Let’s Get Wet and Wild at the Bloghop! #Wildhop

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome to the Wet & Wild Blog Hop!

We’ve got some truly wild things going on here and all over the hop, some wet, some not, but everything’s hot!

Let’s start with the Grand Prize!

Now that’s a Wonderful Wild Thing to behold!

My personal giveaway isn’t nearly that grand, but it’s got its wet and wild side as well. To the lucky commenter on my blog who tells me what you’re reading this summer and leaves an EMAIL ADDRESS, I’m sending a copy of my steamin’ hot erotic contemporary 7 Days of Seduction, a 7 Days Swag Pack as well as a copy of my new historical novella, Betrothal.

Here’s the blurb and excerpt for 7 Days of Seduction:

Blurb for 7 Days of Seduction:

Ashley Thompson had a wild time at her party last Friday night. Maybe too wild. She wakes to find a video of her in the middle of a ménage a trois with her ex-boyfriend and a gorgeous stranger. Unable to remember anything about the night, other than the hot sex she sees on the computer screen, Ashley begins a search for Mr. Hunk. She has no luck until he unexpectedly shows up–in her shower.

Hunter Hopewell intends to introduce Ash to a variety of sexual experiences he finds fun and exciting. He proposes a week long series of “colorful” encounters designed to seduce Ashley out of her kink comfort zone.

As their week of escalating pleasure intensifies, Ashley must choose to let go of her inhibitions or risk losing the best damn lover she’s ever had.

Excerpt for 7 Days of Seduction

The bathroom door opened and closed. Her hands froze.

“Damn it, Sam. Why is it every time I take a shower you have to pee? Couldn’t you just hold it for once? Or pee in a cup, for God’s sake?”

“I’m not Sam. And I don’t have to pee.”

Ashley’s eyes popped open and the bottle of body wash hit the tub with a loud thunk. The husky voice she’d heard on yesterday’s video and in this morning’s dream was richer in person. Sexier. Her heart took off like a deer after a shotgun blast. She peered at the shower door, seeing only a shadowy figure through the opaque glass. Well thank, God, for that. He couldn’t see her either.

“Hello? Are you there, Ash?” The amusement in his tone brought her back to earth.

“Yeah, I’m here. And just who the hell are you?”

“I’m Hunter Hopewell. Sorry we didn’t really get introduced the other night.”

“No shit.” Damn. The all-important name meant nothing. The spray from the shower roared in her ears and Ashley took a step toward the shower door.

“So who are you? I mean, you say Hunter Hopewell, but I don’t know you. And you know me.”

“Yes, I do. I’ve never met you, but I’ve been interested in you for a while now.”

Despite the hot water, chills raced over her body, standing her hair on end. Oh, my God. A stalker. I’ve attracted a stalker. And I’m shut in a bathroom with him. Suddenly, she couldn’t breathe.

“You work over in English at the university.” He knew where she worked. “And I’ve seen you around the campus.” He’d been watching her.

She wrapped her arms around her chest, shielding her body as best she could. Maybe Sam would come in.

“You’re a beautiful girl, Ashley. With lots of potential.”

Potential for what? Needing to breathe or pass out, she gasped in air.

“I think you should leave.” Where the balls came from to utter that sentence, she had no idea.

“Why?” His voice rose an octave.

“Because you’re scaring the crap out of me.”

7 Days of Seduction is available at Amazon, New Dawning Bookfair, ARe and most other e-tailers.

Thanks so much for coming by on the hop! To hop on, click the icon below and have a great time!

Posted in Betrothal, Blog Hops, Giveaways, On Seven Days of Seduction, Promotion | Tagged 7 Days of Seduction, Betrothal, giveaway, Jenna Jaxon, Victoria's Secret Gift Card, Wet & Wild Bloghop, Wildhop | 49 Comments

Spotlight: A Summer’s Journey by Kathleen Gallagher

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

Savannah Mason, the career minded journalist, spends long hours at work, hoping to take the spot as anchor. She continues to fight for independence and refuses to allow her demanding father to take control of her life, despite his wish for her to take over his surgical practice.

On her darkest day twelve years ago, she agreed to give her baby up for adoption. Now, on her daughter’s birthday, a chance encounter gives Savannah an opportunity to explore a corner of her heart she thought was lost forever.

Rob Sinclair a renowned surgeon and NY Times best-selling author has a new release and needs a promo spot on the television show, The News Stop. When Savannah gets to conduct the interview over the senior reporter, a door opens to her future. However, first she must face the unsettled issues in her life, before she is free to accept love.

The last thing she wants is a relationship, especially one with a divorced doctor who happens to have two small children.

A man, who seems all wrong for her, slowly weaves himself into her heart. Can he accept her when he learns about her past?

Rob’s commitment to climb the ladder of success and provide a good life for his family, keeps him on the road for days at a time. When he meets the assertive newswoman, desire and passion awaken his broken spirit. How will he ever be able to trust another woman?

Savannah and Rob’s strong attraction is undeniable as they journey to a place where honesty and the power of forgiveness, can guide them both home. Will it be enough to heal the scars of the past and allow them another chance for love?

Excerpt :

Rob slowly approached her. The look in his eyes told her he had more than the view on his mind. Savannah turned away, afraid of what might happen next. Before she could stop him, they were too close for comfort. An electric energy surged between them. With one swift movement, Rob reached for her and gently placed his lips on hers. He cradled her head in his hands as if she was a precious jewel. The warmth of his touch sent shivers down her spine and the world stood still. When Rob’s hands moved slowly across her back, her body went limp and it took her to a level of arousal she never expected. It all happened so quickly, she didn’t have time to react. She found herself spellbound by the feel of his rock hard body pressed up against her chest. All of the emotions she’d kept inside emerged when Rob held her tight. When they finally parted, Savannah stood frozen in shock with her heart pounding and her ears ringing.

Rob’s expression made him look as if he broke the law. He quickly took a step back. “I don’t know what to say. I’m so sorry for my rude behavior.”

“You weren’t rude. I didn’t stop you.”

“I don’t know what got into me. You’re an amazing woman and I find you terribly attractive.” He stared deep into her eyes.

“Thank you.” Savannah looked down, still shocked, but flattered.

A Summer’s Journey is available at Amazon.

Posted in Book Spotlights, Promotion, Sizzling PR Blog Tours | Tagged A Summer's Journey, contemporary romance, journalist, Kathleen Anne Gallagher, surgeon | 14 Comments

Weekend Writing Warriors: 05/19/13 Speed Date: A Wickedly Good Wine

Posted on May 19, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

WEEKEND WRITING WARRIORS

Welcome back to the Weekend Writing Warriors again. I’m so enjoying seeing my old friends and finding new authors.

Once again I’m taking my 8 from my new WIP, Speed Date. I’ve skipped ahead in this scene: Roberta is at Gabriel’s apartment for dinner, although she’s only just met him. In this scene, he’s just handed her a glass of wine.

I sniffed the bouquet—this was a wickedly good wine—but instead of sipping, I couldn’t stop myself from glancing to see if he had tasted his yet.

“I promise you it’s not poisoned. Nor does it have any sort of drug to induce you to have wild passionate sex with me tonight.” His tone was amused, but something in his eyes suggested he would not turn down such an offer should I care to make one. Which was flattering. At thirty-two, I had not had many such invitations. Cautiously I took a sip.

“I wait until the second date to bring those drugs out.”

Thanks so much for coming by! I’ll be back next week with 8 more, but for the summer, until I’ve finished the several manuscripts I’m working on, I’m taking a semi-hiatus by alternating weeks between WWW and Sweet Saturday Samples. I guess a vacation is always a good thing. 🙂

Right now, you can click here to hop on to more Writing Warrior posts! And thanks for coming by!

Posted in Blog Hops, On Speed Date, On Weekend Writing Warriors, On Works in Progress, On Writing Romance, Promotion, WIP | Tagged blog hops, contemporary romance, Eastern Shore, Jenna Jaxon, red wine, Speed Date, speed dating, Weeked Writing Warriors | 20 Comments

Sweet Saturday ~ 5/18/13 Speed Date: A Premonition

Posted on May 18, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

I’m back with more of the new WIP, Speed Date. It’s a short story I have hopes of turning into a novella or novel.

Because I’ve got a lot of writing to do this summer, I’m going to be taking a semi-hiatus for a couple of months. I do both SSS and WWW, so starting next weekend, I’m going to be alternating them, one week on SSS and the following week on WWW. Hopefully by the end of the summer I’ll have Speed Date and some other books finished!

This excerpt is from where I left off last week, including the eight from Weekend Writing Warriors.

Those words should have sounded an alarm bell, but something in his voice, an appreciation I was not used to hearing, resonated deep inside me. This guy could be a serial killer for all I knew. Hell, I didn’t even know his last name yet. But he was more exciting than anything that had happened to me in years—maybe ever. If it killed me, then by God I was going out like a Fourth of July firework!

“It sounds wonderful to me, Gabriel…?”

“Townsend. Gabriel Townsend.” He extended his hand and we shook. A very warm, masculine-rough hand.

“Roberta Maxwell.” I smiled into his vivid blue-gray eyes. “Or Bertie if you prefer.”

Bong!

Gabriel stood and I reached down to grab my bag. When I looked up he was behind me, pulling the chair out. If he was a serial killer, he was one with manners. He took my hand—another thrill for Bertie—and led the way out.

* * * *

I followed Gabriel’s silver Volvo through the streets of Virginia Beach, wondering where the hell this restaurant was. We seemed to be entering a residential area, but I knew that didn’t mean anything. One of my favorite restaurants, Steinhilber’s, was in one such neighborhood.

It was almost eight and I had been too nervous to eat any lunch, so I hoped we’d be dining soon. He pulled into what was obviously an apartment complex parking lot. Uh oh. I pulled my red Camry in beside him and got out.

“Where’s the restaurant?” I tried to keep my tone light, despite the thoughts of mayhem dancing in my head.

“Welcome to Chez Gabriel. I’m a chef at La Maison over in Norfolk, but I thought my place would be closer.” He came around the car and took my hand. “Don’t worry, Bertie. I’m completely harmless.” His blue-eyed gaze exuded confidence. “But what’s more important, I’m a great cook.”

My heart was beating a little weirder than usual, and I wasn’t sure if it was because of my attraction to Gabriel or my fear that he might turn out to be the stranger you don’t take candy from. Or dinner. But I’d have a premonition or something if he was a really bad guy, wouldn’t I?

“Look,” he said, still holding my hand but not urging me toward the bank of apartments. “I know this is crazy fast. You don’t know me, I don’t know you. But take a chance, Bertie. Trust me. The worst thing I’ll probably do tonight is burn the Béarnaise sauce.”

I must not have looked convinced, because he continued, “If it will make you

feel any better, take out your cell phone, put your finger on the speed dial for 911 and leave it there.”

“That’ll make it pretty difficult to eat.” Something was telling me—no shouting at me—that I should trust this guy.

“Then I’ll hand-feed you. Please?” Oh, and now he was bringing out the sad puppy dog eyes. They worked.

“Okay.”

I hope you enjoyed that little snippet. There will be more from Speed Date tomorrow on Weekend Writing Warriors! But for now, you should check out some more Saturday Samples. Thanks for coming by!

Posted in On Speed Date, On Sweet Saturday Sample, On Works in Progress, On Writing Romance, Promotion, WIP | Tagged contemporary romance, Jenna Jaxon, Speed Date | 12 Comments

K is for Killer…Brownies

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

And now for something absolutely different.

Killer Brownies.

I stole this recipe from the costumer I worked for when in grad school. He was a fantastic designer and an excellent cook. Whenever we had a dress parade (a parade of all the costumes in the show) he would work us extra hard, but he would always bring in a huge pan of what he called Killer Brownies. To die for.

Like I said, I kind of stole this, just by asking what was in them. I wasn’t given exact proportions, so over the years I’ve improvised and what I have now is delicious! So moist (because of the Amaretto) they melt in your mouth! If you want a ginormous batch, just double everything.

Ingredients:

1 pkg brownie mix (can be the ultra good mix, or the .99 basic mix) I think my costumer actually made them from scratch, but I take this short cut and no one’s complained so far.

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or more if you like nuts)

1 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup Amoretto di Saronno liqueur (more or less. If you use more, decrease amount of water in brownie mix instructions.)

Prepare brownie mix as called for on package. Add additional ingredients and bake as called for on package. You may need to cook them a little longer so the liquid will be absorbed. Check doneness with a toothpick. When it comes out clean, brownies are ready to cool and eat.

Try these on a romantic evening picnic for two, add even more Amoretto in your glass, and go watch the submarine races in the back yard. 🙂

Leave me a comment listing your favorite brownie add-in and I’ll throw your name into the hat for a copy of Betrothal. 🙂

Posted in Alphabet Post, Recipes | Tagged Amoretto di Saronno, brownie recipe, historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, Killer Brownies, recipes, romantic evening picnic | 11 Comments

J is for Joust

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

I’m still playing catch-up on my Alphabet posts from when I missed one a couple of Fridays ago. And I really want the letter “L” to land on May 24th as it would have done if I hadn’t missed. So I’m making up that post today with the letter “J,” which stands for Joust.

I’ve already done a post on Jousting on D’Ann Lindun’s blog several weeks ago, and if you want to read that one, click here. I’m also on Sarah Ballance’s blog today talking about medieval pastimes, of which tournaments and jousting are one of them. And you can check that one out here.

So my Joust post is going to be a photo post–with all the cool period and non-period pics of jousting.

The joust between Henry II and Lorges

Straddling the Fence:

Punishment at tournaments for breaking the rules.

The delinquent was put across the fence of the tournament area and beaten.

Modern jousting re-enactment

The horses are garbed in comparisons, which are made in the Knight’s colors. But they don’t protect the horses.

The horses are covered in a comparison.

John de Beaumont, 2nd Lord of Beaumont, is deathly wounded in tournament at 14 April 1342.

One of my favorite movies set in the medieval period is actually A Knight’s Tale. It’s got a ton of anachronisms, but the jousting scenes are done very well. Do you have a favorite medieval-set movie? Tell me in a comment, leave your email, and you’ll be entered to win a copy of Betrothal–set exactly in the time frame of A Knight’s Tale. 🙂

Posted in Alphabet Post, Betrothal, On Time Enough to Love, Promotion | Tagged Alphabet Post, historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, jousting, Knights, medieval romance, tournament | 10 Comments

Horny Hump Day 05/15/13: Betrothal–The Moment #HornyHDay

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

WARNING: MATERIAL NOT SUITABLE FOR THOSE UNDER THE AGE OF 18!

NOT SAFE FOR WORK!

Participating authors in Horny Hump Day post three sentences from their published works or WIP, hot like a firecracker! LOL

Ready for more medieval misbehaving?

So we return this week to Geoffrey and Alyse and their first hot encounter.

Geoffrey traced the folds of her opening, and she whimpered when he slid a strong finger into her. Here it was: the moment with the man she loved. A flick of pain then she wrapped around him in welcome.

Hope you enjoyed that snippet of medieval mischief. LOL Things are heating up a couple of degrees. 🙂

Please check out the Horny Hump Day blog site for the other sites on the hop and go visit the other hot authors.

Thanks so much for visiting the Journal once more for Horny Hump Day!

Posted in Betrothal, Blog Hops, On Horny Hump Day, On Time Enough to Love, Promotion | Tagged Betrothal, blog hops, historical romance, Horny Hump Day, Jenna Jaxon, medieval mischief, medieval romance, Rising Phoenix Publications, sensual sex scene, Time Enough To Love | 11 Comments

Cover Reveal and Gift Card: Bachelor’s Special by Christine Warner

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

Jill Adgate wants three things from life: a successful catering business, a family, and the love of an exceptional man. What she has is no job, a mounting pile of bills, and her outspoken best friend—who sets her up on a blind date with the man who inadvertently ruined Jill’s life.

Chet Castle is a businessman who has everything, except the ability to trust. Burned by a money-hungry fiancée, he refuses to get involved in any relationship that has a shelf life longer than a head of lettuce.

Intrigued by her ambition—and determined to get her in bed—Chet offers Jill the chance of a lifetime: work as his live-in chef and he’ll help her get her catering business off the ground. When sparks fly in the kitchen, Jill realizes what’s cooking is a recipe for disaster…

Title: Bachelor’s Special

Author: Christine Warner

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Pre-Order Release Date: May 2013

Imprint: Indulgence

Purchase from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Bachelors-Special-ebook/dp/B00CNTSVB6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1368115520&sr=8-2&keywords=bachelor%27s+special

Purchase from Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1115250848?ean=9781622661312

Author bio:

Christine Warner is living her dream in Michigan along with her husband, three children, one laptop and a much loved assortment of furry friends. Besides laughing and a good round of humor, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, reading, writing but no arithmetic. A confessed people watcher, she finds inspiration for her stories in everyday activities. She loves to read and write about strong heroes and determined, sometimes sassy, heroines. A girl gone wild, at least where social media is concerned, she enjoys meeting other avid readers and writers on facebook, twitter and her website at christine-warner.com.

My blog/website: http://christine-warner.com/

Twitter under ChristinesWords: https://twitter.com/#!/ChristinesWords

My Facebook page…stop by and give it a LIKE to stay up to date with the latest:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Christine-Warner/143430882396013

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5763713.Christine_Warner

I love to hear from readers and other authors 🙂 I am also is hosting a contest for a $10 Amazon Gift Card! Just click on this link to Rafflecopter and enter to win!

Posted in Book Spotlights, Giveaways, New Release, Promotion | Tagged Bachelor's Special, Christine Warner, contemporary romance, Entangled Publishing, foodie romance, Gift Card Giveaway | 28 Comments

Spotlight: When It’s Least Expected by Heather Van Fleet

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

Moving on after a tragedy can be impossible – especially when you’ve been dealing with those tragedies for over two years. But it’s her senior year, and Harley Anderson is more than ready to do just that, even though the skeletons in her closet can’t exactly be hidden.

Enter Mason Daniel, the egotistical, sexy, surfer boy from California – a boy with his own hidden demons, and even bigger secret agenda.

Mason isn’t right for Harley. He knows this better than anyone. He’s the epitome of a runner–a guy who takes what he can get, only to split a short while later. But he can’t deny the emotions that Harley brings out of him, so he’s going to break his rules for once.

He should have known what it would lead to… Two kindred souls – both lost and then found. Will they fail,once again, in their search for contentment and happiness, or will they finally find true love, when it’s least expected?

Website/ Facebook/ Twitter

About the Author:
Heather Van Fleet currently resides in northern Illinois, with her three daughters, Kelsey, Emma, and Isabella, and her fabulous hubby (and high school sweetheart) Chris, with whom she’s been blissfully married to now for ten plus years. She’s a stay at home mom by day, and an avid and completely obsessive writer and reader by night.

Posted in Book Spotlights, Guest Bloggers, Promotion, Sizzling PR Blog Tours | Tagged contemporary romance, Heather Van Fleet, Sizzling PR Blog Tours, When It's Least Expected | 7 Comments

Weekend Writing Warriors: 05/12/13 Speed Date: Take a Chance

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

WEEKEND WRITING WARRIORS

Welcome back to the Weekend Writing Warriors again. I’m so enjoying seeing my old friends and finding new authors.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

Once again I’m continuing from my newest WIP, Speed Date. This snippet immediately follows yesterday’s Sweet Saturday Sample (view here). Roberta is at a speed dating event, her first time, and in this 8, she’s just agreed to go out with Dater #8. Good call or bad?