Sweet Saturday: 03/30/13 Betrothal ~ “Wounded”

Posted on March 29, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome back to Sweet Saturday Sample! All excerpts here are rated PG-13 or milder.

I’m continuing with a sample from my medieval WIP, Time Enough to Love: Book 1 ~ Betrothal. Waiting for the edits. But the good news? I’m almost finished with the revision to Book 2 ~ Betrayal! Yeah!

Disclaimer: This work is still going through the editing process, so please forgive any flaws.

This series is set in England and France in 1348. Part 1, Betrothal, takes place at the court of King Edward III.

This excerpt comes just after last Sunday’s 8 sentences (If you’d like to read them, they are here.) Alyse and Geoffrey are in the middle of their first fight. Alyse is so angry that he did not trust her, she has relinquished the choice of the Knight of the Round Table back to him.

If he could have sunk through the stones of the castle floor he would have done so gratefully. He could feel the tremendous hurt he had caused her, even though she tried to keep it tightly wound within her. But her face! She did not scowl or frown, but the set of her mouth—lips drawn into a tight, straight line—spoke eloquently of the pain he had inflicted. He could scarce meet the wounded look in her eyes.

And there was no way to make it right. He knew nothing he could say now to reassure her of his trust or to induce her to tell him her choice. Silently, he cursed Thomas, though the fault lay not solely with him. His friend had only planted the seed; Geoffrey had reaped what he had sown.

“May I go now, my lord? The princess awaits me.” The clipped words stabbed like a knife in his heart, and he knew all the patient, clever work he had done to win her trust these last days lay in ruins. He nodded, too miserable to speak, and watched as she turned on her small, slippered heel and stalked down the corridor. The door slammed with a hollow boom as she left the castle. He clenched his fist and with a muttered curse strode away in the opposite direction, back to the king’s chamber.

I hope you enjoyed this latest sample from Betrothal. And be sure to click here to visit more Sweet Samples.

Posted in Betrothal, On Sweet Saturday Sample, On Time Enough to Love, On Works in Progress, Promotion, WIP | Tagged Betrothal, historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, medieval romance, Sweet Saturday Sample, Time Enough To Love | 8 Comments

D is For Duel

Posted on March 29, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

Today I’m talking about one of my favorite subjects: dueling. I managed to put a duel into my Georgian romance novel, Only Scandal Will Do, and I so enjoyed that research that I’m happy to share it with you. 🙂

Dueling grew out of a form of single combat where two warring factions sent out their best fighter to settle the matter. But according to “Man Knowledge: An Affair of Honor–The Duel,” dueling, as we think of it now, became popular because the kings of France and Spain challenged each other to a duel during the early Renaissance period. Well, it never quite came to fighting, still, the idea of settling matters of honor this way became the rage in Europe.

Until the late 18th century, dueling was primarily accomplished with swords. And there were substantial sets of rules for dueling that evolved into a written document called the Code Duello. The first of these “codes” was written in Ireland in 1777 and was used as the “official” handbook for dueling. It set out all the rules and regulations (26 in all) for a duel to be performed in an honorable manner.

These rules ranged from specifying the way in which the challenge is to be given, “When you believe yourself aggrieved, be silent on the subject, speak to no one about the matter, and see your friend (second), who is to act for you, as soon as possible;” to spelling out the dimensions of the field of honor, “The usual distance is from ten to twenty paces, as may be agreed on; and the seconds in measuring the ground, usually step three feet;” and when the duel is satisfied, “If swords are used, the parties engage until one is well-bloodied, disabled or disarmed; or until, after receiving a wound, and blood being drawn, the aggressor begs pardon.”

It was the responsibility of the “second” (usually a friend who stands with the duelist) to attempt a reconciliation between the two parties before the duel. The primary second was also charged with checking the swords for equal balance, sharp blade, and equal length. In the case of a duel with pistols, the seconds would prepare and load the pistols for the duel and pace off the distance of the field. In some instances, the seconds also agreed to fight along side the primary combatants. Traditionally, a duelist could have up to three

Matched Dueling Pistols

seconds to help with the event.

The “Man Knowledge” article also states the primary rule of dueling: “The first rule of dueling was that a challenge to duel between two gentlemen could not be refused without the loss of face and honor.” As honor was paramount in previous centuries, duels were fought at an alarming rate. During a 10-year period, it is estimated that 10,000 men lost their lives in duels in France alone.

A challenge had to be accepted and acted upon within 48 hours of the insult. The Code also specified the different kinds of insults, how severe they were, and how a duel should be fought based on the type of insult rendered. Depending on the offense, duels could be fought to first blood only. But the more egregious the dishonor, the greater the possibility of a fight to the death. In his article “How Duels Work,” Ed Grabianowski states that the Code Duello frowned on the fight to the death, because “the ultimate goal is about recovering honor, not killing.” I suspect sometimes the duelists got so carried away, they kept fighting until one was mortally wounded.

Duels were usually fought, as I mentioned earlier, with swords and pistols. However, a wide variety of weapons have been used in duels, including billiard balls, sabers, and blunderbusses. According to The British Newspaper Archive, the blunderbuss incident was a duel held in France in gas balloons. The combatants rose in the air and began firing at each other’s balloon. One volley hit the others’ balloon and it plummeted back to earth, killing the duelist and his second.

Dueling waned in the mid-to-late 19th century. Stricter anti-dueling laws were enacted; the American Civil War and England’s War with France made young men think twice about engaging in swordplay or pistols on the field of honor. People were busy trying to rebuild their lives that they had little time for such meetings. They turned instead to the law courts to settle disputes. And the pen became mightier than the sword.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my ramblings about one of my favorite topics to research. I’d love a comment with your thoughts on duels–are they romantic or not?

Posted in Alphabet Post, On Writing Historical Romance | Tagged Alphabet Post, Code Duello, D is For Duel, duel to the death, dueling, dueling pistols, Jenna Jaxon | 18 Comments

Horny Hump Day 03/27/13: Hog Wild “The Chill of the Blade” #HornyHDay

Posted on March 27, 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

Time for more March Motorcycle Madness!

Time to go Hog Wild!

When Lula Wolfendale’s motorcycle breaks down on her way to a Harley rally, she detours into tiny Shoshone, CA to find a new ride. Seducing bikers Beau and Rob Hogue and commandeering their Harleys is easy; finding sexual satisfaction is a “hog” of a different color. A Blue Phantom, to be exact, owned by the pair’s older brother, Jesse. After brief, unsatisfying encounters with the first two Hogues, Lula approaches Jesse with a proposition: a sexual contest for his Phantom, where Lula will emerge with either a bike to die for or the climax of her dreams. Or can she possibly obtain both?

My three hot sentences for today are again from Lula’s encounter with the eldest Hogue brother, Jesse. He’s just pulled out a pocket knife in order to “help” get Lula undressed.

He poked the tip under the edge of her tube top, the chill of the blade against her skin raising goose bumps. She held her breath as the knife snicked forward, parting the fabric with a soft ripping sound. The blade hit the floor and he urged his tongue to continue its journey across her breasts, licking the nipples, biting, sucking.

The site also gives the details of how to sign up for next week if you’d like to play with us. 🙂 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 Blog Hops, On Hog Wild, On Horny Hump Day, On Writing Erotic Romance, Promotion | Tagged blog hops, erotic novella, Erotic Romance, Fractured Fairy Tales, Hog Wild, Horny Hump Day, Jenna Jaxon, motorcycle romance, New Dawning International Bookfair | 8 Comments

The Envelope Please!

Posted on March 26, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

The results are in from the Rites of Spring Blog Hop!

1st Place: Kindle Fire

Entry #4 – Karl

2nd Place: $50 Amazon gift certificate

Entry #187 – Chum B.

And the winner of a signed copy of Only Scandal Will Do is

Celina K

Congratulations to all winners and thank you for joining the hop!

Posted in Blog Hops, Promotion, Winners | Tagged giveaway winners, Jenna Jaxon, Only Scandal Will Do, Rites of Spring Blog Hop | Leave a comment

Weekend Writing Warriors: 03/24/13 Betrothal: “Scorned”

Posted on March 24, 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. Hope you all have a great hop!

Today you get more from Betrothal, my medieval romance set in the 14th century. In this snippet, a continuation of yesterday’s Sweet Saturday Sample, Alyse and Geoffrey are in the middle of a lover’s quarrel over Alyse’s ability to choose appropriate characters for them to portray in the joust’s procession. She is about to let him have it!

Alyse drew herself up in indignation, and he stood helpless before her, waiting for her scorn to engulf him.

“If you had doubts as to my ability to choose wisely, my lord, you should not have asked me to attend to this task. I had no mind to do it until you bade me, so there would have been no offense. But to ask and then doubt me because of the words of another does not bode well for our marriage.” She paused and squared her shoulders. “In light of your misgivings, Sir Geoffrey, I believe it will be best if you make this decision for us. I would not be the one to bring shame to you through some carelessness. I therefore relinquish my choice to you.”

If you want more, please come back next week! 🙂 Right now, you can click here to hop on to more Writing Warrior posts! And thanks for coming by!

(The picture is by John William Waterhouse of Tristan and Isolde with the potion)

Posted in Betrothal, Blog Hops, On Time Enough to Love, On Weekend Writing Warriors, On Works in Progress, Promotion, WIP | Tagged Betrothal, blog hops, historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, medieval romance, Time Enough To Love, Weeked Writing Warriors | 17 Comments

Sweet Saturday: 03/23/13 Betrothal ~ “A Lover’s Quarrel”

Posted on March 23, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome back to Sweet Saturday Sample! All excerpts here are rated PG-13 or milder.

I’m continuing with a sample from my medieval WIP, Time Enough to Love: Book 1 ~ Betrothal. I turned my edits around in about 48 hours. Maybe only two more rounds to go! Fingers crossed for an April release!

Disclaimer: This work is still going through the editing process, so please forgive any flaws.

This series is set in England and France in 1348. Part 1, Betrothal, takes place at the court of King Edward III.

This excerpt comes just after last Sunday’s 8 sentences (If you’d like to read them, they are here.) Alyse and Geoffrey are in the middle of their first fight. He has insulted her intelligence and it does not sit well with Lady Alyse.

Her bitter accusation jolted Geoffrey. “Nay, madam,” he retorted, stung by her undeserved censure, “’twas not I who raised the initial doubt. I, in fact, championed your wisdom to Thomas.”

“But you are here all the same, Sir Geoffrey.” She straightened her back and clasped her hands before her. “Obviously mistrusting me as much as your friend.”

Geoffrey shook his head. “He knows you but little, Alyse.”

“And you know me somewhat better, my lord, though indeed it is apparently not enough. You have asked time and again for me to trust you and I…I had begun to do so. Yet how am I to give unto you that which you withhold from me?”

“Alyse, ’tis not about trusting you. ’Twas your inexperience I feared would lead you into mishap.” A poor excuse, but the only one he could summon. Why had he listened to Thomas, God curse him?

“I may not have been at court very long, my lord, yet I have lived my entire life among noble households. I have been taught what is seemly and what ostentation, perhaps better than you.” She closed her eyes, and when she opened them, his heart sank, for they glittered with the mistrust of two days before.

I hope you enjoyed this latest sample from Betrothal. And be sure to click here to visit more Sweet Samples.

C is for Courtesan

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome to my latest “Alphabet Post.” Today I’m talking about a certain kind of woman who lived in earlier centuries. A woman of ill-repute–The Courtesan.

First, the definition of courtesan from the OED, is “a prostitute, especially one with wealthy or upper-class clients.” But we all probably knew that. So she’s the equivalent of a high-priced call-girl of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Mary Boleyn

Yes, and no. Courtesans were a breed unto themsleves. Neither mistress nor wife, the courtesan–the word originally meant a woman of the court or a courtier–often had the freedom to arrange their affairs to their distinct advantage. Many of them became very wealthy. They may have started out by seducing a wealthy man, enchanting him with their beauty, wit, companionship, and sex. Then, when she found a better offer, she would leave Wealthy Man #1 and move on to #2. And #3. And…

There was a social status within the world of the courtesan: the cortigiana onesta (the higher ranked courtesan) usually very well educated and intelligent. She was sought after not only for sex, but for her social skills, her wit, her vivacious personality. They often had other professions–such as actress or poet or artist. In “1545 Italian Courtesan Clothing,” the “honest courtesan” is described as “at once, companion, lover, conﬁdant, and even advisor in matters both political and economic.”

The cortigiana di lume was a lower class of courtesan, although she stood several rungs

Madame Pompadour

above the run-of-the-mill prostitute. She had more education and social graces than the street light-skirts, but did not have the charm or intellectual skills to move up to the higher category.

The highest ranking courtesans certainly knew their trade and how best to ply it. These women were very worldly and knew all the best and newest techniques for pleasing a man in bed. According to Eliza Knight, of History Undressed, courtesans sometimes also employed toys in their sessions. Nothing new under the sun, right? And these women knew it all–or invented it on the spot.

From Hogarth’s The Harlot’s Progress

The life of the courtesan was not, however, a bed of roses. In her article, “The Naked Truth: Courtesans in Real Life vs. Fiction,” Diane Gaston recounts the stages of becoming a courtesan, based on Hogarth’s “The Harlot’s Progress.” Inspired by the life of 18th century courtesan Kate Hackabout, the series of engravings is a cautionary tale that shows the life of the courtesan in its true light.

Some courtesans you may have heard of in history: Mary Boleyn (her story was told in The Other Boleyn Girl), Nell Gwynn (an actress who became mistress to King Charles II), Madame du Pompadour (long-time favorite of the French King, Louis XV), and Harriette Wilson, a Regency courtesan whose clients included the Prince of Wales and several other high-ranking government officials.

Harriette Wilson

Courtesans appear regularly in historical romance novels. They make for colorful characters, add conflict,

Nell Gwynn

and sometimes become heroines in their own stories. After all this research, I suppose I’m going to have to include a courtesan in my next novel!

Have you encountered memorable courtesan characters in romances? Was she a good or bad character? Would you like to see this type of character appear more frequently in romance novels?

Posted in Alphabet Post, On Research, On Writing Historical Romance | Tagged C is for Courtesan, courtesan, Harriette Wilson, historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, Madame Pompadour, Mary Boleyn, Nell Gwynn, royal mistress | 20 Comments

Guest Post: D’Ann Lindun and Desert Heat

Posted on March 21, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

I am simply thrilled today to have one of my good friends, CP, and fellow author, D’Ann Lindun, on the Journal today. I’ve known D’Ann for several years now, via a critique loop, and you will not find a more supportive, fun-loving, and friendly gal. She writes western contemporary and western suspense romance and does so brilliantly. And today she’s going to tell you about one of her newest releases, Desert Heat. Definitely sizzling!

Anyone who knows me knows that a great deal of my life has been spent following my dad around on horseback guiding dudes, scouting for deer or elk or moving cows. I started riding at three years old, and being with my dad on horseback has always been one of the joys of my life. I have ridden with him in the Colorado mountains, the hills of Northern California and the Arizona desert.

In my book, Desert Heat, Mallory has not been as fortunate. Her father had another agenda, and fatherhood was not it.

Mallory James dropped her purse, keys and heavy satchel on the table by the door just as the phone began to ring. It was probably just another solicitor on the other end and she reached for it reluctantly. She recognized the Arizona area code but not the number. “Hello.”

A cautious male voice on the other end asked, “Carole James?”

“Who is this?” Mallory’s heart pinched at the sound of her mother’s name. She’d been dead a year, but her loss still hurt.

“You don’t know me . . . my name is Mike Malone. I’m here at the Jumping Cholla Resort . . . .”

“I’m not interested in a vacation right now.” Mallory tapped her fingers on the bar. God, these salesmen were relentless.

“I’m not selling anything,” the voice on the other end said quickly, before she could hang up.

“What, then?” Mallory knew she sounded rude but she was exhausted. She had a million papers to grade, not to mention a house to clean, groceries to buy and laundry to do. All before classes on Monday.

“Are you Carole James?” the man asked again.

“No. What’s this about?” She sighed heavily. Maybe if she just heard him out, he’d go away.

“Do you know how to reach her? Are you maybe related to a Gary James?” Mike Malone’s voice had a hesitant quality. Like he didn’t want to be talking to her any more than she wanted to be talking to him.

Mallory’s knees went shaky and she fumbled for a bar stool behind her. Sinking back onto it, she asked, “Is this some kind of prank? Who are you?”

“It’s no joke.”

Mallory’s heart pounded like an out-of-sync drum. “Explain yourself.”

“As I said, my name is Mike Malone. I own the Jumping Cholla guest ranch in Mesa, Arizona. A man named Skee– Gary James lived here. He died in one of my cabins. There’s a letter in his effects from a woman named Carole James in Las Vegas. On the off chance she was listed, I tried information and got this number.”

Her father was dead.

I am offering a deal on this book…review it on any reputable site, let me know, and I will send you a copy of any of my other books!

This is a fantastic offer, guys! D’Ann’s books are fabulous! Review a great book, get another one for free. How can you lose!

Desert Heat is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Crimson Romance.

Bio:

Falling in love with romance novels the summer before sixth grade, D’Ann Lindun never thought about writing one until many years later when she took a how-to class at her local college. She was hooked! She began writing and never looked back. Romance appeals to her because there’s just something so satisfying about writing a book guaranteed to have a happy ending. D’Ann’s particular favorites usually feature cowboys and the women who love them. This is probably because she draws inspiration from the area where she lives, Western Colorado, her husband of twenty-nine years and their daughter. Composites of their small farm, herd of horses, five Australian shepherds, a Queensland heeler, nine ducks and cats of every shape and color often show up in her stories!

http://dlindunauthor.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/DLindunAuthor

http://www.amazon.com/DAnn-Lindun/e/B008DKL9TU

Posted in Book Spotlights, Guest Bloggers, Promotion | Tagged contemporary western, Crimson Romance, D'Ann Lindun, Desert Heat, western romance, western suspense | 28 Comments

Rites Of Spring Bloghop March 20 – 23

Posted on March 20, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

If you’re looking for the HHD post, click here.

Spring is a time for firsts: first robin, first flowers, first baby animals. On Jenna’s Journal it’s a first for my characters in my medieval romance: their first meet. This was also my first book, so the firsts just keep on coming! LOL And I’m hoping it will be my first book of 2013, with an April release date.

Blurb for Betrothal:

Lady Alyse de Courcey is head over heels in love with a man to whom she’s barely spoken, Thomas Knowlton, a nobleman in King Edward III’s court. Alyse would give anything to marry him. However, she must come to terms with her betrothal to Thomas’s best friend, Sir Geoffrey Longford, a handsome and imposing knight, yet hardly the man she wants to wed. She continues to cherish hopes of Thomas, though as her nuptials approach, Geoffrey is the one most often on her mind.

Sir Geoffrey Longford is bound by his father’s hand to wed Lady Alyse. And Geoffrey is eager to do so after meeting the young maid. She is gentle and beautiful, with just enough spice and wit to make her seem a willing partner in and out of bed. But when Geoffrey learns of her infatuation with his friend, and sees her regard for the man growing as their wedding day approaches, Geoffrey takes matters into his own hands. Can he win his lady’s love without killing his friend into the bargain?

Now it’s time to reveal the Grand Prizes for this Blog Hop:

1^st Grand Prize

Kindle Fire (international)

2^nd Grand Prize

$50 Amazon.com gift certificate

Please leave a comment telling me what “first” you look for to know it’s spring. Please make sure to leave your email address!

And click here to enter for the Grand Prizes.

One commenter on my blog will win a signed, print copy of Only Scandal Will Do, my historical romance set in Georgian England.

Excerpt for Betrothal:

King Edward lifted an eyebrow toward Alyse. “A very pretty answer, my lady. And are you ready to accept your father’s decree for your betrothal? His messenger has today reached me with the contract, as I am to stand in his stead in this matter.” Alyse took a deep breath and hoped her voice did not tremble. “Yea, Majesty, I will obey my father.”

King Edward nodded and leaned over to whisper something to Queen Phillipa.

Mere seconds before she learned her fate. She could scarce affect an indifferent pose before the court when inside every inch of her quivered with anticipation of the name. His name, pray God, on the king’s lips. Thomas. In her mind, she heard the word.

The king straightened, glanced at her, then at the man by her side.

“What say you then, Sir Geoffrey? Does the lady not speak fair? I vow she will make you a proper wife, and a dutiful one as well.”

Alyse turned, until that moment unaware that Geoffrey Longford stood beside her. Chills coursed down her body as the king’s words echoed in her mind. The sensation of falling backward assailed her, as though she rushed away from the tall man at her side even as his figure loomed larger and larger in her sight.

Not Thomas Knowlton.

Her numbed brain repeated the phrase, trying to comprehend that instead he would be her husband. Geoffrey Longford.

God have mercy on me, for by the look of him, this man will not.

Fearful, she cringed as her gaze climbed higher, over his chest, over his chin, finally resting on the dark blue eyes turned toward her.

Geoffrey returned her appraisal, his gaze sweeping her figure as a smile crept over his face. “Your Majesty.” He spoke to the king but his attention remained fixed on Alyse. “When my father told me of the betrothal contract before I left his home, I resolved then to play the dutiful son. Now, however, I find I do not wish to act that role after all.” His eyes held hers as he paused.

Dear God, does he mean to renounce me here before the entire court?

Alyse stared at the man beside her, willing herself to remain upright, despite the waves of ice and fire alternating through her body.

“Now I find I would rather play the ardent lover.”

An amused murmur ran through the hall at his words. Geoffrey grinned, his eyes sparkling with humor and something more. Despite the uneven light, Alyse saw an unfathomable promise in their dark depths. She took a deep breath and looked away.

Hope you enjoyed that! Don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered to win! And if you’re ready to hop to the next author, click the icon below. Happy Rites of Spring!

Posted in Betrothal, Blog Hops, Book Spotlights, On Time Enough to Love, On Works in Progress, Promotion, WIP | Tagged Betrothal, Jenna Jaxon, medieval romance, Rites of Spring Blog Hop, Time Enough To Love | 30 Comments

Horny Hump Day 03/20/13: Hog Wild “Relentless” #HornyHDay

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon