Cover Spot: Love & Lies by Gina Danna

Posted on March 3, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Cover Spot has returned! I’m playing around with a logo for the post, so bear with me as this changes.

But today’s featured cover is from Gina Danna, who, like me , writes in all different periods. This new book is set in Ancient Rome and the cover is a beauty!

GinaDanna_LoveLies_1400-637x1024 Quote from Gina Danna ~ ” It’s to depict a seduction – she’s a Roman lady, he’s a gladiator/slave. Its a wrapped up affair of love and lies – he hates Romans, she’s Roman & though she is the master, he controls her fate for to escape with her is his death but the leave her puts her in hell.”

BLURB:

Rome 100 CE

Conquered, beaten, sentenced to die in the Colosseum, Ganius escapes his execution only to find himself enslaved as a gladiator. His rise to champion ensures his life, but does nothing to lessen his desire for vengeance against the Roman soldiers who destroyed all he knew. Locked into a repugnant betrothal, the beautiful Roman Aurelia turns to her brother’s champion gladiator for help. Promising him his freedom if he helps her escape, Aurelia soon discovers she wants not only Ganius’s help, but to capture his heart as he’s captured hers.
In love with his sworn enemy, Ganius realizes Aurelia is the key to his freedom. But to take her with him would risk both their lives, yet leaving her behind to be a pawn in her brother’s machinations is a wretched alternative. Ganius must choose—love of a Roman or freedom to make the Romans pay. This is a fight the champion gladiator might lose…

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1R1jStO

iBooks: Love & Lies by Gina Danna on iBooks

Kobo: http://bit.ly/21g4lBo

Posted in Cover Spot, Historical Romance, Promotion | Tagged Ancient Rome romance, cover art, Gina Danna, historical romance, Love & Lies | 9 Comments

Chesapeake Romance Writers’ Conference 2016

Posted on March 1, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Here’s my final pitch on my blog! Hope you live in the area. I’d love to meet you!

My local RWA chapter, Chesapeake Romance Writers, is hosting what has become our annual conference on March 5, 2016 this year, in Williamsburg, VA, just four days away! So I wanted to invite everyone, both writers and readers, to come out, meet some of our celebrated authors, enjoy our workshops, and have some fun into the bargain.

correct flyer

Readers, we have best-selling author Cathy Maxwell as our morning speaker. Her historical romances have hit most best-sellers lists. And if that wasn’t enough, our own chapter member, best-selling author of contemporary romance, Felicia Mason, will lead the afternoon workshop. Both these ladies are dynamic speakers, something you will not want to miss.

We will also have a book sales nook, where many of our local authors will be selling and signing books.

Writers, in addition to the workshops by industry experts, we will be having pitches taken on site by acquiring editors and agents. After lunch, this panel will also critique the first pages submitted by registered conference participants.

The day will be rounded out by presentations to the winners of our chapter’s annual writing contest, The Rudy.

So if you are live the Williamsburg, Central Virginia area or within driving distance, you should come down for a fabulous day devoted to writers and writing.

For more information or to register, please click this link here to go to our chapter’s conference webpage.

Hope to see you there!

Posted in Chesapeake Romance Writers, Conferences, Uncategorized | Tagged A Writer's Journey, Annual Conference, Cathy Maxwell, Chesapeake Romance Writers, Felicia Mason | Leave a comment

Medieval Monday: Betrayal ~ The Highlander’s French Bride by Cathy MacRae

Posted on February 29, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Betrayal

is our theme for this round of Medieval Monday!

Please welcome this week’s guest Cathy McCrae with her romance

The Highlander’s French Bride

Excerpt:

Melisende’s arms fell to her sides. “Why would you go back to such a life?”

“To the parties,” Lucienne answered, “and the gowns of fabrics so fantastic they make you cry from the sheer pleasure of them. Laces so delicate they can scarcely withstand the needle. Embroidery so fine it takes four seamstresses a week just to produce one sleeve.” Her eyes closed and rapture lit her face. “The men so courteous, so eager to woo me. Dancing, stealing kisses behind the fountain. They tell me how beautiful I am, how much they desire me.” She opened her eyes, settling her gaze on Melisende’s shocked face.

“Once Raul began annulment proceedings, their interest increased a hundredfold. I will have no lack of sponsors once I return.”

“That is a shameful way to live, and you know it, Lucienne.” Tears burned in Melisende’s eyes. “How can you do this to yourself?” She swept a hand toward the bed. “To her?”

The scorn returned to Lucienne’s face, casting ugly shadows beneath her high cheeks. “You think you know what is right for me. That I should be exactly like you, drowning behind your polite façade. You believe everything is perfect in your little world with your adorable new husband who loves you?” Her eyes narrowed as she slid her gaze to Arielle. “Have you not wondered why she looks like him?”

Melisende immediately looked at the child asleep on the bed. Her dark hair spilled across the pillow like a shadow in the dimly lit room. She glanced back at her sister. “Why do you say that? I think she looks just like you.”

“She has my nose and eyes, oui. But her dark hair comes from her father.”

“Raul.”

“Non. From your oh-so-sweet husband.”

Melisende’s gaze bounced from Lucienne back to the child. Lucienne’s parting words so many years ago loosed themselves from the depths of her mind. What do you think went on whilst he slept in our house—only me and him? He would be unable to look you in the eye if you knew everything that happened.

She shook her head. Non! It is impossible to think of it! He has already assured me there was nothing between himself and Lucienne. But her heart grew cold in her breast.

Lucienne strolled to the bed and stroked her daughter’s hair. “She looks so much like me. But she has Kinnon’s hair.” Her smile set an arrow in Melisende’s heart.

Brushing aside her doubts, Melisende stepped forward. “Do not be absurd, Lucienne. Her hair is much like mine, and Raul’s is dark as well.”

Lucienne tossed her head. “You do not seem to recall Arielle was born early—or so I told Raul.”

“Lucienne, did you have relations with someone whilst we lived in Randon?” Melisende demanded. “Did you marry Raul knowing you were already enceinte?”

Lucienne sent her a mocking look. “You would love to believe that, wouldn’t you? To keep your lover innocent of the deed.”

“I do not believe you,” Melisende replied firmly, against the reservations that gnawed at her.

Lucienne’s eyebrows raised, a lofty smile taunting Melisende. “Yet you see the resemblance, non? No matter what you tell yourself, you will always know there is the possibility. We spent an entire week together, unchaperoned. You know how insatiable he is, n’ai-je pas raison?” Her eyes glittered. “No matter what you try to believe, you will always wonder if he shared his body with me first.”

Blurb:

Heir to a lairdship, Kinnon Macrory is driven to prove his worth by fighting the English on the battlefields of France. His dreams of heroic valor are destroyed by the realities of war—the atrocities visited by fellow soldiers on the very people he is sworn to protect. Three years in a French prison for a crime he did not commit leave Kinnon longing for the one thing of beauty in his war-torn life—a young woman of great kindness and wisdom named Melisende.

Melisende de la Roche struggles to stay one step ahead of soldiers who would imprison her for helping an injured Scotsman wrongly accused of treason. She finds refuge in her uncle’s shop—until a chance encounter sends her fleeing into the unknown once again, haunted by the beguiling friendship with the troubled young Scotsman she is certain she will never see again.

Determined to find the woman of his dreams, Kinnon returns to France, only to discover a trail of clues to Melisende’s whereabouts. Their reunion will open the doors to passion, but half-truths and lies from the past could destroy the one thing they both are willing to fight for—each other.

Buy Link:

https://www.amzn.com/B018OHXKHK

Posted in Medieval Monday, Medieval Romance, Promotion | Tagged Betrayal, Cathy MacRae, Medieval Monday, The Highlander's French Bride | 1 Comment

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 2/28/16 Only Marriage Will Do ~ Too Close for Comfort

Posted on February 27, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Only Marriage Will Do is February’s “Book of the Month” so I’ve put up 10 more lines from it. This is Book 2 of my House of Pleasure series.

I’m starting somewhat in the middle, with a scene I really like. Throughout the book Juliet (our heroine) has been pursued by the Viscount Philippe St. Cyr, a debonair but ruthless Frenchman who claims he is married to Juliet through a proxy marriage in France the year before.

As this scene begins Juliet believes herself married to the man she loves, Amiable, but they are estranged and she is living with her brother and sister-in-law. In this scene, Juliet and her SIL, Katarina, have been talking about whether they would like a girl or a boy. Both ladies are pregnant and Katarina had just excused herself to go to the “necessary” room and Philippe walks in. At the top of this snippet, Philippe has seated himself next to her on the sofa and intends to resume an intimate relationship (Creative punctuation in use here.)

She squealed, a muted cry no one would hear. She couldn’t even open her lips to scream for he’d construe such an action as an invitation to ravage her mouth. Instead, she twisted her face away from his and tried to push him away.

He held her face immobile, a mere hairbreadth away from his. With his powerful body pressed into hers, any attempt to shove him away became futile. His ragged breathing rasped loudly in her ear and she braced herself for the horror of his mouth on her again.

The quiet click of a pistol being cocked penetrated her terrified mind.

Philippe froze and in the momentary distraction, she wrenched her head away from him toward the center of the room.

Amiable stood, arm outstretched, with the barrel of the flintlock pistol pointed at Philippe’s head. Her husband’s eyes focused on the target, a snarl on his lips.

Only Marriage Will Do is available here.

Blurb:

Not every happy-ever-after begins at “I do.”

Captivated by Juliet’s sweetness and beauty, Captain Amiable Dawson can’t help but be spellbound by the promise of a life with her. But the spell breaks when questions arise about her marital status. Soon the upstanding Amiable is unsure if he is indeed married to Juliet. And when his rival absconds with her, Amiable must choose between the law of the land and his heart’s desire to rescue Juliet once more…

That’s all for this week. Hope you enjoyed it!

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 Weekend Writing Warriors, Only Marriage Will Do, Promotion, Weekend Writing Warriors | Tagged Jenna Jaxon, Only Marriage Will Do, Regency romance, Weekend Writing Warriors | 26 Comments

Encounter of a Mafia Kind ~ Liza O’Connor and A Fortune to Die For

Posted on February 23, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Liza’s encounter with the MAFIA

Many years ago, a young hotheaded Mafia thug threatened to whack me in the middle of a traffic jam. It began with him blaring his horn so I would get out of his way (did I mention we were in a TRAFFIC JAM???) so I flew him the bird. I didn’t know he was mafia at that time. I just thought him a jerk. Seconds later, he’s left his car and is pounding my car demanding “Do you know who I am?”

Sadly, I hadn’t studied the mafia lingo back then. ‘Babbo’ would have worked nicely. (Mafia lingo for IDIOT) Instead I replied, “An asshole?”

That truly pissed him off: “I could blow your head off, right here, right now!”

He continued to slam his palms on my little car causing it to shudder as he yelled the same threat over and over. Finally, I lost my temper.

“Then do it!” I yelled at him. “Just do it!” At least there would be a hundred witnesses and video of my death.

He stopped pounding and stared at me in shock. Then he headed to his car but stopped halfway. He turned back to face me, rage about to cause his head to explode. He reached into his pocket and…

This is where I questioned the wisdom of my words…

Then he pulled a handful of coins and threw them at my car.

Not making that up… (Talk about anti-climactic).

Just at that moment the traffic opens up. So I threw him a goodbye bird and drove off.

(Clearly, I don’t learn!)

When I got home and told my Italian boyfriend the story, I got severely scolded.

“The Mafia does not have a sense of humor, Liza!”

Blurb

Megan Clarke had a good life until she wins the Mega Times Lottery and discovers the prize comes with a curse. Worse than the many money-hungry suitors, a serial killer has her in his sight. She changes her name and moves to Iowa with plans to buy their last major forest of white oaks and turn it into a State Park. Unfortunately, the Lottery Curse doesn’t stop at state lines and someone there wants her dead, as well. Good thing a disturbingly handsome law officer is just as determined to keep her alive.

Excerpt

“This is serious, Meg. The mafia doesn’t normally act so boldly against the FBI. While you are still important, this case just got a lot bigger than you.” He gripped her arms and pulled her against him. “I need you a hundred percent trouble free. Otherwise, I’m afraid my boss will cut you loose as we go after bigger fish. Can you do this for me?”

For the first time since her life of hell had begun, she was truly terrified. And of what, she had no clue. However, the worry in Steve’s eyes struck her hard.

The only way she could prevent herself from breaking down into a sobbing ball of Jell-O was to think professionally. “May I call and invite Mr. Barkman to visit my land with Tess as his guide?”

“You can’t go with them.”

“I understand.”

“Then you may call and arrange his tour.”

“And may I google various people on my computer?”

“Just don’t call anyone without clearing it with me. And if I say no, just accept it. This day is going to be a nightmare.”

She nodded.

“Then I’ll get my computer and stay in here…until I need the bathroom.”

His hard eyes studied her face as if trying to find deception. Finally, they softened and he caressed her cheek. “Thank you for trusting me. I know it’s not easy.”

Oddly, it had been. The moment all hell broke loose, he was her rock.

BUY LINK

A Fortune to Die For

White Oak – Mafia Series

AMAZON

Free with Kindle Unlimited

About Liza

Liza O’Connor was raised badly by feral cats, left the South/Midwest and wandered off to find nicer people on the east coast. There she worked for the meanest man on Wall Street, while her psychotic husband tried to kill her three times. (So much for finding nicer people.) Then one day she declared enough, got a better job, divorced her husband, and fell in love with her new life where people behaved nicely. But all those bad behaviors has given her lots of fodder for her humorous books. Please buy these books, because otherwise, she’ll become grumpy and write troubled novels instead. They will likely traumatize you.

You have been warned.

Mostly humorous books by Liza:

Ghost Lover—Two British brothers fall in love with the same young woman. Ancestral ghost is called in to fix the situation. And there’s a ghost cat that roams about the book as well. (Humorous Contemporary Romance)

Saving Casey— Cass wakes up in the body of a troubled teen who has burned every bridge imaginable. Her only choice is to turn this life around, but that’s much harder than she ever imagined.

Untamed & Unabashed—The youngest of the Bennet sisters, Lydia, tells her story. A faithful spinoff from Pride & Prejudice.

A Long Road to Love Series: (Humorous Contemporary odd Romance)

Worst Week Ever — Laugh out loud week of disasters of Epic proportions.

Oh Stupid Heart — The heart wants what it wants, even if it’s impossible.

Coming to Reason — There is a breaking point when even a saint comes to reason.

Climbing out of Hell — The reconstruction of a terrible man into a great one.

The Hardest Love — Is to love oneself. Sam’s story.

The Adventures of Xavier & Vic Sleuth series: (Late Victorian/Mystery/Romance)

The Troublesome Apprentice — The greatest sleuth in Victorian England hires a young man who turns out to be a young woman.

The Missing Partner — Oops! The greatest sleuth in Victorian England goes missing, leaving Vic to rescue him, a suffragette, and about 100 servants. Not to mention an eviscerating cat. Yes, let’s not mention the cat.

A Right to Love — A romantic detour for Jacko. Want to see how amply rewarded Jacko was when he & Vic save an old woman from Bedlam?

The Mesmerist — The Mesmerist can control people from afar and make them murder for her. Worse yet, Xavier Thorn has fallen under her spell.

Well Kept Secrets — The problems with secrets is that they always come to light, no matter how you wish to silence them.

Pack of Trouble — Changes are a part of life, but these changes almost kill Vic.

The Darkest Days — Muddled cases make Vic very grumpy.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT

LIZA O’CONNOR

Investigate these sites:

Liza’s Blog and Website Facebook Twitter

Posted in Guest Bloggers, Guest Posts, New Release, Promotion | Tagged A Fortune to Die For, contemporary romance, Liza O'Connor, lottery fortune, Mafia, romantic suspense, White Oak Mafia series | 6 Comments

Medieval Monday ~ First Kiss: Barbara Bettis and Silverhawk

Posted on February 22, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome back to Medieval Monday. This month we are posting an excerpt with the first kiss of the hero and heroine. My guest today is Barbara Bettis with Silverhawk.

Excerpt:

Lady Emelin tucked her heavy brown wimple beneath her chin and watched the wounded knight.

Swollen eyelids, a puffy cheek, and bloody scrapes couldn’t hide his handsome features. Waves of midnight hair fell across his wide forehead to brush one side of his square, stubble-darkened jaw. Grit clustered on the high bridge of his nose. What shame such a strong, rugged man should be cut down. Her pulse fluttered, and she sucked in a sharp breath. Ashamed of such reaction, she squeezed shut her eyes.

Would Stephen have been so handsome, had he lived? She hardly recalled what her youthful first betrothed looked like when he joined his foster father on King Richard’s crusade. If only he’d returned, she’d be wed now, with the family she craved.

She sighed, reached for a leaf on her patient’s cheek—and found herself staring into the palest gray eyes she’d ever seen. His mouth moved; she leaned forward.

“What is it?” she murmured.

“Before…I…die,” came the hoarse whisper.

“Yes? What would you like before you die?” If it were in her power, she would provide the poor man with his wish. Drink? Food?

A strong hand gripped the back of her head, pulled her forward. That close, she saw his eyes weren’t gray, but layered like a winter pond winking with ice. They were silver.

“To…kiss…a nun,” came the outrageous reply before his lips met hers.

His warm mouth robbed her of breath for an instant. Then she snapped back with a gasp. And, with inborn reflex, slapped him. His head jerked, his eyes closed, and he lay motionless.

“Oh, Sweet Mary,” Emelin whispered, “I’ve killed him.” Leaning close, she saw his narrow, beautifully molded lips relax. His mouth curved at the corner.

At least he died with a smile on his face.

BLURB

He’s everything a proper lady should never want; she’s everything a bastard mercenary can never have.

Sir Giles has come to England to kill his father, who seduced and betrayed his mother. First, however, he’ll seek sweet revenge—kidnap the old lord’s new betrothed. But when Giles uncovers a plot against King Richard, he faces a dilemma: take the lady or track the traitors. What’s a good mercenary to do? Both, of course.

Lady Emelin has had enough. Abandoned in a convent by her brother, she finally has a chance for home and family. Yet now she’s been abducted. Her kidnapper may be the image of her dream knight, but she won’t allow him to spoil this betrothal. Her only solution: escape. Rescuing the intrepid lady—while hunting traitors—is a challenge Giles couldn’t anticipate. But the greatest challenge to Giles and Emelin is the fire blazing between them. For he’s everything a proper lady should never want, and she’s everything a bastard mercenary can never have

BUY LINK:

http://amzn.to/1WTz3KJ

Hope you enjoyed this excerpt! See you next week when our excerpts will change to celebrations in honor of the season.

Posted in Historical Romance, Medieval Monday, Medieval Mondays, Medieval Romance, Promotion | Tagged Barbara Bettis, Excerpts, Hero/Heroine first kiss, Medieval Monday, Silverhawk | Leave a comment

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 2/21/16 Only Marriage Will Do ~ “I Can Make You Burn Again”

Posted on February 21, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Only Marriage Will Do is February’s “Book of the Month” so I’ve put up 10 more lines from it. This is Book 2 of my House of Pleasure series.

“But a short time ago you burned for me, mon amour,” he whispered. “I can make you burn again. I can make you forget everything but the passion we shared once you are in my arms,” he said as he moved closer, easing his arm around her shoulders.

She could not conceive of a time she had thought she loved him. She shifted on the narrow sofa but had to sit still or land on the floor among the sharp shards of the shattered teacup.

He cradled her face, crooning, “My beautiful Juliet. Shall I remind you, petite, how it was between us?” He leaned toward her and she braced herself as his lips brushed hers. She jerked her head backward, clamping her mouth closed.

He chuckled, urged her head back toward him, and opened his mouth to claim her again as his.

Only Marriage Will Do is available here.

Blurb:

Not every happy-ever-after begins at “I do.”

When the man of her dreams rescues Lady Juliet Ferrers from the villain claiming to be her husband, she is sure she has found her one true love. But is she free to marry him? Not to be deterred, Juliet arranges for her hero to escort her to her family estate in far off Northern England—hoping that along the way she can win his love—and his hand… Captivated by Juliet’s sweetness and beauty, Captain Amiable Dawson can’t help but be spellbound by the promise of a life with her. But the spell breaks when questions arise about her marital status. Soon the upstanding Amiable is unsure if he is indeed married to Juliet. And when his rival absconds with her, Amiable must choose between the law of the land and his heart’s desire to rescue Juliet once more…

That’s all for this week. Hope you enjoyed it!

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

Book Targeting and Facebook by Book Market Maven

Posted on February 20, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Book Market Maven came out with a new post today on book targeting and Facebook–very timely for me, since I recently started advertising on Facebook. If you’re an author, you should read this post by Patricia Green. Great advice and news of a free “training” course.

“Recently, I took a free “training” course through K-Lytics. If you’re not familiar with them, you ought to be. They’re an excellent resource for book targeting help. It’s all well and good to write a terrific book, but you also have to target it to the right audience. Even those of you who go through publishers – been there, done that – need to be able to write to the market…” To read the rest of the article go to http://www.bookmarketmaven.com/book-targeting-and-facebook/

Posted in Marketing, Promotion, Reblogs | Tagged Book Market Maven, book targeting, book targeting and Facebook, Facebook ads, Patricia Green | Leave a comment

Book of the Month: Only Marriage Will Do (Week 2)

Posted on February 19, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

My Book of the Month for February is my Georgian/Regency romance Only Marriage Will Do, Book 2 in my House of Pleasure Series. I’ll be running giveaways all month involving OMWD.

OFFICIAL BLURB FOR ONLY MARRIAGE WILL DO

Not every happy-ever-after begins at “I do.”

LAST WEEK’S WINNER

JENNIFER LOWREY!!!

(Jennifer, I’ll be contacting you shortly!)

THIS WEEK’S GIVEAWAY:

This week’s Giveaway is a signed print copy of the first book of the series, Only Scandal Will Do!

(Another gorgeous cover!)

To enter, lovely reader, leave a comment about what you look for in a hero of historical romance on this post between today and next Thursday, February 25th. The winner will be announced on Friday, February 26th along with the next giveaway.

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.

EXCERPT:

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.”

“And true ladies always run around London at night scandalously underdressed as Greek slaves?”

“My brother and I were on our way to a masquerade ball when I was abducted.”

“As was I, fair lady,” he bowed with an exaggerated flourish, “when I decided to come to this charming establishment instead. Perhaps if we had continued on our ways uninterrupted, we would even now be dancing together at the ball.”

That nasty laugh grated against her nerves worse than the screech of rusty nails, making her contemplate murder. If the scoundrel didn’t believe her story, killing him might be her only means of escape.

Only Marriage Will Do is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other e-retailers.

Only Scandal Will Do is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other e-tailers.