Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 1/10/16 Time Enough to Love: Nothing Untoward

Posted on January 10, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

 

weekend_writing_warriors_header3

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors!

Thank you to everyone who came by to visit last week!

This week I’m continuing from Book 2 of my medieval romance Time Enough to Love, the boxed set that just released yesterday. Check out the brand new cover!

This scene is from Betrayal and picks up almost right after last week’s snippet. After the devastating news that Geoffrey, her betrothed, has married another, Aylse has just been astounded by a proposal from his best friend, Thomas, who has concerns she may be pregnant.

TETL SET CORRECT COVERAlyse had not even considered the possibility, but now the thought screamed at her and instinctively her hand stole over her belly,  her cheeks stinging with heat.

She stared at him, her mind in a whirl, and slowly shook her head. “Nay, Thomas, I know not. I have not had…my courses since…since that night, but I am not yet overdue so ’twill be some time before I can hope to know.”

He sighed and some of the tension left his face. “That is good for then there is hope yet that nothing untoward has come from that night.”

“Why do you ask this?”

He pursed his lips as if impatient with her. “’Tis one reason I asked you to marry me,” he said, his voice emotionless. “If there is a child and we marry now, ’twill be easier thought to be mine.

Blurb for Time Enough to Love:

When Lady Alyse de Courcy is betrothed to Sir Geoffrey Longford, she has no choice but to make the best of a bad bargain. The hulking knight is far from her ideal man, and although he does possess some wit and charm, he is no match for the sinfully sensual man she secretly admires, Thomas, Earl of Braeton, her betrothed’s best friend.

From the first, Sir Geoffrey finds himself smitten by Lady Alyse, and, despite her infatuation with his friend, vows to win her love. When Geoffrey puts his mind to wooing Alyse, he is delighted to find her succumbing to his seduction. But when cruel circumstances separate them, Geoffrey must watch helplessly as Thomas steps in to protect Alyse—and falls in love with her himself.

As the three courtiers accompany Princess Joanna to her wedding in Spain, they run headlong into the Black Plague. With her world plunged into chaos, Alyse struggles with her feelings for both the men she loves. But which love will survive?

Time Enough to Love is available at Amazon and ARe.

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.

TETL SET CORRECT COVER91xBE7mBjRL__SL1500_

Marriage 2

AKBTM15

Posted in Historical Romance, Holiday Posts, Medieval Romance, On Time Enough to Love, On Weekend Writing Warriors, Promotion, Weekend Writing Warriors | Tagged , , , , , , | 17 Comments

Time Enough to Love Box Set Release Day!

Posted on January 9, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

A little earlier than expected–I really just couldn’t wait–Time Enough to Love has been released as an e-book set.

TETL SET CORRECT COVER

For the first time all four novellas are released in e-book format. And for the bargain price of just .99.  If you love medieval romance, this is the collection for you!

It’s already gotten a 5 star review!

“This is a great historical read; full of love, angst, action and passion. It has steamy sex scenes and is written in a manner that will keep you hurriedly reading page after page to see what happens to Lady Alyse and her suitors.”

Blurb:

Knight giving a rose to ladyWhen Lady Alyse de Courcy is betrothed to Sir Geoffrey Longford, she has no choice but to make the best of a bad bargain. The hulking knight is far from her ideal man, and although he does possess some wit and charm, he is no match for the sinfully sensual man she secretly admires, Thomas, Earl of Braeton, her betrothed’s best friend.

From the first, Sir Geoffrey finds himself smitten by Lady Alyse, and, despite her infatuation with his friend, vows to win her love. When Geoffrey puts his mind to wooing Alyse, he is delighted to find her succumbing to his seduction. But when cruel circumstances separate them, Geoffrey must watch helplessly as Thomas steps in to protect Alyse—and falls in love with her himself.

As the three courtiers accompany Princess Joanna to her wedding in Spain, they run headlong into the Black Plague. With her world plunged into chaos, Alyse struggles with her feelings for both the men she loves. But which love will survive?

Excerpt:

“Thomas.” Alyse curtsied quickly then blurted out the fear she had fought almost since Geoffrey had left. “Is my lord well? Have you news for me?” Thanks to Anne and Margaret’s thoughtless comments, she had become convinced Geoffrey had fallen ill with Sir Robert’s ailment and now himself hovered between life and death.

Avoiding her eyes, he answered briefly. “Aye, my lady. When I left him, Geoffrey was well enough.”

While his words relieved her, a shadow still lay on her heart. If Geoffrey was not ill, why had Thomas’s manner changed? What had summoned this aloof stranger? He was withholding something from her.

“And Sir Roland?”

He hesitated, searching her eyes then looking away. He fisted his hands. “Sir Roland is…has…”

Alyse could stand it no longer. She crossed to stand directly before him, laid a cold hand upon his arm, and gripped it. “Tell me.”

That there was something he could not bring himself to tell her filled her with terror. He said Geoffrey was well enough when he left. What about now?

Before she could question him further, he drew out a folded piece of parchment, sealed with blue wax and stamped with a signet ring bearing Geoffrey’s family crest. She stared at it, a cold dread creeping through her.

“Geoffrey bade me place this in your hand and no other, my lady.” Thomas thrust the missive19439610_m toward her.

Alyse compelled herself to hold her hand out.

He sighed. “He also bade me be at your service, lady, had you need of anything.” He gave the parchment into her hand. As he did so, she looked into his eyes and recognized the same pity she had seen in Princess Joanna’s.

Panic made her arms weak and her fingers numb. She forced her shaking hands to break the seal. Alyse unfolded the letter and slowly read the scratched and blurry words.

* * * *

In her bedchamber, Princess Joanna waited with Maurya, Anne, and Margaret. The women’s faces had changed from puzzlement to fear. Joanna looked from one maid to another, trying to hide her despondency. So many prayers had not been answered today.

Anne finally summoned the courage to ask, “Your Highness, what has happened?” She choked back tears. “I meant no harm, earlier. Indeed,” she crossed herself, “I wish Sir Roland and Sir Geoffrey long life.” She turned stricken eyes toward Joanna and whispered, “Is Sir Geoffrey—”

A wrenching wail of anguish shattered the hushed room, as though the very walls echoed the sound. The four women stood rooted to the floor at the almost-inhuman shriek of grief.

The sound cut off abruptly, and in the eerie silence that followed, they heard the soft thud of a body hitting the floor.

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Time Enough to Love is available at Amazon and Are. If you’ve read this series, please spread the  word! 🙂

 

Posted in Book Spotlights, Historical Romance, On Time Enough to Love | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Jenna’s 411 ~ 01/06/2016

Posted on January 6, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

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I’m ringing in the New Year by bringing back Jenna’s 411!

It’s been several months since I last caught you up on what’s going on in my life, so I thought the beginning of the new year was a great time to start again. Let’s see what’s the 411 for January 6th.

untitledBook Chat ~ Cover Reveal for Time Enough to Love Boxed Set!

Yesterday I revealed the gorgeous cover–by the extremely talented Renee Rocco–for my upcoming release, Time Enough to Love. This version is all four books in e-format for just .99. If you’ve not read them all, this is the boxed set to buy. It’s supposed to release next Tuesday, however, check back on Friday. Something tells me I’m not going to be able to wait. 🙂

Blurb:

When Lady Alyse de Courcy is betrothed to Sir Geoffrey Longford, she has no choice but to make the best of a bad bargain. The hulking knight is far from her ideal man, and although he does possess some wit and charm, he is no match for the sinfully sensual man she secretly admires, Thomas, Earl of Braeton, her betrothed’s best friend.

From the first, Sir Geoffrey finds himself smitten by Lady Alyse, and, despite her infatuation with his friend, vows to win her love. When Geoffrey puts his mind to wooing Alyse, he is delighted to find her succumbing to his seduction. But when cruel circumstances separate them, Geoffrey must watch helplessly as Thomas steps in to protect Alyse—and falls in love with her himself.

As the three courtiers accompany Princess Joanna to her wedding in Spain, they run headlong into the Black Plague. With her world plunged into chaos, Alyse struggles with her feelings for both the men she loves. But which love will survive?

ELLIEOn the Home Front ~  Home for the Holidays (Lots of News at Home This Month)

The big news at our house is that my daughter is home for the holidays from the University of Memphis! She got home before I even started exams and she doesn’t have to leave until next weekend. We are so thrilled to have her home again!

 

 

In another celebration, my eldest daughter turned 21 last week! We went to our favorite Mexican restaurant where she had her first margarita! We had a great time!BIRTHDAY PARTY

And the final piece of news is I had surgery on my right hand. I’d been putting off the removal of a benign tumor on my right middle finger until the doctor insisted. So I had that surgery the day after my daughter’s birthday. I knew I wouldn’t be able to write, so I binge watched one of my all-time favorite television shows, The West Wing, for three days straight. Actually, one of the best times I’ve had in a long time. 🙂 I only got through the first three seasons before I started back on the computer, but I’m going to continue watching until I finish the series.

CAPTION CONTEST 1Caption Contest

I’m starting a new feature–a caption writing contest each week. Caption the photo to the left and the one I like the best will win a book from my back list. If you’ve got them all, I’ll send you a copy of one of my favorite historical authors’ books. I’ll announce the winner on this post next week.

So take a look at this pic I snapped recently. What would you caption it?

 

And how’s your week been?

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Cover Reveal: Time Enough to Love Boxed Set

Posted on January 5, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

My Time Enough to Love books have been out for a while, both as single volumes and as a three-book set in print.  Now, for the first time, all FOUR books in the series will be available as a boxed set in e-book format! AND for the incredibly low price of .99!

confetti-clipart-confetti-clipart

*throws confetti*

Release date is next Tuesday, January 12. If pre-order becomes available, I’ll certainly let you know ASAP.

So now, without further ado:

MY NEW TIME ENOUGH TO LOVE BOX SET COVER!

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I hope you love the cover as much as I do! And in case you’re not familiar with the Time Enough to Love series, here’s the blurb:

When Lady Alyse de Courcy is betrothed to Sir Geoffrey Longford, she has no choice but to make the best of a bad bargain. The hulking knight is far from her ideal man, and although he does possess some wit and charm, he is no match for the sinfully sensual man she secretly admires, Thomas, Earl of Braeton, her betrothed’s best friend.

From the first, Sir Geoffrey finds himself smitten by Lady Alyse, and, despite her infatuation with his friend, vows to win her love. When Geoffrey puts his mind to wooing Alyse, he is delighted to find her succumbing to his seduction. But when cruel circumstances separate them, Geoffrey must watch helplessly as Thomas steps in to protect Alyse—and falls in love with her himself.

As the three courtiers accompany Princess Joanna to her wedding in Spain, they run headlong into the Black Plague. With her world plunged into chaos, Alyse struggles with her feelings for both the men she loves. But which love will survive?

Excerpt:

“Thomas.” Alyse curtsied quickly then blurted out the fear she had fought almost since Geoffrey had left. “Is my lord well? Have you news for me?” Thanks to Anne and Margaret’s thoughtless comments, she had become convinced Geoffrey had fallen ill with Sir Robert’s ailment and now himself hovered between life and death.

Avoiding her eyes, he answered briefly. “Aye, my lady. When I left him, Geoffrey was well enough.”

While his words relieved her, a shadow still lay on her heart. If Geoffrey was not ill, why had Thomas’s manner changed? What had summoned this aloof stranger? He was withholding something from her.

“And Sir Roland?”

He hesitated, searching her eyes then looking away. He fisted his hands. “Sir Roland is…has…”

Alyse could stand it no longer. She crossed to stand directly before him, laid a cold hand upon his arm, and gripped it. “Tell me.”

That there was something he could not bring himself to tell her filled her with terror. He said Geoffrey was well enough when he left. What about now?

Before she could question him further, he drew out a folded piece of parchment, sealed with blue wax and stamped with a signet ring bearing Geoffrey’s family crest. She stared at it, a cold dread creeping through her.

“Geoffrey bade me place this in your hand and no other, my lady.” Thomas thrust the missive toward her.

Alyse compelled herself to hold her hand out.

He sighed. “He also bade me be at your service, lady, had you need of anything.” He gave the parchment into her hand. As he did so, she looked into his eyes and recognized the same pity she had seen in Princess Joanna’s.

Panic made her arms weak and her fingers numb. She forced her shaking hands to break the seal. Alyse unfolded the letter and slowly read the scratched and blurry words.

* * * *

In her bedchamber, Princess Joanna waited with Maurya, Anne, and Margaret. The women’s faces had changed from puzzlement to fear. Joanna looked from one maid to another, trying to hide her despondency. So many prayers had not been answered today.

Anne finally summoned the courage to ask, “Your Highness, what has happened?” She choked back tears. “I meant no harm, earlier. Indeed,” she crossed herself, “I wish Sir Roland and Sir Geoffrey long life.” She turned stricken eyes toward Joanna and whispered, “Is Sir Geoffrey—”

A wrenching wail of anguish shattered the hushed room, as though the very walls echoed the sound. The four women stood rooted to the floor at the almost-inhuman shriek of grief.

The sound cut off abruptly, and in the eerie silence that followed, they heard the soft thud of a body hitting the floor.

Time Enough to Love will be released on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at a variety of e-book retailers. Happy Reading!

Circle of lavender flowers

 

Posted in Cover Art, Cover Reveal, Medieval Romance, On Time Enough to Love, Promotion, Spotlights | Tagged , , , , | 17 Comments

Medieval Monday ~ Celebration: Barbara Bettis and The Heart of the Phoenix

Posted on January 4, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Medieval Monday is back, with a Celebration from my guest today, Barbara Bettis, and her book The Heart of the Phoenix.

MedMon

  

THE HEART OF THE PHOENIXBLURB:

Some call him a ruthless mercenary; she calls him the knight of her heart.

Memories

Lady Evelynn’s childhood hero is home—bitter, hard, tempting as sin. And haunted by secrets. A now-grown Evie offers friendship, but Sir Stephen’s cruel rejection crushes her, and she resolves to forget him. Yet when an unexpected war throws them together, she finds love isn’t so easy to dismiss. If only the king hadn’t betrothed her to another.

Can be cruel

Sir Stephen lives a double life while he seeks the treacherous outlaws who murdered his friends. Driven by revenge, he thinks his heart is closed to love. His childhood shadow, Lady Evie, unexpectedly challenges that belief. He rebuffs her, but he can’t forget her, although he knows she’s to wed the king’s favorite.

And deadly

When his drive for vengeance leads to Evie’s kidnapping, Stephen must choose between retribution and the love he’s denied too long. Surely King John will see reason.Convict the murderers; convince the king. Simple. Until a startling revelation threatens everything

EXCERPT:

PROLOGUE

Granville Castle, Lincolnshire

December 1197

“Go away, little shadow.” Sir Stephen’s words roared above the December wind that snapped across the castle tower’s roof.

Lady Evelynn shielded her eyes against the stinging bites of snow. She couldn’t make out his location. There. A flash of light from the huge bonfire in the bailey below illuminated his form, facing out into the night.

Arms braced, the tall figure leaned across the waist-high stone embrasure, as if he welcomed the wild winter gales.

How did he know who stood behind him? And why must he use that foolish childhood nickname? Her resolve wavered then flared once more. Let him ignore her, then. She would pay no heed to his indifference, just as she had as a child. He needed a friend right now.

He just didn’t realize it.

She clenched her hands, caught her bottom lip between her teeth, and stepped from the dim recesses of the doorway. Light from a lone torch just inside the landing at the top of the stairs flickered across the whitened walkway.

“Are you well?” Evie shivered as she picked a path along the slick surface. She hadn’t brought a cloak. When he left the celebration with a bleak, dark look on his face, she followed without thinking.

He was in pain. She of all people could recognize the signs, could even understand a need for solitude. Yet the urge to comfort him drove her.

A moment’s uncertainty made her pause, however. This hard Sir Stephen little resembled the young squire she once knew. But the memory of their long-ago friendship drove her on.

He did not turn as she eased forward in her soft slippers. What could he possibly see in the snow-flecked blackness? Perhaps he regretted releasing Lady Emelin so readily.

She raised her voice. “I thought when you left the hall—” She paused as his head turned slightly.

“That I could not bear to see my betrothed wed another man?” His voice mocked. “Did you feel sorry for me?”

The sharp words failed to wound. He wouldn’t drive her away so easily.

“It would be understandable,” she said, at last reaching his side. Another frigid gust brought sounds of merriment from the bailey below. Snow would never deter the villagers when they celebrated the marriage of their new lord. This year’s Christmastide would be doubly rich with gifts and happiness.

“I’m happy to see her wed Sir Giles.” He turned to stare outward at nothing again. “I have no desire for a wife. Ever.”

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1RwLyL8

Visit Barb at:

www.barbarabettis.blogspot.com

http://www.facebook.com/BarbaraBettisAuthor

 

Hope you enjoyed this excerpt! See you next week when our excerpts will change to the first kiss between the hero and the heroine.

Posted in Historical Romance, Medieval Monday, Medieval Mondays, Medieval Romance, Promotion | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 1/03/16 Time Enough to Love: A Shocking Proposal

Posted on January 3, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

 

weekend_writing_warriors_header3

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors!

Thank you to everyone who came by to visit last week!

This week I’m changing gears for the New Year, with a snippet from Time Enough to Love, my medieval romance. This scene is from Book 2, Betrayal. After the devastating news that Geoffrey, her betrothed, has married another, Aylse has just been astounded by a proposal from his best friend, Thomas.

tetl-frontShe stared at the handsome face, furious, wondering just how far into hell she had to go before reaching its icy core.

“Thomas!” She tried to wrest her hand from his, but he would not loose her fingers. “I had thought your attentions these many days were out of respect for your friend and the love you bear him. I see now ’twas for your own benefit alone.”

“Nay, my lady,” Thomas said as he rose to his feet, still not relinquishing her hand. His voice matched hers, cool and removed. “Not solely for my benefit; indeed, not for my benefit at all.”

Those words jolted her, and she stilled.

He took advantage and pressed her down onto the bench again, asking, “Are you with child?”

An interesting question for an unmarried woman in 1348, don’t you think?

Blurb for Time Enough to Love:

When Lady Alyse de Courcy is betrothed to Sir Geoffrey Longford, she has no choice but to make the best of a bad bargain. The hulking knight is far from her ideal man, and although he does possess some wit and charm, he is no match for the sinfully sensual man she secretly admires, Thomas, Earl of Braeton, her betrothed’s best friend.

From the first, Sir Geoffrey finds himself smitten by Lady Alyse, and, despite her infatuation with his friend, vows to win her love. When Geoffrey puts his mind to wooing Alyse, he is delighted to find her succumbing to his seduction. But when cruel circumstances separate them, Geoffrey must watch helplessly as Thomas steps in to protect Alyse—and falls in love with her himself.

As the three courtiers accompany Princess Joanna to her wedding in Spain, they run headlong into the Black Plague. With her world plunged into chaos, Alyse struggles with her feelings for both the men she loves. But which love will survive?

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.

betrothal_1600x2400_96dpibetrayal_logobeleaguered391xBE7mBjRL__SL1500_

Marriage 2

 

Posted in A Kiss Beneath the Mistletoe, Historical Romance, Holiday Posts, On Regency Romance, On Weekend Writing Warriors, Promotion, Regency Romance, Weekend Writing Warriors | Tagged , , , , , , , | 23 Comments

Spotlight on All In by Aleah Barley

Posted on December 29, 2015 by Jenna Jaxon

All InALL IN by ALEAH BARLEY

Take one sexy undercover FBI agent, a spunky math genius, a corrupt mob boss and a poker tournament. Add guns. Mix carefully. All of this and more in ALL IN by Aleah Barley…

Blurb:

World-class statistician and poker prodigy Daisy Drake has two rules: never risk anything you can’t afford to lose, and never, ever, trust a gambler. Which is why she gave up the game and moved to Los Angeles, where she became a tenured professor. But when an old acquaintance calls needing Daisy’s…expertise…to help catch a cheater, she heads back to Las Vegas and the poker tables. FBI Agent Ryan DiNatto’s been a gambler since he was four, and a hustler since he hit puberty. Coming off an undercover mission that ended with him shot and his partner in a wheelchair, Ryan’s out for blood. With a mob accountant and a hit man on the loose, the stakes have never been higher, and this time, he’s determined to make things right—even if it means beating spunky, sexy, Daisy Adams at her own game.

Excerpt:

“He saw me grab you and figured I was the bad guy,” Ryan said. “I didn’t say he was wrong. Nor did I say I wouldn’t do the exact same thing if I saw someone lay hands on a friend of mine.” And what kind of friends were they anyway? “I’m just saying that’s not the action of a guy who practices non-violence. He was asking for his baseball bat.”

“It’s a limited edition Louisville Slugger,” Daisy said. “I gave it to him for Christmas a few years back.”

“And he was just going to show off his present?”

“Probably not.” Her grip tightened on her legs.

“What would he do if he found someone messing with the poker game?” Ryan demanded. “Invite them in for tea and crumpets?”

“Donuts–” Her fair skin colored. Daisy’s tongue darted out to moisten her lips and Ryan knew, absolutely knew, in every fiber of his being. Here was the lie. “I don’t know what he’d do. It doesn’t change anything. I’ve still got to find the guy.”

It changed everything. Because Ryan might be the kind of useless son-of-a-bitch who got his partner shot, but he couldn’t ignore possibly criminal action going on beneath his nose. If Bullet gave the guy a beating–or worse–then Ryan would have to arrest him.

And then he’d probably have to arrest himself because if he saw tears in Daisy’s eyes, there was no telling what he might do.

Available at: Amazon  |  iBooks  | Kobo  | Goodreads

 

Other Books in the Leaving Las Vegas Series

Leaving Las VegasLEAVING LAS VEGAS

When West Virginia wild child, Glory Allen enters a private poker game with her town’s dreams at stake she loses it all. To make matters worse, she’s trapped in a car with the sexy but infuriating man who won—and accused her of cheating. Now because of him, she’s on the run from the mafia who put out a hit on the stuck-up casino magnate with the toe-curling good looks—and he isn’t even her type. So why can’t she cool the explosive chemistry between them?

She’s out of control…and she’s enough to drive Luke Tanner crazy. Yet she’s the only one willing to put her neck on the line…for him—a complete stranger she professes to hate. Now he’s in debt…to her. And it’s a debt he’s willing to work off any way she wants…on the hood of his sports car, in a waterfall—wherever she’ll have him, he’s willing to pay the price.

But the stakes are raised when they return to West Virginia—helping Luke escape has put Glory and her hometown in the sites of someone who wants him dead. This time Glory decides she’s not going to end up empty-handed—it’s time for the winner to take all and she won’t stop ’til she wins his heart.

 

Book 1 Available at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Google Books | Goodreads

 

Aleah BarleyAuthor Bio: Aleah Barley is a writer of explosive romance for everyone. She lives and writes in Detroit, Michigan, with a cat who’s recently learned how to levitate, an over enthusiastic Labrador, and the cutest guy in the world. She will do anything for a hot cup of coffee or a wild romance–and, she can spell onomatoepia without using spell check.

You can also visit her online at the following places:

Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Goodreads  |  Amazon 

 

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Medieval Monday ~ Celebration: Mary Morgan’s Dragon Knight’s Shield

Posted on December 28, 2015 by Jenna Jaxon

Medieval Monday is back. This time around with a  celebration for the holidays. My guest today is Mary Morgan with her soon-to-be-released Dragon Knight’s Shield.

MedMon

 

DragonKnight_sShield_w10248_750Blurb:

Angus MacKay, leader of the Dragon Knights, failed his brothers and his clan upon the death of his sister. Now he must fight the darkness of despair tempting his soul. Back on Scottish soil, he comes face to face with Deirdre who can wield a sword as mightily as his warriors, and he takes her captive. Yet, with each passing day, the fire dragon inside him roars to claim the one woman fate has destined for him.  Famed mystery writer, Deirdre Flanagan, is unprepared for the next chapter in her life. On a vacation to Scotland, she steps through the mists and enters into a skirmish alongside a Highlander. However, the fight has only begun, and now she must battle Angus as well as evil in order to claim the love of this Dragon Knight.  Will their love be powerful enough to shield them from danger, or burn them to ashes?

Excerpt:

Several other minstrels picked up their lyre and harp and started to play as the feasting began.

“Would ye care for the venison, Deirdre?”

“Gosh, yes! I’m starving.” Feeling a bit lightheaded, she inhaled the aroma of the meat mixed with onions. “Smells divine.”

As she scooped up a portion with a piece of bread, she closed her eyes, savoring the flavors. Upon opening them, she found Angus staring at her. Taking his finger, he wiped away some of the juices on her cheek and licked them off. Feeling the heat prickle her face, she reached for her mug and downed its contents.

Chuckling softly, he continued to focus on his own meal.

When she could eat no more, she spied a dark looking dish near Cormac. She nudged Angus. “What is that?”

“Ahh…’tis a favorite of mine. Plums in wine and spices. Would ye care to taste them?”

“Of course.”

Stretching forward, Angus brought forth the dish. Dipping his finger in the bowl, he held out the plum in front of her.

“Umm…you don’t expect me to lick the fruit off your finger?” Deirdre looked around, thinking all eyes were on them.

“Dinnae worry, just taste.” The husky burr of his voice causing her nerves to tingle with excitement.

Slowly, she ate the delectable fruit from his finger. “More,” she demanded.

“Ye are bonny to watch,” he whispered against her ear. Swiping an even bigger piece, he literally shoved two fingers into her mouth. This time she trailed her tongue along his fingers and heard him growl.

Cormac coughed, and she quickly turned away. Another minstrel started to play a lute as he strolled among the tables. His song was one of lost lovers and Deirdre became entranced by his singing. Approaching their table, he paused, letting his fingers glide over the strings.

His eyes met hers as he sung, “The wisdom of the lovers’ hearts can be lost within the reason of the mind—forever adrift and never to be found again.” His last words of the song struck a chord within her, causing her heart to ache. How foolish she had been.

As she watched him slowly walk away, she felt Angus’s hand covering hers. When she looked into his eyes, she knew without a doubt that love had truly claimed her heart for the first time in her life.

*****

Dragon Knight’s Shield coming 01/08/16

Pre-order from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Knights-Shield-Order-Book-ebook/dp/B018MESJ12/

 

Hope you enjoyed this excerpt! See you next week!

Posted in Historical Romance, Medieval Mondays, Medieval Romance, Promotion | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 12/27/15 A Kiss Beneath the Mistletoe: Running the Mistletoe

Posted on December 27, 2015 by Jenna Jaxon

 

weekend_writing_warriors_header3

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors!

Thank you to everyone who came by to visit last week! I’m continuing with another snippet from my Regency Christmas novella, A Kiss Beneath the Mistletoe, that released earlier this month. This will be my last post from Kiss. So enjoy!

This scene is even further along in the  novella. Jenny is at her aunt’s Christmas house party out in the woods to find a Christmas tree and a mistletoe ball. Before they gather in the  mistletoe, they play an old family game called “Running the Mistletoe.” The ladies run underneath the ball of mistletoe and designated gentlemen try to catch them. If the man succeeds, he gets to kiss her. Now it’s Jenny’s turn to run–or not.

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She slowed her pace and turned to face him.

The grin that lit Somersby’s handsome face spread so wide the lines alongside his cheeks deepened. His eyes flashed with a triumphant gleam and he stopped several paces in front of her then crooked his finger, beckoning her back to him.

She stood panting, suddenly unsure as her body trembled.

Somersby raised an eyebrow and stalked toward her. “You should have made it more of a challenge, Miss Crowley,” he said as he drew near, “although I’m flattered you’re that eager for another kiss from me.”

Entranced, as though she were a mouse confronted by a snake, Jenny could only stand there, heart pounding with an insistent beat, watching him close the distance between them.

A sharp movement to her side drew her attention to Alec, standing beside Celinda. He’d crossed his arms over his chest, his face puckered into a frown that somehow bespoke not only anger but sadness.

Somersby’s arms came up to snare her.

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Blurb for A Kiss Beneath the Mistletoe:

Is one kiss ever enough?

Jenny Crowley has been duped! At her eighteenth birthday celebration her parents announce that instead of having the London Season she’s dreamed of for years, Jenny has been betrothed from birth to Alexander Isley, son of family friends and heir to a title. A distraught Jenny refuses point-blank to marry Alec, and when her aunt offers to whisk her away to a Christmas house party, complete with many eligible young bachelors, Jenny jumps at the chance to enjoy a variety of entertainments, be courted, and perhaps fall in love.

Alec Isley is between a rock and a hard place. He desires a marriage with Jenny no more than she does, but when his family’s dire financial status is revealed, he follows Jenny to the house party in hopes of convincing her to marry him after all. When he discovers who else is courting her there, Alec is frantic to keep her from making a dreadful mistake. Struggling with new-found feelings for his childhood friend, can Alec convince her of his love in time to save her from being ruined under the mistletoe?

A Kiss Beneath the Mistletoe is available at Amazon and Smashwords for just .99! Today is the last day of the sale!

And the short story that was the inspiration for the novella, ‘Tis the Season, is currently FREE  in my short story collection All Wrapped Up on Amazon!

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.

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Marriage 2

 

Posted in A Kiss Beneath the Mistletoe, Historical Romance, Holiday Posts, On Regency Romance, On Weekend Writing Warriors, Promotion, Regency Romance, Weekend Writing Warriors | Tagged , , , , , , , | 22 Comments

Merry Christmas to All!

Posted on December 24, 2015 by Jenna Jaxon

Wishing all my family, friends, readers the merriest of Christmases, happiest of holidays, and peace on earth, good will towards all! Have a safe and happy time and I will see you after Christmas.

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For some Christmas fun, here is the ending to my absolute favorite Christmas movie musical, the 1970 version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol called Scrooge, starring Albert Finny. The song is “Thank You Very Much” sung after Scrooge’s conversion. If you have the time this holiday season, watch the whole movie. It’s a grand recreation of a Victorian London Christmas.

Posted in Holiday Posts | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment