Jenna Jaxon Romance–because passion is timeless.

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

This week I’m continuing to post snippets from my upcoming Georgian novel, A Countess Never Tells, Book 3 of my Captivating Countesses series. The book releases on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 and is currently up on pre-order for .99. 

This book brings back the characters from A Countess of Convenience, particularly Judith and John (Lord and Lady Haxby), as Kitty Tate, the heroine is John’s younger sister and Judith’s childhood friend and now sister-in-law. 

BLURB:

They say rakes make the best husbands…but do they?

At the age of twenty-four, vivacious Kitty Tate is having the time of her life in her first London season—such a good time in fact, she’s caught the eye of Lord Ashwood, the ton’s most notorious rake. And he’s caught hers.

She’s instantly taken with the handsome lord and finding out he’s a scoundrel doesn’t deter her one bit. Which is why her brother has forbidden her to see him. Unfortunately for him, Kitty has a mind of her own and the willpower to fight for what she wants.

Ash plans to be a dedicated rake until he’s old and gray, but at the moment he’s determined to seduce the delicious Miss Tate despite her brother’s objections. She’s such a blend of innocence and siren he cannot wait to welcome her into his bed. When he finds Kitty eager to be seduced, Ash’s desire burns brighter still.

But a dastardly wager surfaces, and Ash discovers a truly despicable man is determined to beat him to Kitty’s bed. Forbidden to marry her, Ash must now find another way to protect the woman he’s come to love before she’s ruined by another man.

Today I’m continuing on with chapter one of the novel. Miss Kitty Tate is at a ball and after dancing with a very handsome gentleman she’s just met, he goes off to his next partner. This week I’m skipping ahead towards the end of the chapter. Kitty is talking to a friend of hers, Lady Phoebe, about the gentleman with whom she just danced and discovers that the gentleman is not who he pretends to be. Enjoy!

EXCERPT:

“Oh, my dear,” Phoebe’s eyes widened as she grasped Kitty’s arm and pulled her further away from her mother and Judith, now eagerly discussing remedies for croup, “Ashwood has the most awful reputation. He’s ruined at least three young women of good family.”

Kitty’s stomach dropped. What might have happened had she gone out onto the verandah with Lord Ashwood? She shivered. So Aldbury had been in on it. She suspected now their wager had most likely involved Ashwood persuading her to go outside alone with him in the darkness, to do God knew what. Thank goodness her intuition had saved her from the fate of those other young ladies. “Why was he not made to marry one of those ladies, Phoebe?”

And a little more for good measure. . . 

“From what I understand from Mama, the families attempted to get Lord Ashwood to come up to scratch, but he laughed and said he wouldn’t tie himself to a ninny who was no better than she should be. When he flatly refused to marry the first one, her family tried to keep it hushed up and married her off quietly to some local farmer or someone.”

“And no one called him out?” Kitty was more amazed at that than at Lord Ashwood’s bold refusal to wed.

Phoebe shrugged. “Apparently not. Perhaps he has a reputation with a sword or dueling pistol. I don’t know.”

“How does your mother know so much about the particulars of this young lady?”

“Her mother was a friend of a cousin of Mama’s. That is why Mama has forbidden me from even dancing with Lord Ashwood.” Phoebe gazed at the wicked lord, laughing with Maria Fitzhugh. “A pity, that. I mean, what could he actually do to a young lady in the middle of a ballroom? He’s not so depraved he’d try to ravish one in the midst of a dance, do you think?”

A Countess Never Tells is now up for pre-order, set to release on August 29th! Here’s the link if you want to grab this “bad boy” for .99!

And the first book of the Captivating Countess series,  A Countess of Convenience, is available on Amazon in e-book for .99, and in print and is on KU. Here’s the link for those options.

I’m now also part of two anthologies for Dragonblade–one that’s part of their Lyons Den shared world called Night of Lyons. My novella is called The Lyons’ Wager and is the pre-quel to the Welwyn Marriage Wager series. Night of Lyons is available on pre-order on Amazon for .99! 

The other one is an historical cookbook of recipies dating back over the centuries complied from the kitchens of Dragonblade authors and their ancestors. It’s called  Dragonblade’s Historical Cookbook, currently on pre-order for .99. It releases October 23, 2023 (just in time for Thanksgiving cookery!). My grandmother’s cornbread dressing I make every Thanksgiving is in there.

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There are some fantastic snippets to be read.

Captivating Countesses series

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

This week I’m continuing to post snippets from my upcoming Georgian novel, A Countess Never Tells, Book 3 of my Captivating Countesses series. The book releases on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 and is currently up on pre-order for .99. 

This book brings back the characters from A Countess of Convenience, particularly Judith and John (Lord and Lady Haxby), as Kitty Tate, the heroine is John’s younger sister and Judith’s childhood friend and now sister-in-law. 

BLURB:

They say rakes make the best husbands…but do they?

At the age of twenty-four, vivacious Kitty Tate is having the time of her life in her first London season—such a good time in fact, she’s caught the eye of Lord Ashwood, the ton’s most notorious rake. And he’s caught hers.

She’s instantly taken with the handsome lord and finding out he’s a scoundrel doesn’t deter her one bit. Which is why her brother has forbidden her to see him. Unfortunately for him, Kitty has a mind of her own and the willpower to fight for what she wants.

Ash plans to be a dedicated rake until he’s old and gray, but at the moment he’s determined to seduce the delicious Miss Tate despite her brother’s objections. She’s such a blend of innocence and siren he cannot wait to welcome her into his bed. When he finds Kitty eager to be seduced, Ash’s desire burns brighter still.

But a dastardly wager surfaces, and Ash discovers a truly despicable man is determined to beat him to Kitty’s bed. Forbidden to marry her, Ash must now find another way to protect the woman he’s come to love before she’s ruined by another man.

Today I’m continuing on with chapter one of the novel. Miss Kitty Tate is at a ball and after dancing with a very handsome gentleman she’s just met, he goes off to his next partner. This week I’m skipping ahead towards the end of the chapter. Kitty is talking to a friend of hers, Lady Phoebe, about the gentleman with whom she just danced and discovers that the gentleman is not who he pretends to be. Enjoy!

EXCERPT:

“Lord Ashwood? A rake!” Kitty’s mouth dropped open. “That’s not Lord Ashbrook?”

Phoebe shook her head so vehemently several of the small jewels that decorated her hair went flying. “No, my dear, far from it. Lord Ashbrook is a very honorable gentleman. While Lord Ashworth…” She leaned toward Kitty and whispered, “Wicked, Kitty. A very wicked man, indeed.”

And a little more for good measure. . . 

“But why did Lord Aldbury introduce him as Lord Ashbrook then?” Why would John’s friend betray her trust that way?

Shrugging, Phoebe dropped her gaze. “Perhaps he’s not so much your brother’s friend anymore. There’s no better way to revenge yourself against someone than by ruining their sister or daughter.” She frowned. “Or it might have been a wager. He could have been involved in something of the sort and that’s why he introduced Ashwood with the wrong name.”

Suddenly feeling exceedingly vulnerable, Kitty wished violently for a shawl or cape, something to pull round her and shield her from the possible evil that lurked in the candlelight of the ballroom. With no such garment to hand, she gripped the strings of her reticule, threading them through her fingers. If worse came to worst, she could swing the little purse like the spiked balls on the ends of  a medieval mace. “What do you know of this Lord Ashwood, Phoebe? Is he truly an evil gentleman?”

A Countess Never Tells is now up for pre-order, set to release on August 29th! Here’s the link if you want to grab this “bad boy” for .99!

And the first book of the Captivating Countess series,  A Countess of Convenience, is available on Amazon in e-book for .99, and in print and is on KU. Here’s the link for those options.

I’m now also part of two anthologies for Dragonblade–one that’s part of their Lyons Den shared world called Night of Lyons. My novella is called The Lyons’ Wager and is the pre-quel to the Welwyn Marriage Wager series. Night of Lyons is available on pre-order on Amazon for .99! 

The other one is an historical cookbook of recipies dating back over the centuries complied from the kitchens of Dragonblade authors and their ancestors. It’s called  Dragonblade’s Historical Cookbook, currently on pre-order for .99. It releases October 23, 2023 (just in time for Thanksgiving cookery!). My grandmother’s cornbread dressing I make every Thanksgiving is in there.

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There are some fantastic snippets to be read.

Captivating Countesses series

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

This week I’m continuing to post snippets from my upcoming Georgian novel, A Countess Never Tells, Book 3 of my Captivating Countesses series. The book releases on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 and is currently up on pre-order for .99. 

This book brings back the characters from A Countess of Convenience, particularly Judith and John (Lord and Lady Haxby), as Kitty Tate, the heroine is John’s younger sister and Judith’s childhood friend and now sister-in-law. 

BLURB:

They say rakes make the best husbands…but do they?

At the age of twenty-four, vivacious Kitty Tate is having the time of her life in her first London season—such a good time in fact, she’s caught the eye of Lord Ashwood, the ton’s most notorious rake. And he’s caught hers.

She’s instantly taken with the handsome lord and finding out he’s a scoundrel doesn’t deter her one bit. Which is why her brother has forbidden her to see him. Unfortunately for him, Kitty has a mind of her own and the willpower to fight for what she wants.

Ash plans to be a dedicated rake until he’s old and gray, but at the moment he’s determined to seduce the delicious Miss Tate despite her brother’s objections. She’s such a blend of innocence and siren he cannot wait to welcome her into his bed. When he finds Kitty eager to be seduced, Ash’s desire burns brighter still.

But a dastardly wager surfaces, and Ash discovers a truly despicable man is determined to beat him to Kitty’s bed. Forbidden to marry her, Ash must now find another way to protect the woman he’s come to love before she’s ruined by another man.

Today I’m continuing on with chapter one of the novel. Miss Kitty Tate is at a ball and after dancing with a very handsome gentleman she’s just met, he goes off to his next partner. This week I’m skipping ahead towards the end of the chapter. Kitty is talking to a friend of hers, Lady Phoebe, about the gentleman with whom she just danced. Enjoy!

EXCERPT:

“Or I could encourage Lord Ashbrook when I dance with him after supper. He is quite handsome and most entertaining.”

“Lord Ashbrook?” Phoebe’s attention was suddenly fully on Kitty. “I didn’t think he was able to attend this evening. Mama told me he’d been called away to his home. His father has been in failing health and they didn’t think he’d be long for this world.”

Kitty frowned. “Perhaps I got the name wrong after all. We were a bit rushed, although I’m sure Lord Aldbury said ‘Ashbrook’ when he made the introduction.”

And a little more for good measure. . . 

“Can you point him out?” Perhaps his father has made a recovery.” Phoebe scanned the ballroom as did Kitty.

“He said he was promised to Maria Fitzhugh for the supper dance.” Kitty’s gaze darted around the crowded room until at last she spied Lord Ashbrook standing in a corner with Maria, his back mostly turned toward her, still his hair and his stance made her certain it was him.

“Do you see him?” Phoebe was frantically searching the sea of guests.

“There, Phoebe.” She pointed with her fan toward the far corner. “The gentleman in the corner in the grey silk suit. His back is to us, but I’m certain that’s him. Talking to Maria.”

Phoebe peered at the couple, then shook her head. “I don’t think so, my dear. Ashbrook has darker hair and is not so tall.”

“Truly?” Kitty stared at the gentleman, sure that was the man with whom she’d danced.

Then he laughed and turned and yes, that was him.

“There, Phoebe. He’s turned toward us.”

Her friend peered at the gentleman, then jerked her face toward Kitty, astonishment in every line. “My dear, that is not Lord Ashbrook at all.”

Kitty scowled. “Then who on earth is it?”

“He is Lord Ashwood, the most notorious rake in the ton.”

A Countess Never Tells is now up for pre-order, set to release on August 29th! Here’s the link if you want to grab this “bad boy” for .99!

And the first book of the Captivating Countess series,  A Countess of Convenience, is available on Amazon in e-book for .99, and in print and is on KU. Here’s the link for those options.

I’m now also part of two anthologies for Dragonblade–one that’s part of their Lyons Den shared world called Night of Lyons. My novella is called The Lyons’ Wager and is the pre-quel to the Welwyn Marriage Wager series. Night of Lyons is available on pre-order on Amazon for .99! 

The other one is an historical cookbook of recipies dating back over the centuries complied from the kitchens of Dragonblade authors and their ancestors. It’s called  Dragonblade’s Historical Cookbook, currently on pre-order for .99. It releases October 23, 2023 (just in time for Thanksgiving cookery!). My grandmother’s cornbread dressing I make every Thanksgiving is in there.

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There are some fantastic snippets to be read.

Captivating Countesses series

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

This week I’m continuing to post snippets from my upcoming Georgian novel, A Countess Never Tells, Book 3 of my Captivating Countesses series. The book releases on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 and is currently up on pre-order for .99. 

This book brings back the characters from A Countess of Convenience, particularly Judith and John (Lord and Lady Haxby), as Kitty Tate, the heroine is John’s younger sister and Judith’s childhood friend and now sister-in-law. 

BLURB:

They say rakes make the best husbands…but do they?

At the age of twenty-four, vivacious Kitty Tate is having the time of her life in her first London season—such a good time in fact, she’s caught the eye of Lord Ashwood, the ton’s most notorious rake. And he’s caught hers.

She’s instantly taken with the handsome lord and finding out he’s a scoundrel doesn’t deter her one bit. Which is why her brother has forbidden her to see him. Unfortunately for him, Kitty has a mind of her own and the willpower to fight for what she wants.

Ash plans to be a dedicated rake until he’s old and gray, but at the moment he’s determined to seduce the delicious Miss Tate despite her brother’s objections. She’s such a blend of innocence and siren he cannot wait to welcome her into his bed. When he finds Kitty eager to be seduced, Ash’s desire burns brighter still.

But a dastardly wager surfaces, and Ash discovers a truly despicable man is determined to beat him to Kitty’s bed. Forbidden to marry her, Ash must now find another way to protect the woman he’s come to love before she’s ruined by another man.

Today I’m continuing on with chapter one of the novel. Miss Kitty Tate is at a ball and after dancing with a very handsome gentleman she’s just met, he goes off to his next partner. This week I’m skipping ahead towards the end of the chapter. Kitty is talking to a friend of hers, Lady Phoebe, about the fact she’s not gotten any proposals so far this Season. Enjoy!

EXCERPT:

She’d been having such a good time, finally having the Season she’d been denied because of her mother’s illness, then because of the deaths of her parents, she’d not stopped to wonder why she wasn’t getting proposals. Of course, she’d not encouraged any particular gentleman either. There had been many pleasant men to dance with, to talk with to play cards with. But quite frankly no one had stood head and shoulders above the crowd as far as her particular regard was concerned. Perhaps as the Season was dwindling to a close, she should begin to look more closely at the gentlemen left, like Lord Quatford.

Or Lord Ashbrook.

Kitty’s face warmed at the thought of his deep blue eyes and handsome features. Yes, he was certainly a gentleman she would consider as a potential husband. “I suppose I shall have to begin encouraging the gentlemen a bit more strenuously, then Phoebe.”

And a little more for good measure. . . 

Her friend laughed. “I should have thought you’d been doing that already, my dear. Well, you can begin with Lord Quatford, who is heading this way now.” She inclined her head toward the tall gentleman approaching.

He looked up, caught Kitty’s gaze, and smiled eagerly at her. A truly pleasant gentleman. Tall and thin to the point his clothing always looked like it had been blown onto him by a high wind. He wore a wig, which was still somewhat fashionable, especially among the older gentlemen. And he liked to talk about his estate outside of Birmingham, far from the excitement of London.

Well, on second thought, no. Perhaps she wouldn’t encourage Lord Quatford after all.

A Countess Never Tells is now up for pre-order, set to release on August 29th! Here’s the link if you want to grab this “bad boy” for .99!

And the first book of the Captivating Countess series,  A Countess of Convenience, is available on Amazon in e-book for .99, and in print and is on KU. Here’s the link for those options.

I’m now also part of two anthologies for Dragonblade–one that’s part of their Lyons Den shared world called Night of Lyons. My novella is called The Lyons’ Wager and is the pre-quel to the Welwyn Marriage Wager series. Night of Lyons is available on pre-order on Amazon for .99! 

The other one is an historical cookbook of recipies dating back over the centuries complied from the kitchens of Dragonblade authors and their ancestors. It’s called  Dragonblade’s Historical Cookbook, currently on pre-order for .99. It releases October 23, 2023 (just in time for Thanksgiving cookery!). My grandmother’s cornbread dressing I make every Thanksgiving is in there.

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There are some fantastic snippets to be read.

Captivating Countesses series

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

This week I’m continuing to post snippets from my upcoming Georgian novel, A Countess Never Tells, Book 3 of my Captivating Countesses series. The book releases on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 and is currently up on pre-order for .99. 

This book brings back the characters from A Countess of Convenience, particularly Judith and John (Lord and Lady Haxby), as Kitty Tate, the heroine is John’s younger sister and Judith’s childhood friend and now sister-in-law. 

BLURB:

They say rakes make the best husbands…but do they?

At the age of twenty-four, vivacious Kitty Tate is having the time of her life in her first London season—such a good time in fact, she’s caught the eye of Lord Ashwood, the ton’s most notorious rake. And he’s caught hers.

She’s instantly taken with the handsome lord and finding out he’s a scoundrel doesn’t deter her one bit. Which is why her brother has forbidden her to see him. Unfortunately for him, Kitty has a mind of her own and the willpower to fight for what she wants.

Ash plans to be a dedicated rake until he’s old and gray, but at the moment he’s determined to seduce the delicious Miss Tate despite her brother’s objections. She’s such a blend of innocence and siren he cannot wait to welcome her into his bed. When he finds Kitty eager to be seduced, Ash’s desire burns brighter still.

But a dastardly wager surfaces, and Ash discovers a truly despicable man is determined to beat him to Kitty’s bed. Forbidden to marry her, Ash must now find another way to protect the woman he’s come to love before she’s ruined by another man.

Today I’m continuing on from the very beginning of the novel. Miss Kitty Tate is at a ball, dancing with a gentleman she’s just met. They manage some conversation while they dance. After the dance, they spy friends of Lord Ashwood and stroll over to say hello. Enjoy!

EXCERPT:

“Before I relinquish you to your sister-in-law, Miss Tate, allow me to thank you again for a lovely dance.” Lord Ashbrook patted her gloved hand gently.

“I assure you, my lord, you were a very welcome addition to my list of dance partners.” Kitty smiled at him as she let go his arm. Sadly, they had reached Judith.

“Then may I beg to add another dance this evening?” The eagerness on Lord Ashbrook’s face sent a thrill through Kitty. “Would you favor me by allowing me one more set this evening, Miss Tate?”

Kitty nodded enthusiastically. She always saved one set toward the end of the evening, in the event she became tired and wished to sit out the set–or, as now, someone she wished to dance with asked her.

And a little more for good measure. . . 

“I have the second set after supper open, if you are available then.”

“I certainly am.” He raised her gloved hand and his lips brushed her gloved knuckles, making her shiver. “I will find you with Lady Haxby after supper, Miss Tate. Until then, I will be counting the minutes.”

Heart beating fast, Kitty couldn’t speak as he bowed and walked away. Lord Ashbrook was more exciting than any other gentleman she’d met this entire Season. She followed his progress across the ballroom until he approached and greeted her friend Maria Fitzhugh, who must be his partner for the supper dance.

Kitty sighed.

Lucky girl.

A Countess Never Tells is now up for pre-order, set to release on August 29th! Here’s the link if you want to grab this “bad boy” for .99!

And the first book of the Captivating Countess series,  A Countess of Convenience, is available on Amazon in e-book for .99, and in print and is on KU. Here’s the link for those options.

I’m now also part of two anthologies for Dragonblade–one that’s part of their Lyons Den shared world called Night of Lyons. My novella is called The Lyons’ Wager and is the pre-quel to the Welwyn Marriage Wager series. Night of Lyons is available on pre-order on Amazon for .99! 

The other one is an historical cookbook of recipies dating back over the centuries complied from the kitchens of Dragonblade authors and their ancestors. It’s called  Dragonblade’s Historical Cookbook, currently on pre-order for .99. It releases October 23, 2023 (just in time for Thanksgiving cookery!). My grandmother’s cornbread dressing I make every Thanksgiving is in there.

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There are some fantastic snippets to be read.

Captivating Countesses series

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

This week I’m continuing to post snippets from my upcoming Georgian novel, A Countess Never Tells, Book 3 of my Captivating Countesses series. The book releases on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 and is currently up on pre-order for .99. 

This book brings back the characters from A Countess of Convenience, particularly Judith and John (Lord and Lady Haxby), as Kitty Tate, the heroine is John’s younger sister and Judith’s childhood friend and now sister-in-law. 

BLURB:

They say rakes make the best husbands…but do they?

At the age of twenty-four, vivacious Kitty Tate is having the time of her life in her first London season—such a good time in fact, she’s caught the eye of Lord Ashwood, the ton’s most notorious rake. And he’s caught hers.

She’s instantly taken with the handsome lord and finding out he’s a scoundrel doesn’t deter her one bit. Which is why her brother has forbidden her to see him. Unfortunately for him, Kitty has a mind of her own and the willpower to fight for what she wants.

Ash plans to be a dedicated rake until he’s old and gray, but at the moment he’s determined to seduce the delicious Miss Tate despite her brother’s objections. She’s such a blend of innocence and siren he cannot wait to welcome her into his bed. When he finds Kitty eager to be seduced, Ash’s desire burns brighter still.

But a dastardly wager surfaces, and Ash discovers a truly despicable man is determined to beat him to Kitty’s bed. Forbidden to marry her, Ash must now find another way to protect the woman he’s come to love before she’s ruined by another man.

Today I’m continuing on from the very beginning of the novel. Miss Kitty Tate is at a ball, dancing with a gentleman she’s just met. They manage some conversation while they dance. After the dance, they spy friends of Lord Ashwood and stroll over to say hello. Enjoy!

EXCERPT:

“I’ll get Miss Tate back to her sister-in-law and return to you. If you’ll excuse us, gentlemen?”

Aldbury bowed, the other gentlemen looked confused, but bowed politely. Kitty curtsied again, confused herself by that exchange.

“Come my dear.” Lord Ashbrook started them away, then stopped. “I fear the room has become warmer than I like. Would you mind if we step outside onto the verandah for a breath of air?”

And a little more for good measure. . . 

It certainly was warm in Lady Sutherland’s townhouse. The price one paid for having a popular entertainment. A breath of cooler air sounded glorious to Kitty. She opened her mouth to tell him yes, when from the corner of her eye she caught a glance between Lord Ashbrook and Lord Aldbury.

An almost smug smile appeared on Lord Ashbrook’s handsome face. Coupled with their mention of a wager, that glance boded ill things. Kitty was nothing if not cautious. She knew how easily a young lady could get herself ruined and she’d not risk that for a few more minutes with a handsome face. “I’m sorry, my lord, but I fear I must return straight to Lady Haxby. My next partner will undoubtedly be waiting for me.”

“As you wish, my dear.” Without so much as a blink, Lord Ashbrook started them off again toward Judith.

Now completely at a loss, Kitty began to doubt herself. Had she seen something pass between the two gentlemen’s faces that simply didn’t exist? Had she become too suspicious of everyone’s motives?

Has Kitty become too suspicious? Find out in next week’s snippet (perhaps).

A Countess Never Tells is now up for pre-order, set to release on August 29th! Here’s the link if you want to grab this “bad boy” for .99!

I’m now also part of two anthologies for Dragonblade–one that’s part of their Lyons Den shared world called Night of Lyons. My novella is called The Lyons’ Wager and is the pre-quel to the Welwyn Marriage Wager series. Night of Lyons is available on pre-order on Amazon for .99! 

The other one is an historical cookbook of recipies dating back over the centuries complied from the kitchens of Dragonblade authors and their ancestors. It’s called  Dragonblade’s Historical Cookbook, currently on pre-order for .99. It releases October 23, 2023 (just in time for Thanksgiving cookery!). My grandmother’s cornbread dressing I make every Thanksgiving is in there.

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There are some fantastic snippets to be read.

Captivating Countesses series

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

To all Dads out there–Celebrate! This is your day for everyone to say Thank You!

This week I’m continuing to post snippets from my upcoming Georgian novel, A Countess Never Tells, Book 3 of my Captivating Countesses series. The book releases on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 and is currently up on pre-order for .99. 

This book brings back the characters from A Countess of Convenience, particularly Judith and John (Lord and Lady Haxby), as Kitty Tate, the heroine is John’s younger sister and Judith’s childhood friend and now sister-in-law. 

BLURB:

They say rakes make the best husbands…but do they?

At the age of twenty-four, vivacious Kitty Tate is having the time of her life in her first London season—such a good time in fact, she’s caught the eye of Lord Ashwood, the ton’s most notorious rake. And he’s caught hers.

She’s instantly taken with the handsome lord and finding out he’s a scoundrel doesn’t deter her one bit. Which is why her brother has forbidden her to see him. Unfortunately for him, Kitty has a mind of her own and the willpower to fight for what she wants.

Ash plans to be a dedicated rake until he’s old and gray, but at the moment he’s determined to seduce the delicious Miss Tate despite her brother’s objections. She’s such a blend of innocence and siren he cannot wait to welcome her into his bed. When he finds Kitty eager to be seduced, Ash’s desire burns brighter still.

But a dastardly wager surfaces, and Ash discovers a truly despicable man is determined to beat him to Kitty’s bed. Forbidden to marry her, Ash must now find another way to protect the woman he’s come to love before she’s ruined by another man.

Today I’m starting continuing on from the very beginning of the novel. Miss Kitty Tate is at a ball, dancing with a gentleman she’s just met. They manage some conversation while they dance. Enjoy!

EXCERPT:

They bowed as the music came to an end and he offered her his arm. Kitty took it gladly, pleased with their dance.

“Thank you for a lovely dance, Miss Tate.”

“You are quite welcome, my lord.”

“May I escort you back to your chaperone?”

“Yes, please. My sister-in-law is just there.” She nodded to Judith, standing on the opposite side of the ballroom. “The lady in purple–she has had much tragedy in her life in recent months. She lost her husband in January and her father is recently deceased as well but she is wearing half-mourning so she can help chaperone me during the Season.”

And a little more for good measure. . . 

“We have been great friends since childhood. I only wish her life was not so difficult at the moment.”

“You are kind-hearted, Miss Tate.” He steered them around the dance floor.

“And you are gallant, Lord Ashbrook. I am very happy Lord Aldbury introduced you.” Kitty had known Lord Aldbury as an acquaintance of her brother’s, so she’d not needed Judith’s or John’s presence for the introduction.

“I certainly owe Lord Aldbury a debt.” Lord Ashbrook smiled ruefully. “I am glad he introduced us also. But wait, there he is.” He nodded to Aldbury, talking to several other gentlemen near to the doors to the verandah. “Let me just thank him once more.”

Kitty nodded. There would be time before the next set made up. It was the supper dance and she was to partner Lord Quatford, a gentleman she’d partnered often during the Season. A nice enough gentleman, but he didn’t hold a candle to Lord Ashbrook as far as looks were concerned. She could certainly spare a little more time for her current partner.

“Aldbury, gentlemen.” Lord Ashbrook bowed and Kitty curtsied. She knew Lord Aldbury, of course, but hadn’t met any of the others.

“Wanted to thank you again for that important introduction, Aldbury. Good man.” Lord Ashbrook looked meaningfully at his friend.

“Quite right. Not at all, Ashbrook.” Lord Aldbury glanced from her to him. “For that wager we spoke of earlier, any news to impart?”

“Nothing yet, but I should have something to tell you shortly.” Ashbrook smiled and patted Kitty’s hand.

Lord Ashbrook is certainly an attentive escort. Is Kitty falling for him already?

A Countess Never Tells is now up for pre-order, set to release on August 29th! Here’s the link if you want to grab this “bad boy” for .99!

I’m also part of an anthology for Dragonblade that’s part of their Lyons Den shared world called Night of Lyons. My novella is called The Lyons’ Wager and is the pre-quel to the Welwyn Marriage Wager series. Night of Lyons is available on pre-order on Amazon for .99! 

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There are some fantastic snippets to be read.

Captivating Countesses series