Horny Hump Day 02/06/13: Only Scandal Will Do: Hot Pressure

Posted on February 6, 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

Today I’ve got three more sentences from Only Scandal Will Do.

These three are from late in the novel, as Kat and Duncan are about to consummate their marriage.

He reached down, pressed her legs wide, then trailed a finger through the moisture there. “You are as ready for me as I am for you, my love.” As he spoke, a hot pressure strained eagerly between her thighs.

Please check out the Horny Hump Day blog site for the other sites on the hop and go visit the other hot authors. The site also gives the details of how to sign up for next week if you’d like to play with us. 🙂

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

Posted in Blog Hops, On Horny Hump Day, On Only Scandal Will Do, Promotion | Tagged blog hops, Georgian historical romance, historical romance, Horny Hump Day, Jenna Jaxon, Only Scandal Will Do, romance | 6 Comments

A First ~ Historical Blog Hop 02/03/13 Betrothal: A Reckoning

Posted on February 3, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

Today I’m starting on a SSS-esque meme, called either “The Backward in Time Blog Hop” or “Ten Sentences for Twenty Centuries,” (title TBA later). So you’ll continue to get snippets of my historical romances, but you’ll get a little more of them–10 instead of 6 sentences!

For today I’m carrying on with Betrothal, my medieval romance set in the 14th century. This snippet begins where yesterday’s Sweet Saturday post left off. (You can read that here.) Thomas is pointing out how besotted Geoffrey is about Alyse. But a shadow from the past touches him.

Geoffrey opened his mouth to protest but closed it without a sound at his friend’s unflinching stare.

Thomas laughed and clapped his friend on the back. “’Tis not your fault, Geoffrey. The day of reckoning comes to us all.”

“Then why has it not come to you?” Thomas held the status of dedicated bachelor, despite the need for an heir to his title.

A shadow crossed his friend’s face and he turned away, dropping his hand from Geoffrey’s shoulder. “Oh, I have had my reckoning, if you will remember.”

Geoffrey shifted uncomfortably, stricken as the memory came back. “I beg your pardon; I had forgotten…”

If you want more, come back next week! 🙂 Thanks for coming by today for the “launch.” Please click here to hop on to more historical posts!

Posted in Betrothal, Blog Hops, On Time Enough to Love, Promotion, WIP | Tagged Betrothal, blog hops, History Hop, Jenna Jaxon, medieval romance, Time Enough To Love | 17 Comments

Sweet Saturday Sample: 02/02/13 Betrothal ~ “Besotted”

Posted on February 1, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

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

Here’s another snippet from my medieval trilogy WIP, Time Enough To Love, Book I – Betrothal.

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 Geoffrey leaves Alyse. He goes to the king’s audience room and meets his friend Thomas. (If you’d like last Saturday’s excerpt, it’s here.)

With a brief lift of his chin Thomas gave a wan acknowledgement of Geoffrey’s presence and spoke low, over his shoulder. “You have missed naught. They are still deciding the order of the procession for Tuesday. You are fortunate you will be consigned to the end, else you might have been missed ere now.” Thomas glanced back at Geoffrey with a withering look. “Another assignation with the little de Courcy? You really must find some other diversions, Geoffrey, lest your conversation become offensive in its monotony.”

Geoffrey leaned back against the cool, stone wall adjacent to one of the few windows in the chamber. He crossed his arms easily over his chest, hardly able to contain his amusement. “Jealous, Thomas?”

Thomas turned to him, incredulous. “Will you mock me to my face, sir?”

“Only if I cannot do so behind your back.”

“You did not take offense at that, Geoffrey. ’Twas said in jest only.”

“True,” he acknowledged. “But you have since protested an aversion to my betrothed. Overmuch so, mayhap.” His manner was light but not his tone.

Thomas sighed. “Be easy, Geoffrey. I make no designs on the fair Alyse. I would not serve you that way. I simply chafe at a good companion lost, ’tis all.”

“Lost? How lost, Thomas? We are together much as we have always been. I grant I have busied myself with Lady Alyse these last few days, but once we are married life will settle down again.”

“Aye, you may think that, but I hold no such illusions. Will you leave your young bride to go out drinking and carousing with Patrick, Robert and me? You are more taken with this woman than any other I have ever seen and you have not even bedded her yet.” Thomas’s lazy smile spoke of his amusement. “Although mayhap that experience will drive you back to the likes of us.”

Geoffrey’s sudden scowl drew a laugh from his companion. “Again, I mean no offense to your betrothed. Only that once the mystery is gone, the passion may leave as well. I can attest to that myself.”

He grunted in acknowledgement; Thomas seldom tarried in one bed overlong. “You must admit you seem overly protective of this maid.” Thomas’s words probed unmercifully, and he squirmed against the cool stone. “If I spoke of another man, I might even call him besotted.”

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, Promotion, WIP | Tagged Betrothal, historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, medieval romance, Sweet Saturday Sample, Time Enough To Love | 9 Comments

It Only Looks Easy From the Outside

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

Just recently I noticed that writing and theatre have one particular trait in common. For years I’ve been commiserating with my students about those individuals who are not “theatre” people–students outside the department in search of an “easy A” or people who audition for plays drawn by the glitz and glory of the stage–who have no idea how much hard work it takes to “play.” There is no job in the theatre that does not demand 110% of a person’s time and commitment. To give anything less would ruin any chance of a good production.

You cannot be half-assed in the theatre. If you don’t devote yourself entirely to it you will end up with missed cues, dropped lines, misplaced props, shoddy scenery, and ill-timed lighting.

Writing is like that too. You have to give it your all. You have to sacrifice if you want it to be the best. You have to revise and edit–again and again and again. You have to work at promotion. You have to submit query after query–and face rejection after rejection.

Those who try to “cut to the chase”—take short cuts, put forth work that is not ready—will likely end up with plot holes, unlikable characters, incorrect spelling and grammar, wandering body parts, and a reputation for bad writing. You have to stay the course. Give it your 110% if you want to create a work that you will be proud of and that readers will be eager to read.

How many people do you know who have said to you, “Oh, writing. That’s not very hard, is it? I’ve thought about writing a book.” They may think about it, but unless they are committed to the process, “thinking about it” is the only thing they ever do.

But they will continue to think it is easy. Because we make them believe it is. In theatre, if the production is seamless, anyone not knowing how much work has gone into the show will think it took little effort. And that is what we strive for. That is part of the illusion, part of the magic.

The same can be said of writing a book. If the finished product is as perfect as can be, readers will take that perfection for granted, accept it as the standard, and assume it really was very easy to do. That, too, is part of the magic of fiction. They do not see behind the scenes: the time-consuming collaborations with editors and cover designers, delayed releases, demands for immediate turnarounds of edits, struggles with voice, and writer’s block. The realities of writing.

So I salute all writers who have the put the time and effort, the sweat, the angst, and maybe even tears into their work. You know the difficulties you face and yet you continue on, working for that release day–your “opening night.” Kudos to you! Take a bow!

Writing and theatre–they only look easy from the outside.

Posted in On Writing | Tagged It Only Looks Easy From the Outside, Jenna Jaxon, reading, theatre, writing | 8 Comments

Horny Hump Day 01/30/13: Only Scandal Will Do: Exquisite Vibrations

Posted on January 30, 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

Today I’ve got three more sentences from Only Scandal Will Do. The fabulous trailer for Scandal, created by Danielle Fine was up for best video for January at You Gotta Read. And came in 2nd place with 538 votes! WooHoo! Thank you to all who voted for me!

These three are from early in the novel, when the masked Duncan is seducing the woman he’s purchased for the night in a brothel auction. This snippet follows immediately after last week’s three.

His response, a rumbling throaty groan, sent exquisite vibrations humming through her breast. Then he lifted her in powerful arms, carried her the few feet to the bed and laid her on the blue coverlet. Dazed by the throbbing ache deep within her, bereft of his lips, she struggled to lift her head.

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

Posted in Blog Hops, On Horny Hump Day, On Only Scandal Will Do, On Works in Progress, Promotion | Tagged blog hops, Georgian historical romance, historical romance, Horny Hump Day, Jenna Jaxon, Only Scandal Will Do, romance | 14 Comments

Spotlight: The Treasure by Jennifer Lowery

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

Amelia Sawyer is looking for adventure outside her ordinary life. She hires bush pilot
Brody Kern to fly her into the South American jungle, expecting a dashing, debonair
version of Indiana Jones, but Amelia butts heads with the brooding, gruff man.

Brody Kern, former Air Force fighter pilot, doesn’t need another Sawyer determined
to find the elusive Paraíso. People had been hurt or killed trying to find the mysterious
place, including Amelia’s aunt, but Brody’s business partner has cleaned out their
account and taken off with the money. Now Jeremy’s bookie is breathing down Brody’s
neck, threatening to break his kneecaps, or worse, if he doesn’t pay his friend’s gambling
debts.

As Brody and Amelia hunt down the treasure with every criminal in the area wanting a
piece, will it be the adventure of a lifetime—or will it result in heartbreaking betrayal?

Sensuality Level: Sensual

Excerpt:

The door to the hangar flew open. Brody popped his head out. “Miss Sawyer, we have to
go. Right now. Move it.”

Not the words she wanted to hear, but his tone and the red welt on his cheek got her
moving. Clutching her bags like a shield, she hurried toward the hangar, tripping only
once in her rush to see what happened.

She stumbled through the door. “What happened?” she asked, staring at the crumpled
body of Mr. Newton and another man she didn’t recognize on the floor.

Brody, who was throwing side panels on the plane, barked, “Get in the plane.”

“That plane?” Getting in the red and white piece of tin didn’t sound like a good idea. The
plane looked even less reliable than his Land Rover. And wasn’t that an engine part lying
on the floor beside his toolbox?

“She’ll run fine.” Brody ran around to the other side of the plane, obviously to finish his
hasty repair and put his plane back together. “Now, get the hell in.”

Mr. Newton groaned.

“I’m not sure about this,” she said. “What did you do to them?”

“Nothing they didn’t invite.”

In other words, he wasn’t going to tell her.
“If you don’t get in this plane right now, then our friends there are going to wake up and
they aren’t going to be happy. They want the map, Miss Sawyer, and I have no intention
of giving it to them. Do you?”

Amelia shook her head, looking at the two men who were beginning to stir. “Okay,
okay.” She hurried toward the plane. “You’re giving me answers to your change of heart
just as soon as we get out of here, Brody Kern.”

He opened the door for her, took her bags and tossed them in the back, then lifted her in
the front seat before he slammed the door closed. Once he was in the seat next to her, he
brought the plane to life. It choked and sputtered before gaining power.

Reaching over her shoulder, she put on a seatbelt as Brody maneuvered the plane out of
the hangar and onto the runway, which was nothing more than a cleared path through the
jungle. The plane bounced and shook as they gained speed. It was nothing like the jet she
flew in on. Nothing at all.

She had loved the plane ride over. Loved flying the second she set foot on the jet. Maybe
because it was the official start of her adventure, but either way, it was more fun than
this. Safer, for sure. Brody’s plane sounded like a tank rattling down the road and it rode
like one too. And she thought his Land Rover was bad. It felt like riding in a tin can with
seats. Very close quarters. Every time they hit a bump, her shoulder hit Brody’s.

“Are we going fast enough?” Amelia asked, worried they would hit the end of the runway
before they gained enough speed. “Do you know how to fly this thing?”

Brody didn’t answer, just concentrated on his task. He seemed confident enough with his
hands on the oddly shaped steering wheel and his eyes watching the many dials. She had
one of the funny shaped wheels on her side too, but she didn’t touch it. It moved with
Brody’s so she let him have it.

Nerves pounding, heart pumping, Amelia held on for dear life as they barreled down
the runway. Frightened and excited, she watched the runway get shorter. Her life was in
Brody’s hands and somehow that exhilarated her. Trees rushed past, her heart raced.
They were almost at the end of the path. Trees loomed ahead, tall and unyielding,
creating a barrier. Amelia gripped the seat in anticipation.

They weren’t going to make it.

Author Bio:
Jennifer Lowery lives in Michigan where she spends her time writing stories feature
alpha heroes who meet their match with strong, independent heroines. Learn more about her at www.jenniferloweryauthor.com. Check out her blog Romance Recipes at http://romancerecipes.wordpress.com/
Follow her on Twitter @JLoweryauthor and on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-LoweryAuthor/302548869788688

$14.95 Romantic suspense

ISBN-13: 978-1-4405-6423-9
ISBN-10: 1-4405-6423-X

Published by Crimson Romance

Buy The Treasure:
Crimson Romance ebooks | Amazon | B&N | iTunes

Posted in Book Spotlights, Guest Bloggers, Promotion | Tagged Crimson Romance, Jennifer Lowery, romantic adventure, romantic suspense, The Treasure | 17 Comments

Spotlight: Gambling On A Secret by Sara Walter Ellwood

Posted on January 28, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

Former runaway-turned heiress Charli Monroe is hiding
her sordid past and planning a future in Colton, Texas.
Attending the local college for a degree in social work,
she intends to raise cattle on her newly purchased
ranch, which she plans to open as a home for troubled
teens. Only a few glitches—the Victorian mansion is
crumbling, the barn needs a roof, and her oilman
neighbor wants more than friendship. When she meets
Dylan Quinn, Charli is willing to take a chance on the
town drunk to help her rebuild the rundown ranch.

Dylan has his demons, too. The former Special Forces
commander can’t get past his ex-wife’s betrayal and the
botched mission that left him with much more than a
bad limp. Certain the greedy oilman next door to Charli
wants much more than just her heart, Dylan’s even
willing to stop drinking in order to protect her.

When things get dangerous and secrets of the past are
revealed, is he only looking out for his new employer, or
is she the new start he so desperately needs?

CONTENT WARNING: Details abuse of a minor, drug abuse, alcoholism, swearing, spicy sex, murder.

About the Author:

Although Sara Walter Ellwood has long ago left the farm for the glamour of the big town, she draws on her experiences growing up on a small hobby farm in West Central Pennsylvania to write her stories. She’s been married to her college sweetheart for nearly 20 years, and they have two teenagers and one very spoiled rescue cat named Penny. She longs to visit the places she writes about and jokes she’s a cowgirl at heart stuck in Pennsylvania suburbia. She also writes paranormal romantic suspense under the pen name of Cera duBois.

Excerpt:

“Ferguson, what are you doing here?” Dylan barked.

Leon ambled toward them on the stone path. “I’m saving a young maiden from torment. What are you doing here, playing the part of the devil?”

“I’m Miss Monroe’s new manager.” The deadly edge of his voice matched the flintiness of his eyes. “If there’s anyone to save the young maiden from, it’s you.”

“Mr. Quinn, please.” She turned to Leon. “Leon, is there something I can do for you?”

He smiled, showing off perfect white teeth in a face handsome enough to belong to an actor. “I was just passing by on my way home and decided to stop. How are the boys working out?”

Dylan’s stance widened and his hands flexed at his slides. “What boys?”

“Charli and I have entered into a business arrangement.”

She lost the battle with the urge to wrap her arms around herself. As much as she appreciated Leon’s kindness, respected him, and was even a little attracted to him, something about him didn’t sit right with her. He represented her peers in the community.

According to Mrs. Pratt, besides the Cartwrights, she and Leon were undoubtedly the wealthiest residents in the county. No one in Colton could learn about her past. It would ruin her, and Leon, no doubt, had the means to dig up the dirt.

“Really?” Dylan stepped closer to her in a protective manner. Whiskey tainted his breath as the warmth of the exhalations tickled her cheek. “What kind of business arrangement?”

She could protect herself. Dylan Quinn wasn’t any safer than Leon Ferguson. Stepping away from him, she forced her arms to her sides. “Mr. Quinn, I can handle this.”

She faced Leon. “I’m amazed by how much the men got done since starting on Monday. The foreman told me last evening they’d be reseeding another fifty acres for hay this morning. And they have the corrals fixed and started on the fencing in the north pasture.”

“Good, good.” He glanced at Dylan. “I’ll be going, unless you need a more reliable exterminator. I couldn’t help but overhear about your snake infestation. I can give you the name of the company that has gotten rid of the snakes in our lakes over on Oak Springs for years.”

Although he presented the perfect solution, she didn’t the like way Leon had looked at Dylan as he said the word exterminator. “No, Mr. Quinn is quite capable of getting rid of the snake.”

“Oh, I’m sure he is.” Leon tipped his hat. “Let me know if there’s anything else I can do for you, Charli.”

Dylan’s jaw tightened as his uncle glanced at him. “It’s good to see you up among the living again.”

Leon headed back to his Porsche. With no pretense of lowering his voice, Dylan said, “Now, there’s a snake no one wants in their garden.”

Upon hearing the jibe, Leon’s shoulders jerked in mid-stride.

Rattled by Leon’s attention and the snake fiasco, she turned on Dylan. “You aren’t off the hook. I want those snakes gone.”

“We’ll see.”

“I hate snakes.” She shuddered and put her hands on her hips. “Maybe I should have asked him who the exterminator is.”

Posted in Book Spotlights, Promotion, Sizzling PR Blog Tours | Tagged contemporary romance, Gambling on A Secret, Sara Walter Ellwood, western romance | 9 Comments

Six Sentence Sunday–01/27/13 Only Scandal Will Do ~ A Surge of Longing

Posted on January 27, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

For my final Six Sentence Sunday, I’m putting up six from my historical novel, Only Scandal Will Do. This has been such a blast for the almost two years I’ve been posting on SSS. I’m hoping this isn’t really the end, and that there will be a new beginning–an HEA for the Sixers who will miss their Sunday get-togethers.

onlyscandalwilldo-41

These six are from another one of my favorite parts of the novel: Lady Katarina has just married the Marquess of Dalbury (under duress). A couple of days after the marriage, Dalbury is taking Kat on a tour of his London townhouse. They end up out in the stables where he gives her a wedding present, a horse named Stella. And this brings them very close together, willingly, for the first time.

Mouth suddenly gone dry, she swallowed, and parted her lips to speak. He hovered above her mouth, his breath hot, moist, sweet. She breathed deeply, aware as never before of the rich, comforting aroma of the stables mingled intimately with his distinctive scent of citrus soap and male musk. The rasp of his breathing sounded low and steadier than hers. The strong clasp of his hand around hers, the heat pouring through her like a molten river where they touched, sent a surge of longing throughout her body. If she just raised her head, even slightly, his lips would be on hers and–

Come on back next week–I’m gonna be posting–to find out the rest of the story! BTW–Scandal’s book trailer (created by the fabulous Danielle Fine) is entered in You Gotta Read’s January Video contest. If you don’t mind, would you please click here and vote for Scandal? It’s video #6 and currently in 2nd place–about 100 votes behind the leader. The poll closes today, so if you’d please vote for me, I’d really appreciate it!

Now pop over to the Six Sentence Sunday list and check out the rest of today’s snippets.

Thanks to all! It’s been a blast!

rnc_iocd0973a-300

Posted in On Only Scandal Will Do, On Six Sentence Sunday, Promotion | Tagged Georgian historical romance, historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, Lyrical Press, Only Scandal Will Do, Six Sentence Sunday | 28 Comments

Sweet Saturday Sample: 01/26/13 Betrothal ~ “Triumphant”

Posted on January 26, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

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

Here’s another snippet from my medieval trilogy WIP, Time Enough To Love, Book I – Betrothal.

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 my last post on Six Sentence Sunday. Geoffrey and Alyse are talking just after the banns for their marriage have been read for the first time. Geoffrey has just told her of a great honor that has been bestowed on her. If you’d like last Saturday’s excerpt, it’s here. If you’d like the next six sentences after that, they are here. Today, we start with the next sentence, with Alyse longing for another kiss.

He drew back a step and her hopes sank—until he leaned toward her and his lips finished the short journey to hers. Though briefer than before, this kiss was just as sweet, just as firm, just as stupefying.

She broke from him and placed a restraining hand on his chest, pushing him away. Her hand jumped from the heat that almost scorched her palm. He stepped away and met her eyes with a hungry glance.

“With your leave, my lady, I must attend the king. Adieu, until eventide.” After a deep courtly bow, he strode quickly down the corridor. When he reached the corner he gazed back at her, a small triumphant smile on his lips. Then he disappeared, and she turned to the Princess’s door, bubbling with the many excitements stirred by Geoffrey Longford.

I’d say the tide is turning, wouldn’t you? 🙂

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

Romance Madness Blog Hop ~ Only Scandal Will Do

Posted on January 24, 2013 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome to The Romance Reviews’ Romance Madness Blog Hop on Jenna’s Journal. To answer my Q & A on the site, check out the blurb and excerpt of my Regency historical romance Only Scandal Will Do. You might also like to view the book trailer here.

Blurb for Only Scandal Will Do:

He has the woman of his dreams, but what price will he have to pay to win her heart?

Kidnapped and sold at auction in a London brothel, Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam squelches an undeniable attraction to the masked stranger who purchased her, pits her wits against him, and escapes him and the scandal that would ruin her life.

Unable to resist temptation in a London brothel, Duncan Ferrers, Marquess of Dalbury, purchases a fiery beauty. She claims she’s a lady, but how can she be? No lady of his acquaintance in polite society is anything like her. Then he discovers she is who she says, and that this latest romp has compromised her reputation. He knows how that is. One more scandal and he’ll be cast out of London society, but he needs a wife who’ll provide an heir to carry on his illustrious family’s name. He seeks out Katarina, intending only to scotch the scandal, but instead finds his heart ensnared. He’s betting their future he’ll capture her heart, but does he have what it takes to win the wager?

WARNING: A blade-wielding heroine who crosses swords with a master of sensuality.

Excerpt from Only Scandal Will Do:

Katarina clutched the chair’s golden upholstery to keep from launching herself at him and wrapping her fingers around his arrogant throat. “I am Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam, sister to the Earl of Manning. I was kidnapped and brought here tonight against my will.”

He cocked his head. Then his mouth twitched. “Truly? What an exciting life you must lead…Lady Katarina, was it?” He chuckled deep in his chest, and took a step toward the chair.

She glared at him. “I am Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam, you dullard.”

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

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

“As was I, fair lady,” he bowed with an exaggerated flourish, “when I decided to come to this charming establishment instead. Perhaps if we had continued on our ways uninterrupted, we would even now be dancing together at the ball.” That nasty laugh grated against her nerves worse than the screech of rusty nails, making her contemplate murder. If the scoundrel didn’t believe her story, killing him might be her only means of escape.

I hope you enjoyed your little taste of Scandal. 🙂