Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 4/17/16 Only Scandal Will Do~ An Unexpected Caress

Posted on April 17, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Only Scandal Will Do is April’s “Book of the Month” so I’ve put up 10 more lines from my Georgian romance.

Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam has been kidnapped and auctioned in a brothel to the highest bidder, a masked man she is now trying to convince she is not a harlot. This begins immediately after last week’s snippet.

“As…as I told you, my brother is the Earl of Manning.” Somehow more vulnerable now than when the man had declared himself her master, she eyed the door, wondering if they had locked it behind him.

“How delightful!” The low-pitched words rumbled dangerously close to her ear; her throat closed, stealing her breath. “I am very good friends with the earl.”

“You are?” Dumbfounded, she choked on the words.

“I am sure he will be as astonished as I that his sister has been sold to me.” The man’s full lips twitched in restrained amusement as he added,“Although, I confess, the earl never mentioned you to me.” He stepped closer and laid a hand on one of the chair’s wings, stretched a long finger out and caressed the side of her hand.

Only Scandal Will Do is available at Amazon currently for $1.99.

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.

And don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There’s some fantastic snippets to be read.

Posted in Historical Romance, on Georgian Romance, On Only Scandal Will Do, On Weekend Writing Warriors, Promotion, Weekend Writing Warriors | Tagged $1.99 book sale, Georgian romance, Jenna Jaxon, Only Scandal Will Do, The House of Pleasure series, Weekend Writing Warriors | 28 Comments

Cover Spot: The Duke’s Bride by Lindsay Downs

Posted on April 14, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

This week’s featured cover is from my great friend Lindsay Downs, who has just released his first full-length Regency romance, The Duke’s Bride. It’s the first book in The Radcliffe Family series.

Blurb- The Duke’s Bride (Book 1 in The Radcliffe Family series)
Who murdered his father and why does someone want him dead?

These questions torment Simon, The Duke of Kettering.

Even his mother has no idea.

Add to this problem, Simon’s desire for Lady Emma Carringham, the duchess’ companion, is growing daily.

Over time he knows she will make the perfect duchess for him.

That is, if he can keep her alive, himself also, for that matter.

Even letters saved by the late duke are of little help.

It’s not until Emma’s mother, Lady Sarah, arrives do all the pieces slowly come together.

They learn the late duke had gotten a young lady with child, a son. Later, the young man returned to France and fought with Bonaparte in Spain

Simon’s next question- Why now?

To that, no one had an answer.

At least now, thanks to Lady Sarah, they had a name-Justin Beaumont- to go along with a partial description of the man.

When Simon learns the man has left the district he relaxes the need for guards as his extended family descends upon the ducal estate for the impending wedding.

This decision proved unfortunate for his betrothed who, with her maid, footman and groom, visits the dress shop for a fitting of a specially made gown.

When Simon receives a note he knows to save Emma from the madman he will have to risk his life.

Safely returned to the ducal palace Simon can’t wait another second longer to marry Emma and does so with a newly acquired special license.

Buy Links-

US- http://tinyurl.com/jtfkwo2

UK- http://tinyurl.com/hda943l

CA- http://tinyurl.com/jlgjgxz

AU- http://tinyurl.com/jmouzl7

IN- http://tinyurl.com/j3lyuw3

Posted in Cover Spot, On Regency Romance, Promotion, Regency Romance, Spotlights | Tagged cover art, Cover Spot, Lindsay Downs, Regency romance, Regency suspense, romantic suspense, The Duke's Bride, The Radcliffe Family series | 1 Comment

Burning Up! Melissa Keir and the Summer Heat Boxed Set

Posted on April 12, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Are you fascinated by fire? The 2 billion dollar candle industry loves that so many American’s are. I am and have been since I was a child. There is something exciting about being in control of something dangerous. But studies have shown that when someone is still fascinated by fire at an adult age, it is because they hadn’t learned how to master it. http://news.discovery.com/human/psychology/fire-fascination-humans-120424.htm

An arsonist is someone who deliberately sets fires with the purpose of burning of a dwelling of another. They maliciously do it, without regard for others. Arson is categorized by degrees. Often the arsonist is caught up with the fire, not with harming another person. Many arsonists set fires for money but some do it for revenge and a few because of a mental health issue.

It’s the serial arsonists that have the compulsion to burn that are most dangerous. The FBI crime lab has studied arsonists and know that many don’t set out to kill, yet there are always exceptions to the rules. Pyromania is an impulse control disorder (mental health condition) in which individuals repeatedly fail to resist impulses to deliberately start fires, in order to relieve tension or for instant gratification. With a pyromaniac, they are needing a bigger fix with each fire and innocents are just another way to ramp up the release.

In Protecting Her Pigg, a serial arsonist has set out targeting the Pigg Detective Agency, specifically Lucas Pigg. Yet, his target soon changes as Lily O’Neill enters into a relationship with Lucas. Here’s a small excerpt from my story in the Summer Heat Box Set.

Protecting Her Pigg (excerpt)

Flames danced along the wall, creating a surreal painting of reds and oranges. The beauty of my work filled my chest with pride. Maniacal laughter echoed in my ears. I recognized my own hilarity and covered my mouth to stop the sound from escaping. Inhaling the scent of gasoline, I pulled off the gloves and tossed them into the flames.

“I’ll huff and I’ll puff and I’ll blow your house down.”

The sounds of sirens resonated in the distance. Running toward the gathering crowd, I stood to watch over my latest creation. Glee filled my heart as I ached to proclaim my masterpiece. Pulling the baseball cap lower over my eyes to hide my elation, I stood watch, hoping my adversary would arrive in time to see magnum opus.

Protecting Her Pigg is available for pre-order in the Summer Heat boxed set.

New Releases

16 All New Contemporary Romances from NY Times, USA Today, and International Bestselling Authors.

Guaranteed to make your blood run hot. Passion, steamy nights, excitement, and suspense. Something to suit every reader’s taste. Grab a cool drink (you’ll need it!), find a hammock, and curl up for an unforgettable escape.

1: Caridad Pineiro, Under the Boardwalk – A passionate night under the boardwalk brought them together, but can Chase and Natalie rekindle that lost love in just one night?

2: Nina Bruhns

3: Rebecca York, Outlaw Justice – Will a surprise reunion with her old lover save her life when she flees from a homicidal husband?

4: Jennifer Lowery, The Fall (Book #2 ATCOM series) – The last thing ATCOM agent Brendan Devayne wants is to settle down, but Mia Lawrence makes him think twice…

5: Taylor Lee, Jared: (Book 1, The Justice Brothers Series) – The rookie cop learned the hard way that when tangling with the Justice Brothers, Justice—like Love– isn’t always fair or easy.

6: Traci Hall, Festival by the Sea – Al Cooper’s too bad to be a cop and too good to be a crook; Darcy Smith can’t get enough.

7: Stephanie Queen, Beachcomber Heat – This summer’s heat wave on Martha’s Vineyard is breaking records, but so is the crime wave. The combination is causing a wave of red-hot dangerous desire between Dane and Shana.

8: Alicia Street, Training for Love – When private fitness trainer Shannon meets her hot new client, loving her job takes on a whole new meaning.

9: Kathy Ivan, Sex, Lies and Apple Pies – A televised baking competition brings them together. But deceit, intrigue and revenge are on this menu. Can their love survive?

10: Jackie Ivie, The Hunted – LeeAnn’s got business in Miami. Bring on the sun. Sand. Sexy men to look at. The last thing she expects is to be someone’s target.

11: Michele Hauf, The Geek Gets The Girl – Mistaken for the IT geek? This sexy CEO is about to learn the intimate operations of his company—up close, and personal.

12: Rachelle Ayala, Bad Boys for Hire: Ken (Bad Boys for Hire Series, #2) – After Jolie Becker is left at the altar, her friends secretly hire a hunky beach bum to cheer her up.

13: Katy Walters, Sands of Seduction – Clary escaped to a place of sea and sand, a place of passion and seduction.

14: Melissa Keir, Protecting Her Pigg – Arson and fire bring them together, but what will cause the most damage…the arsonist bent on revenge or their own stubborn ways?

15: Dani Haviland, Pool Boy Wanted (No Experience Preferred) – He’d never known a woman before, and that’s just how she wanted him.

16: Jacquie Biggar, Summer Lovin’ – Can two mismatched lovers find a way past their mistakes, or will they keep their lonely hearts forever guarded?

Expected publication: May 24th 2016 by Chill Out Publishing

Edition Language- English

Pre-Order Summer Heat – Love on Fire: 16 Bestselling, 16 all-new romances guaranteed to make your blood run hot! Only 99c

Amazon/Kindle (US): http://bit.ly/SuHA

Amazon/Kindle (UK): http://bit.ly/SuHAK

Nook (US): http://bit.ly/SuHtBN

Nook (UK): http://bit.ly/SuHBNUK

Kobo: http://bit.ly/SuHKb

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1QVFyh8

Apple: http://apple.co/1TVjEcN

Like us on Goodreads

Check out the website

Visit us on Facebook

Join our release day party May 24/16

We’re giving away a Kindle loaded with books from the best-selling authors of Summer Heat! There will chatting, games, and plenty of giveaways. Join us for the fun!

SummerHeat_BoxSet_LRG

Posted in Guest Posts, Promotion | Tagged contemporary romance, Melissa Keir, Protecting Her Pigg, Summer Heat | 15 Comments

Medieval Monday: Betrayal ~ Fiona is Abandoned in Dragon Knight’s Axe by Mary Morgan

Posted on April 11, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Betrayal

is our theme for this round of Medieval Monday!

Please welcome this week’s guest Mary Morgan with her romance

Dragon Knight’s Axe

Excerpt:

Panic gripped Fiona. Something wasn’t right. Why would he leave her? She thought he cared with all the time they’d spent together. “Why in the hell did Alastair leave?” she choked out holding back the scream.

“He didn’t want to watch you die. Each day that passed took you further away. There was nothing he or any of us could do,” replied Brigid.

Her voice quivered. “Got it….umm…he abandoned me.”

Brigid sighed. “I believe he cared for you so much, he could not stand to watch you leave him.”

Fiona’s tone turned bitter as she clutched the furs. “When you care for someone, you stay with them until the very end. No matter what happens. What? Did he say good-bye, kiss me, and then just walk out of here? I hope to God our paths never cross again.”

“Do you really mean that, Fiona?” asked Aileen in a soft voice.

Closing her eyes, she didn’t want to look at either of the women. Her head throbbed, and her heart weighed heavy knowing that the only man she would ever love had walked away from her.

“Please leave,” she murmured.

When the door closed, she finally opened her eyes. She refused to let the tears fall, so she bit her lip and swallowed. Digging her hands into the furs, she kept trying to breathe. Everywhere she looked there was something that reminded her of Alastair. The plaid he had given her to stay warm, a sgian dubh for protection, and glancing around the room slowly, her eyes caught sight of something on the chair by the head of the bed.

Squeezing her eyes shut, she counted to ten. Yet, when she opened them, there was no denying it any longer and sadness engulfed her. As she tried to reach for the object, her vision became clouded, the tears streaming down her face, as she was unable to hold them back.

Grasping the chess piece, she clutched it to her chest. “Why, Alastair?” Sobbing uncontrollably, she realized that he had given her the Dragon King as his parting gift to her.

And Fiona’s heart shattered completely.

Blurb:

Alastair MacKay, a battled-scarred Dragon Knight flees to the sea to separate himself from his fae-given power connecting him to the land. But it is on land that he rescues a woman from a slave trader in Ireland. It is through Fiona he steps back inadvertently into a world filled with magic—taking on the role of protector and at the same time leading him on a journey to confront his greatest regret and fears. Research assistant, Fiona O’Quinlan loves translating ancient artifacts at Trinity College. When she falls asleep on an archeological dig, she awakens in another time. She soon discovers a Dragon Knight’s relic has been entrusted into her care. Determined to return the artifact to the Great Glen, Fiona is unprepared for the danger ahead—losing her heart and soul to Alastair “Beast” MacKay. Will their love be strong enough to soothe the beast and heal the man? Or will Death swing its axe, leaving them lost for all eternity?

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Knights-Axe-Order-Book-ebook/dp/B00Y5756TO/

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dragon-knights-axe-mary-morgan/1122070231?ean=2940151305426

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/dragon-knight-s-axe

Apple ibooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/dragon-knights-shield/id1067612279?mt=11

The Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=242_177_139&products_id=6263

Posted in Medieval Monday, Medieval Romance, Promotion | Tagged Betrayal, Dragon Knight's Axe, Mary Morgan, Medieval Monday, medieval romance | 4 Comments

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 4/10/16 Only Scandal Will Do~ A Game of Seduction

Posted on April 10, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Only Scandal Will Do is April’s “Book of the Month” so I’ve put up 10 lines from my Georgian romance.

Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam has been kidnapped and auctioned in a brothel to the highest bidder, a masked man she is now trying to convince she is not a harlot. This begins only a few lines from where we left off last week.

“I tell you for the third time, I am Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam!” She all but screamed the words at him as though making them louder would somehow convince him of their truth.

“I see you would prefer to play a different scenario, my lady?” he asked, smirking as he emphasized the last two words. “I, for one, would fancy seduction rather than force.”

She clenched her hands and shouted, “But I am a lady, you oaf! Why will you not believe me?”

“Then convince me, Lady Katarina.” His voice dropped to low, sultry tones. Even worse, his mouth softened from the hard lines of the arrogant master to the soft, sensual half-smile of the practiced rake. A shiver ran through her that had nothing to do with fright.

Only Scandal Will Do is available at Amazon currently for $1.99.

Blurb:

He has the woman of his dreams, but what price will he have to pay to win her heart?

WARNING: A blade-wielding heroine who crosses swords with a master of sensuality.

And don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There’s some fantastic snippets to be read.

Posted in Historical Romance, on Georgian Romance, On Only Scandal Will Do, On Weekend Writing Warriors, Promotion, Weekend Writing Warriors | Tagged .99 book sale, Georgian romance, Jenna Jaxon, Only Scandal Will Do, The House of Pleasure series, Weekend Writing Warriors | 19 Comments

Book of the Month: Only Scandal Will Do

Posted on April 8, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

My Book of the Month for April is the first book in my House of Pleasure series Only Scandal Will Do. This week’s prize is an e-copy of the second book of the series, Only Marriage Will Do. It only takes a comment below to enter to win.

The WINNER of the $5.00 Starbucks card is

appyto914

( I’ll be contacting you shortly.)

BLURB:

He has the woman of his dreams, but what price will he have to pay to win her heart?

WARNING: A blade-wielding heroine who crosses swords with a master of sensuality.

TRAILER:

EXCERPT:

He grasped her hand, and the warmth of his skin dispelled the chill in her fingers. With his thumb, he stroked over the top of her knuckles, kneading the skin with soothing circular motions, an exquisite treat for her misused flesh. “You must have been devastated, my lady.”

Staring at their intertwined hands, she became lost in the velvety sensation of his touch. She raised her eyes to his. But his head was still bent over their hands as he concentrated on each small, comforting movement of his thumb.

“I was.” The confession popped out. “I still miss my father dreadfully.” Blinking back tears she had no intention of shedding, she shook her head. She tried to withdraw her hand, to distance herself from him and the painful memories that weakened her ability to think clearly. But he tightened his grip and snared the other hand as well.

“You are distraught, my lady. It has been a harrowing night for you. Please allow me to come to your aid.” He brought her hands to rest on the soft black cloak that disguised the solid expanse of his chest. The concern and respect in his voice, which had so recently mocked and insulted her, broke through her crumbling defenses. Ready to drop from weariness, she could not reclaim the strength leached away by the excitements of the night. And his chest was so strong and warm under her palms. Incredibly warm. Kat sighed as that heat stole into her body, relaxing the muscles in her hands and arms inch by inch.

The face beneath the mask softened, his lips turned up in a tender smile. He traced a line down her cheek with the back of one finger. “Allow me take care of you, my dear.”

His touch, like fine silk drawn over her skin, sent a pang of longing through her. Could she permit someone else to be strong for her, just this once? He understood the fears she faced tonight and sought to vanquish them, as any knight errant would seek to make amends. He continued to stroke her cheek, her jaw, her chin, his touch feather light. A powerful, unreasoning desire assaulted her to feel his strong arms around her, sheltering her from the harsh world. She was hardly surprised, then, to find him gathering her against his broad chest.

“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.

With a finger beneath her chin, he lifted 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 she forgot everything around her, giving herself completely to the pleasures of that kiss.

Only Scandal Will Do is available at Amazon currently for just .99!

Good luck and happy reading!

Posted in Book of the Month, Book Spotlights, Historical Romance, House of Pleasure Series, On Only Scandal Will Do, On Regency Romance, Promotion, Regency Romance | Tagged Book of the Month, Georgian romance, historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, Only Scandal Will Do, Regency romance, The House of Pleasure series | 2 Comments

Cover Spot: Watchmaker’s Heart by Juli D. Revezzo

Posted on April 7, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

This week’s featured cover is from my good friend, Juli D. Revezzo, who has just released a wonderful Victorian/Steampunk romance called Watchmaker’s Heart. Isn’t this cover delicious?

Cover Quote from Juli D. Revezzo~ “When I was poking around for ideas for the cover art to use on Watchmaker’s Heart, I ran a few ideas past my cover artist. None quite clicked until she sent me this picture in a batch of stock art. In it, I could see Phoebe’s opening sequence on the train, and the proverbial lightbulb went off.”

BLURB:

For Miss Phoebe Lockswell, fashionable London tea parties and balls aren’t her style. Instead, she prefers to tinker tirelessly with a clockwork diffuser she’s built from scratch. If only she can get the invention to work on command, she might earn her way out of an arranged marriage to a repugnant member of the House of Commons.

London watchmaker Mortimer Kidd was brought up hard in the arms of an infamous London gang. Despite the respectability he strives for now, the gang leader is blackmailing him. When Mortimer sees Phoebe’s diffuser, he thinks he’s found a way to buy himself out of trouble. The brash Phoebe manages to steal his heart, however, before he can purloin her invention.

Will Mortimer’s unsavory past catch up to him before he convinces Phoebe of his devotion? Worse, once Phoebe learns the truth, will she ever trust him again?

Watchmaker’s Heart is available at Amazon.

Posted in Cover Spot, Historical Romance, Promotion | Tagged cover art, historical romance, Juli D. Revezzo, steampunk, Victorian romance, Watchmaker's Heart | 9 Comments

Spotlight: The Duke’s Bride by Lindsay Downs

Posted on April 5, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

In the spotlight today is my good friend Lindsay Downs whose newest Regency, The Duke’s Bride, has just been released. Please, take a peek!

Blurb- The Duke’s Bride (Book 1 in The Radcliffe Family series)
Who murdered his father and why does someone want him dead?

These questions torment Simon, The Duke of Kettering.

Even his mother has no idea.

Add to this problem, Simon’s desire for Lady Emma Carringham, the duchess’ companion, is growing daily.

Over time he knows she will make the perfect duchess for him.

That is, if he can keep her alive, himself also, for that matter.

Even letters saved by the late duke are of little help.

It’s not until Emma’s mother, Lady Sarah, arrives do all the pieces slowly come together.

They learn the late duke had gotten a young lady with child, a son. Later, the young man returned to France and fought with Bonaparte in Spain

Simon’s next question- Why now?

To that, no one had an answer.

At least now, thanks to Lady Sarah, they had a name-Justin Beaumont- to go along with a partial description of the man.

When Simon learns the man has left the district he relaxes the need for guards as his extended family descends upon the ducal estate for the impending wedding.

This decision proved unfortunate for his betrothed who, with her maid, footman and groom, visits the dress shop for a fitting of a specially made gown.

When Simon receives a note he knows to save Emma from the madman he will have to risk his life.

Safely returned to the ducal palace Simon can’t wait another second longer to marry Emma and does so with a newly acquired special license.

Excerpt- The Duke’s Bride

“I don’t know who you are. This is the private office of The Duke of Kettering. I order you to leave at once or I will be required to call for footmen to forcibly remove you.” The woman stood in the doorway, her eyes dazzling, her cheeks crimson in rage, and a stern tilt to her chin.

He bit back a smile. Did she think with her short stature that she would be taken seriously? Simon tightened his grip on the edge of the desk until his knuckles ached. He started to open his mouth to explain, and chastise her for interrupting him with her silliness until, she stepped over to the saber on the wall and drew the sword from its scabbard.

If this woman was his mother’s companion there was no question in his mind, she was insane.

He bolted out of the chair so fast it knocked against the wall. Simon rushed to the woman, stopping a few feet from her, a safe distance from the saber. She held the deadly sharp blade in her hand, pointed directly at his chest.

“I don’t believe a cavalry saber is the proper accessory for a young lady. Why don’t you relinquish it before one of us gets seriously injured?” He smiled, belying the tension in his gut.

“Not until you’re in a cell in the basement, awaiting whatever punishment His Grace deems suitable,” she snapped back, not even a sliver of fear in her eye or voice.

Simon appreciated the fact this young lady wasn’t a weak flower, but a strong tree. Unwilling to bend in a storm.

“Lady Emma, it is my great displeasure to present to you Simon, The Duke of Kettering.” His mother announced from the doorway.

Simon watched as the young woman’s cheeks flushed in a delicate pink. It took her three seconds to realize what she’d done, and she lowered the saber to her side. “I-I…” Her voice trembled.

He stared, wondering why there was an unexplainable ache in his body similar to the time he’d hit puberty and realized just how pretty women were, but this was different, somehow.

Clearing his throat, he stepped forward, composing himself. “If you don’t mind, I’ll relieve you of this.” He held out his hand and without hesitation, she placed the saber in his palm. He closed his fingers around the handle enjoying its warmth from her touch.

Returning the blade safely to the scabbard, he turned back to Emma who gave him a deep curtsey.

And then he did something without thinking of the consequences.

He gently cupped her elbow, straightened her, then led her further into the room. Much to his wonderment, his mother followed, frowning.

“Your Grace, please accept my humble apology for threatening you and holding you at the end of a blade.”

“There’s no need for an apology as I’m as much to blame as you are for failing to inform you who I was when we first met.”

“I agree. I feel as if I was at a serious disadvantage,” Emma mumbled.

“If you both have your wits about you—” the duchess said, “—which I doubt you do Simon, shall we retire to my parlor? We can discuss something which has not only concerned myself, but Emma as well, for the longest of time.”

Buy Links-

US- http://tinyurl.com/jtfkwo2

UK- http://tinyurl.com/hda943l

CA- http://tinyurl.com/jlgjgxz

AU- http://tinyurl.com/jmouzl7

IN- http://tinyurl.com/j3lyuw3

About me-

I’ve been an avid reader ever since I was old enough to hold a red leather bound first edition copy of Sir Walter Scott’s The Lady of the Lake in my lap.

So it only seemed natural at some point in my life I take up pen and paper to start writing. Over time my skills slightly improved which I attribute to my English teachers.

My breakthrough came about in the mid 1970’s when I read a historical romance written by Sergeanne Golon, Angelique. This French husband and wife team opened my eyes to the real world of fiction. Stories about romance, beautiful damsels, handsome heroes and plots which kept me hooked. Of course, being a man, I had to keep my reading hidden from others as that wasn’t appropriate reading for men.

With this new found appreciation of the written word I took up other books and devoured them as a starving person would a plate of food. I them attempted to write again. I still wasn’t satisfied so I put it aside for years as other events entered my life.

Finally, in the early years of the new millennium I tried again to write and once again met with limited success. At least now I was able to get past the first page or two. Then, in 2006 a life changing event brought me back to my love, I took a job as a security officer. This allowed me plenty of time to read different genres.

My favourite was regency. As I poured through everyone I could get my hands on I knew this could be something I wanted to attempt.

Since 2012 when my debut regency romantic suspense released I was hooked and have, except for a few contemporaries, focused on this genre.

Since 2012 I’ve lived in central Texas. I’m also a member of Romance Writers of America and their local chapter.

Where you can find me-

Facebook- http://tinyurl.com/pgq8vzz

Facebook Pages- http://tinyurl.com/nresq5j

Twitter- @ldowns2966

LinkedIn- http://tinyurl.com/e8t56

Goodreads-http://tinyurl.com/prcdmml

Lindsay Downs-Romance Author- http://tinyurl.com/kvfz468

Amazon- http://tinyurl.com/ktem76c

Posted in Book Spotlights, New Release, On Regency Romance, Promotion, Regency Romance, Spotlights | Tagged Lindsay Downs, Regency romance, Regency suspense, romantic suspense, The Duke's Bride, The Radcliffe Family series | 4 Comments

Medieval Monday: Betrayal ~ The Seventh Son by Ashley York

Posted on April 4, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Betrayal

is our theme for this round of Medieval Monday!

Please welcome this week’s guest Ashley York with her brand new release

The Seventh Son

Excerpt:

“Tisa. Yer betrothal to the MacNaughton has been severed. Ye’ll marry into the Meic Lochlainn clan of Inishowen. They’ll be here in two days time.”

The pain in her chest intensified with every word he spoke, like nails hammering into her heart, but her brain refused to understand his meaning beyond his first statement.

Your betrothal to the MacNaughton has been severed.

Her betrothal to Tadhg? They’d been betrothed forever. They grew up knowing they would one day be wed. Tadhg was all she wanted in a husband.

Her father’s eyes never wavered from her face. Surely he measured her reaction as if he cared.

“Ronan came here to make the agreement on their behalf. He has been a great help to our clan.”

The kind eyes seemed familiar but no. Those would have been the eyes of her father that loved her. A father that wanted her to be happy. A father that wanted her settled nearby. This? This was a man that cared nothing for her. A man that would rip away her future dreams of happiness. A man that would send her away from him. A man that would give her to strangers. Strangers that saw her as nothing more than…breeding stock.

No. She was more than that. She would not stand here and be handed off to a stranger and not even a word of protest.

“Why?” Damn her eyes. The tears swelled and her father became a blurry figure. “How?”

He looked away. “The MacNaughton broke our agreement.”

Her jaw dropped. A slap to the face would have hurt less. “No!”

“After Moira died, Padraig sent word he would not see his son married to an O’Brien.”

“And ye did not think to tell me this?”

Her head reeled with the implications.

“And Moira? Tadhg’s mother is dead?” Her breath hitched. Moira had been like a mother to her. “When was she buried? I wish to pay my resp—”

“Ye will not! Padraig would not allow us to come. None of us.” Her father finally faced her. “We are no longer welcome on his land. He wants nothing to do with us.”

“Nothing to do with us? They are our kinsmen.”

“No longer.”

“Ye canna just let him cut us off like this.”

“I was given little choice in the matter.”

“Then go to him! Beg his forgiveness for whatever you have done!”

“I have done nothing wrong! ‘Twas Padraig’s doing. He chose to give me no reason. I will abide by his decree.”

Tisa’s mind struggled to make sense of what her father was saying. There must be something he was not saying. “Why would Padraig treat us like this?”

He looked past her. “It matters not. What does matter is that the O’Neill threatens us to the west.”

“When will Seamus and Ian return?” Her only unwed brothers had been away going on two years now.

Her father’s eyes rounded in pain. “I dinna wish to upset ye but yer brothers will not be returning. They died in battle against the O’Neill.”

Tisa cried out. “When?”

“We received the news spring last.”

“Again ye decide to keep this from me? Do ye think I am a child? If that is the way of it, ’tis because my own father kept me from the truths in life, shielding me as if I would break.”

“Ye brothers went against my wishes. My anger was at them, not ye.”

“Be angry then. Be sad. Be devastated! But dunna keep me from the truth.”

“A great loss.” Her father closed his eyes against the pain.

Her own heart cried out. They were much older than her as were her sisters. The MacNaughton’s were closer in age and felt more like family. Brighit was like her own little sister.

“I must make decisions that ye may not wish to abide by—but ye will. The O’Neill will not back down. We need an alliance with a strong clan. I need men I can count on, who will fight with me against them.”

“The MacNau—”

“They will not fight for us now. ‘Tis not their land that is threatened.” He shouted the words, his nostrils flaring. “They have broken our agreement, daughter. We are defenseless. Ronan was good enough to make a new alliance for us.”

“At what cost to us?” Tisa knew the answer as soon as she asked the question. The way Ronan had looked at her, assessing her worth as a mate.

“You will marry their tanist.”

“So I am to be exchanged for the promise of protection?”

“Ye will have a place of prominence in their clan.”

“I do not care about prominence! I want the life I had always been promised. The life I was raised for.”

“That life is gone, Tisa. This is the life ye will have.”

“I do not accept this…betrayal.”

“Ye have no choice.”

The Seventh Son is available on Amazon.

Blurb:

Drogheda, Ireland 1076

The sixth son bears a curse as certain as the seventh son bears a blessing. When Tadhg MacNaughton’s betrothed is ripped from his arms and married to another, he believes the legend is true.

Tisa O’Brien’s life slams into a downward spiral at the news she is no longer betrothed to the love of her life but married to the tanist of a warring, prideful clan with dangerous political aspirations—the Meic Lochlainn. She faces her destiny with all the strength and dignity of her Irish heritage despite dealing with a husband who resents her, fighting off the lustful advances of her father-in-law, Aodh, and longing for the husband of her heart.

Tadhg MacNaughton makes a deal with the devil to ensure the survival of his clan as he is commanded to fight with Aodh who envisions himself the new Brian Boru, High King of Eire. Up close and personal, Tadhg must witness his true love’s marriage and remain silent even as it rips him apart. When a sinister plot to over throw King William of England led by the exiled Leofrid Godwin and Clan Meic Lochlainn comes to light, Tadhg is faced with saving his clan or endangering his sister and her Norman husband.

An Irish beauty and a warrior betrayed—doomed in love from the start or does fate have something else in store for them?

Posted in Medieval Monday, Medieval Romance, Promotion | Tagged Ashley York, Betrayal, Medieval Monday, medieval romance, The Seventh Son | 1 Comment

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 4/03/16 Only Scandal Will Do~ Kidnapped!

Posted on April 3, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Only Scandal Will Do is April’s “Book of the Month” so I’ve put up 10 lines from my Georgian romance.

Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam has been kidnapped and auctioned in a brothel to the highest bidder, a masked man she is now trying to convince she is not a harlot.

Katarina clutched the chair’s golden upholstery to keep from launching herself at him and wrapping her fingers around his arrogant throat. “I am Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam, sister to the Earl of Manning. I was kidnapped and brought here tonight against my will.”

He cocked his head. Then his mouth twitched. “Truly? What an exciting life you must lead…Lady Katarina, was it?” He chuckled deep in his chest, and took a step toward the chair.

She glared at him. “I am Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam, you dullard.”

Only Scandal Will Do is available at Amazon currently for .99.

Blurb:

He has the woman of his dreams, but what price will he have to pay to win her heart?

WARNING: A blade-wielding heroine who crosses swords with a master of sensuality.

And don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There’s some fantastic snippets to be read.