needs a wife who’ll provide an heir to carry on his illustrious family’s name. He seeks out Katarina, intending only to scotch the scandal, but instead finds his heart ensnared. He’s betting their future he’ll capture her heart, but does he have what it takes to win the wager?
WARNING: A blade-wielding heroine who crosses swords with a master of sensuality.
Books in the House of Pleasure series:
And don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There’s some fantastic snippets to be read.
Jenna Jaxon Romance--because passion is timeless. 
Looks like she’s getting in over her head, but I bet she can get out of it!
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She’s got a long way to go to successfully convince him she’s a lady!
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I’m confused. She didn’t want to be on display? Or did she not understand? In any case, I think she won’t get out of this quickly or easily.
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No, she was kidnapped and auctioned off in a brothel. She understands what the House of Pleasure is, just didn’t realize that’s where she was. And your’e right, she’s ago a long night ahead of her!
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One thing’s for sure: after this escapade, she won’t be a lady any longer.
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Read on and see, Ed. 🙂 Kat is very resourceful! LOL
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Her prospects of proving her ladylike-ness continue to diminish. 🙂 Great snippet!
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Well, yes. A woman found in a brothel is assumed to be there for one reason only. Kat, however, is made of sterner, and less-ladylike stuff. 🙂
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Haha! And the next words out of her mouth??? Wonderful characterization, Jenna!
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Thank you, Teresa. Actually, her next words are a bit out of character for Kat and she knows it, but is going to try anything at this point. LOL
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She’s in big trouble. It will be interesting to see how the story plays out. Knowing the way you write, it will be with a flourish.
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Thank you, Charmaine. And well, yes, there are several flourishes throughout! 🙂
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Fascinating! 😀
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Thanks, Raine!
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Lol, love the comments!
I think someone needs to explain the thrill of the chase to Katarina. She is only piquing his interest!
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She is in a bit of a pickle and knows it, but is young and naive enough to think a gentleman will accept her word. She’s about to be disabused of that right now. 🙂
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Oh yes, I certainly do remember this one! Excellent excerpt to share…
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Thank you, Veronica! 🙂
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Oh, she’s in big trouble! Layers, girl! Always wear layers! Great scene, Jenna.
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In the Georgian era they loved to be scandalous, and Kat was pining to go out again after her mourning period, so she wanted to be a little daring. 🙂
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Poor Katarina! I don’t think she’ll be able to convince him she’s a lady in that situation. Great snippet! 🙂
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Yeah, I think she’s got an uphill climb on that one. LOL Thanks so much, Jessica!
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