Sweet Saturday Sample: 10/27/12 Time Enough To Love–Betrothal: “Disaster Looms”

Posted on October 27, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome back to Sweet Saturday Sample! All excerpts here are rated PG-13 or milder. Here’s another post from my new WIP, my medieval trilogy Time Enough To Love.

Part 1 is called Betrothal and I’m so excited! I am now shooting for an early November release date, and I will keep you informed.

The series is set in England and France in 1348. Betrothal takes place at the court of King Edward III.

This excerpt is UNEDITED. Please be kind.

Lady Alyse de Courcy is a waiting gentlewoman to Princess Joanna, youngest daughter of King Edward. After receiving the news that the new courtier, Sir Geoffrey Longford, is her betrothed, a dazed Alyse is less than happy with her arranged marriage. I’m skipping ahead to the following night, at dinner, Geoffrey has drawn Alyse over to his table, hoping to talk to her in private. He is met, however, with his group of friends, led by Thomas who think to make sport of the couple. Thomas makes the suggestion (in jest) that Alyse should know him before she is wed. Geoffrey, piqued that Alyse still shows an interest in his friend, gives her leave to answer the lewd statement. But when she acquits herself credibly in wordplay, she draws Geoffrey’s ire–and desire.

I’ve skipped ahead a little. Alyse has manoevered around Geoffrey’s verbal landmines, and draws him out a little in conversation about their forthcoming departure for Spain.

“But I am deeply sorry you must leave your home, my lord, since it is so dear to you.”

“”Tis not your fault, little maid.” Geoffrey covered her hand with his and the warmth of her skin seemed to burn through him. “A soldier knows he must go where he is called, and though I am not called to fight, still I am in the service of the king and will go where he bids me. Though our fathers decreed we should marry, ‘twas the insistence of the king that I go with you to Spain. Princess Joanna is loath to part with you.” He meant it as a compliment—that she was highly placed in the princess’s affections—but the dark, wide eyes in the pale, drawn face foretold some ill omen. He had to lean in to hear her low whisper.

“Then it is my fault you will be sent from your home.”

* * * *

Alyse stared at him aghast, disaster looming at the beginning of their marriage. How much would he ever resent her for wresting him from his home and country? Tears welled up in her eyes, suddenly overwhelmed with tremendous guilt at her part in his pending exile. Had she not served the princess so well, perhaps she would not have been chosen to accompany her to Spain. A great honor, yes, but at what cost? And the fear of him she had begun to dismiss crept back. Would he punish her for his banishment?

The first tears brimmed over and trickled down her cheeks. Alyse raised a hand to shield this weakness from him,tried to turn away. But before she could even shift in her seat, his big hand descended on her shoulder. She stiffened, resisted, though she might as well have tried to fight upstream against a torrent. Relentless, he drew her around the end of the table until she pressed against his hard chest and his free hand guided her head to rest against his shoulder.

“Shhh, do not cry, sweet. ‘Tis not your fault. Our fathers betrothed us; neither of us had choice in the matter.” His gentle tone belied his previous gruff exchange. Her heart calmed a trifle.

“But, Alyse.” He turned her head and she looked into clear, kind eyes. “For my part, if I must travel hence to Spain, I can think of none other I would have accompany me as my wife.” He brushed the tears away with his thumb.

His compassion stunned her, as sweet as it was unexpected. Was this the same great oaf as yesterday? She blinked back tears and struggled to sit up, but Geoffrey’s unyielding arms held her close. Somehow, his nearness did not frighten her as much now.

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

Posted in Betrothal, On Sweet Saturday Sample, On Time Enough to Love | Tagged Betrothal, historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, medieval romance, Sweet Saturday Sample, Time Enough To Love | 14 Comments

SPOTLIGHT: The Zurian Child by Jessica Subject

Posted on October 26, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

Today I’m Spotlighting my friend and fabulous author, Jessica Subject, and her book The Zurian Child. The e-book has been out for several months, but it’s just been released in print! Woo Hoo! So if you haven’t taken a look at it yet, please read on!

Lindsay Beckett longed to be reunited with her first love, Quinn Montgomery, until she learns the secret that sent him fleeing from her in the first place. He’s an alien, a Hemera, and she’s half-Hemera herself. As if that wasn’t enough to ruin her dreams of a perfect life, when their child is born, they discover she fulfills a prophesy told twenty light years away and many years ago. Lindsay wants to ignore it, until her husband is murdered and suddenly believing becomes a matter of survival.

Lindsay and her young daughter are forced to rely on another Hemera, her husband’s partner and best friend, Bryce Beuermann as more and more of the Hemera are slaughtered. Bryce will do anything to help his best friend’s widow— including suppressing his own deep feelings for her. But he must prove they can trust him, even pretending he doesn’t want her with all his heart.

Buy Links: Silver Publishing (ebook/print) / Amazon / Barnes & Noble
/All Romance / more

Excerpt from The Zurian Child:

A block stood between him and the bottom of the mountain, where the Law Enforcement Office greeted Hemera friend and foe. The office signified the beginning of the main city within the mountain, where the quartz miners lived and worked. In the centre of the mountain, an open cavern held seven quartz-powered ships, enough to save the entire Hemera population.

“We are almost there,” he said to himself and the baby in his arms.

Lorne gagged. Erebus. The stink hit his senses before he heard the creature’s call. The monstrous beast lumbered toward his direct path to the mountain, having a central core and tentacles larger than any other he had laid eyes on. This one moved faster, too. The creature could take him out before he reached the mountain. I have to get there first.

Only one chance existed to get off the planet. He filled his lungs with air then pumped his legs as he raced past the Erebus toward the office.

Five meters from the facility, a tentacle whipped out, wrapping around Lorne’s ankle. He crashed to the ground. Twisting over to one side, he landed on his shoulder, in an attempt to keep Bryce unharmed. His maneuver failed and the baby wailed in pain. The Erebus yanked the screaming boy from his arms.

“Be ready!” A man stood in front of the LE Office, weapon aimed at the large creature. “You had better catch that baby!”

Bryce squirmed high in the air as the Erebus taunted Lorne, swinging his tentacle around, ready to send the boy crashing to the ground. Lorne had witnessed the murder of a good friend by the same method. He would not let the same thing happen to Bryce. Bracing himself for the weight of the baby, he bent his knees while standing to the side of the Erebus. He had to catch the boy in time.

A blast sizzled through the air. The Erebus howled. Bryce rose higher.

“Shit!”

“Again!” Lorne couldn’t lose him.

The Erebus received another jolt, jerking in response. The baby, screaming, remained out of Lorne’s reach.

With no time to waste, he removed his own weapon.

Jessica Subject started writing to encourage her daughter to read. Now she writes to
keep herself grounded. Although she reads many genres, she enjoys writing Science
Fiction Romance the most and believes everyone in the universe deserves a happily
ever after. She lives Southwestern Ontario, Canada with her husband and two kids
and loves to hear from anyone who has enjoyed her stories.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Posted in Blog Tours, Book Spotlights, Sizzling PR Blog Tours | Tagged Book Spotlight, Jessica Subject, Sci-Fi Romance, Silver Publishing, The Zurian Child | 23 Comments

The Devil’s Pawn–Interview With Author Elizabeth Finn

Posted on October 25, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

Today I have another treat for you, an interview with Elizabeth Finn, author of the contemporary erotic novel The Devil’s Pawn. Please help me welcome her to the Journal!

Hello, Elizabeth! I’m so glad to have you here today.

Now, tell us a little bit about your new release The Devil’s Pawn.

How about a blurb!

When Ashton is left orphaned after her parents are murdered, her life becomes a hell she could never have imagined. Left to fend for herself, and responsible for a debt she doesn’t owe, she is swept into a life as a gentleman’s escort at a private men’s gaming hall.
Her new manager makes it abundantly clear he doesn’t appreciate her inexperience, innocence, and shyness. On the contrary, he despises everything about her.

Derek can be “difficult,” she’s been told. And however dark and handsome he may be, he terrifies her in a way that chills her to the bone, but leaves her begging to understand him. As they are pulled along together, more secrets and threats than either one could ever
conceive are revealed, and a common enemy emerges. This enemy will stop at nothing to bring Derek to his knees while using Ashton as the greatest pawn in his torturous game.

Will Derek be able to let down his shield of cold, harsh emotion before it’s too late? Will he be able to sacrifice himself to save Ashton, or will they both be destroyed by the secrets of their pasts?

Do you only write in this genre? If not, what other genres/sub-genres do you write in?

I have two books released at this point, The Devil’s Pawn and Brother’s Keeper, and I have a third that will be releasing in December, Restoring Jordan – all three fall in to the contemporary erotic romance category. That said, I’m just finishing writing a paranormal erotic romance that I’m really excited about, so I’m definitely bi-genre at this point. And I hope to take a stab at a historical someday. If it’s romance, I want to read it or write it!

What was your inspiration for this story?

I have tried to nail that down more times than I can tell you. Truthfully, I have no idea. I’ve been inventing stories in my head since I was just a child. The Devil’s Pawn just happens to be one of those stories that’s been floating around in my head for the last couple of years.

Titles are one of the most important things to an author. How did you come up with your title? Was this the only title, or did you have a working title as well?

I struggled with the title for The Devil’s Pawn, and I really can’t tell you why as neither of my other two recent releases were difficult at all! It ended up being a collaboration with the acquisitions editor. I had “pawn” and she supplied the “devil.” In the end, we came up with a very relevant title!

I am a fanatic about my character names. Are the character names in The Devil’s Pawn special in any way?

I’m fanatical too! That said, there’s never any real personal significance to the names I choose. I just become obsessed with finding the perfect name for my characters. I will find/replace my names more times than I care to admit until it just feels right! I love naming characters.

What was your process for writing this book? Is this different or the same as other books you’ve written?

Very similar I’d say to my usual process. I decide on the idea from one of many stories that happens to be floating around in my noggin. I set about starting and I write furiously until it’s done. I don’t let up once I’ve started a book. I spend evenings after my son has gone to bed and weekends just clacking away on the keyboard. I try not to re-read what I’ve written too much because I love getting to the end and reading from start to finish without feeling like I’ve over-read my work. I find that I’ll come across parts of my own writing, and it feels like I’m experiencing it for the first time all over again – I can truly tell if I’m happy with what I’ve written when I don’t over-read it.

Do you have plans to turn The Devil’s Pawn into a series? Why or why not?

I do not. As much as I love the stories and the characters, their story is complete in my opinion and I could bring nothing more to their relationship. I have so many stories I want to write that I can’t conceive of creating something new from that particular book.

Who is your favorite hero or heroine and why? What qualities do they possess that make them memorable?

I’m in love with my hero that I’m writing at the moment. The book is untitled, and it is my first paranormal romance. His name is Truman, and he epitomizes everything that I look for in a mate. He is jealously protective, obsessed with his one true love, and follows her through her life with no need but to protect her and see to her happiness. Oh yeah, and he’s great in bed of course. You learn a lot of moves over the centuries when you’re immortal… I really hope to be sharing Truman with my readers in 2013, so stay tuned!

What was the first author and book you read in this genre?

In terms of the romance genres, I started out reading historicals, and I loved Johanna Lindsey – anything by Johanna Lindsey.

Who has been the greatest influence on your writing?

I have many, many friends that have shared my passion for this, and reassured me more times than I can tell you that they support me. They influence me because they make me feel good about what I’m doing as a writer. It would be a struggle to go this alone without their support.

If you could have one wish granted just for you (not world peace, LOL), what would you wish for?

Peace, and no, I’m talking about world peace… 😉 Life can be so daunting and challenging and exhausting, and more than anything, I strive for the personal freedom of being at peace with myself, my life and my choices… Sounds corny, but hey – you asked the question!!!

What is the most exciting/daredevil thing you’ve ever done?

Hmmmm…. That is so hard to nail down and not because there is so much to choose from, but because there is soooo little to choose from. I got nothing… I stole some gold t’s from a cousin’s house when I was a child and I got in trouble and had to return them… That’s pathetic, isn’t it…

About the Author:

Elizabeth Finn is an Iowa native, where she lives with her husband and son. By day, Elizabeth is a Human Resources Specialist, but by night, she checks her professionalism at the door and immerses herself in the world of writing erotic romance. Look for more to come from Elizabeth Finn.

Website / Facebook

Excerpt:

Once in the fitting room, Derek takes the chair again while I start to remove my clothes. I intentionally wore ugly, stretched-out, white cotton underwear that is entirely too big on me in the event he should be here. My mouth isn’t the only thing that can get me into trouble—my sarcasm knows no bounds when I’m unhappy.

As he sees the appalling excuse for an undergarment, his eyes move up to mine, narrowing darkly at my obvious defiance. I look coolly back at him before looking away dismissively. My anger and resentment of him from the humiliation he subjected me to the previous morning, not to mention his treatment of me over the past two weeks, have charged me into a bold, fiery bitch that no longer cares what retribution I might face. While my tongue usually gets me in trouble, today I decided to let my underwear do the talking.

Jacob enters with an armful of dresses for me to try on, and he cringes as he takes in my defiant granny panties, hated the world over by men, including, apparently, gay men.

He turns to Derek, and with a scrunched-up face, he worries out loud. “The dresses aren’t going to lay right over those…” He tosses a nod in my general direction.

Derek wastes no time at all reassuring Jacob and striking back at me. “No worries. Ashton was just taking them off. She won’t be wearing underwear anymore.”

I glare defiantly back at him as I drop the loose fabric to the floor. He returns the glare for a moment before letting his gaze travel down my body to my sex, and as it lands there, smoldering with heat, I turn abruptly from him, intentionally showing him my backside instead. I look to the mirror in front of me, and I catch his eyes flit away from me in annoyance. He worries his lip with his thumb and index finger as he contemplates, and the slightest of smirks crosses over his mouth. Jacob is standing by looking from one to the other of us, obviously wondering just exactly what he’s gotten himself in the middle of.

Derek finally looks back to Jacob. “Get on with it.”

I try on one after the other of the dresses. Some are perfect; Jacob pins in additional alterations in others. Derek sits by, bored, only glancing up from his cell phone occasionally. One such occasion is when Jacob remarks that I’m “just not curvy enough for this one.”

Derek looks up to Jacob, but he shifts his eyes to mine before commenting, “Yes, well, if you can figure out some way of making her look female, you let me know.”

Jacob again lets his eyes pass between us, seeming to wonder all the while what he’s missing. As I hold Derek’s eyes with my own, my anger falters, and the pain that is behind my fury pushes through. I try to wrangle my tears into submission, but it’s no use. In defeat, first one, and then another spills from my eyes and slides down my cheeks. Jacob regards my state and excuses himself from the room.

I stand on the hemming block in the center of the room, refusing to look at Derek. But he’s looking at me, and as my hurt continues to work through my entire body, I let my tongue do what it does best. “Why do you hate me so much?”

He says nothing, but stands and moves to me. Reaching around behind me, he pulls the zipper of the dress down, and then, returning his hands to my shoulders, he pulls the straps down, exposing first my small breasts, and then the rest of my naked body as it falls to the floor.

He leans in to my ear and speaks. “You don’t know anything about me.” He then takes me by the hand and pulls me to stand in front of the mirror, and leaning to my ear once more as I watch him in the mirror, he speaks gently. “Lean forward and put your palms on the mirror.”

Fantastic excerpt, Elizabeth! This sounds like one hot novel and I’m sure it’s going to be flying off the virtual shelves. Thank you so much for visiting Jenna’s Journal today.

Posted in Blog Tours, Guest Bloggers, Interviews, Sizzling PR Blog Tours | Tagged author interview, contemporary romance, Elizabeth Finn, Erotic Romance, guest authors, The Devil's Pawn | 30 Comments

7 Days of Seduction Released!

Posted on October 24, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

Woo Hoo! At long last, my erotic novella, 7 Days of Seduction, is released and available on Amazon, New Dawning International Bookfair, AllRomance E-Books, and Smashwords!

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 weeklong 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.”

To celebrate my release, I’m giving away copies of my erotic romance, Almost Perfect, and 7 Days swag packs to five (5) commenters!

In 7 Days, Hunter likes his sexual adventures “colorful.” This includes colorful condoms, new positions, new places, and extra-curricular activities. 🙂 So how “colorful” do you like your sex?

Posted in On Seven Days of Seduction, Promotion, Release Party | Tagged 7 Days of Seduction, colorful sex, erotic contemporary novella, Jenna Jaxon, New Dawning International Bookfair, Release Party, shower sex | 28 Comments

Wicked After Dark BlogHop–7 Days of Seduction

Posted on October 24, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

WELCOME!

TO THE WICKED AFTER DARK BLOG HOP!

(For Horny Hump Day click here)

Don’t forget to leave a comment for the chance to win a copy of one of the following books too:

Blurb for Almost Perfect:

Pamela Kimball’s birthday present, a 1Night Stand adventure, promises to jump-start her life, put a new man in her bed, and help her forget her past. Unfortunately, movie-buff Pam’s Pirates of the Caribbean fantasy takes an alarming wrong turn when she’s abandoned on a not quite deserted island—with ex-husband Roger Ware.

Forced by hunger to accept Roger’s offer of dinner, Pam realizes the geek she married has transformed into one of the most charming, sexiest men she’s ever met. His newfound confidence—and hot body—re-kindle old fires. A simple kiss leads Roger to challenge her to discover how much his lovemaking skills have improved, leaving Pam torn between self-preservation and burning desire.

With time running out before they’re rescued, Pam must decide if her heart can survive the consequences of becoming Roger’s “almost” perfect 1Night Stand.

Blurb for 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?

Hope you got an idea of just how WICKED I can be! So now, click the icon below to hop on to the next wicked stop!

Posted in Blog Hops, Giveaways, On Seven Days of Seduction, Promotion | Tagged 7 Days of Seduction, blog hops, Erotic Romance, giveaway, Jenna Jaxon, Wicked After Dark Blog Hop | 24 Comments

7 Days of Seduction for Horny Hump Day 10/24/12

Posted on October 24, 2012 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

I’m changing back to 7 Days of Seduction this week because 7 Days is about ready to release! As soon as it goes live I’ll update the blog, so you know you can go check it out!

Now on to the fun and games! Ashley and same are watching a candid video of the good time they had Friday night–with a new friend. Remember, Ashley remembers nothing of that night!

The guy’s hands traveled down her back and cupped her ass, squeezed it in turn as his lips fastened on her right breast. Her pussy flooded with moisture; too late she remembered she hadn’t put on panties, so the tee-shirt was going to get wet. Make that soaked.

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.

7 Days of Seduction will be available for purchase soon (like maybe today!) on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ARe and New Dawning Bookfair.

Posted in Blog Hops, On Horny Hump Day, On Seven Days of Seduction | Tagged 7 Days of Seduction, blog hops, Erotic Romance, Horny Hump Day, Jenna Jaxon, New Dawning International Bookfair | 9 Comments

Alpha Male BlogHop Winners for Jenna’s Journal

Posted on October 23, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

I have Winners! For the Alpha Male Blog Hop. Thank you to the 70+ people who commented and the almost 700 people who visited my blog during the hop. Hope you enjoyed it!

So now, without further ado:

VANESSA N

DAWNA NEWMAN

TAMMY TURNER

Ladies, you have won a copy of Almost Perfect and an Only Scandal Will Do Swag Pack. I’ll be getting in touch via email to get addresses from you.

Again, Congratulations and thank you !

Posted in Blog Hops, Contests, Winners | Tagged Alpha Male Blog Hop, blog hops, contest winners, contests, Jenna Jaxon | Leave a comment

Spotlight: Interview With A Jewish Vampire by Erica Manfred

Posted on October 22, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

“Interview with a Jewish Vampire turns vampire lore on its head, proving that not all vampires are young and beautiful and it IS possible to be undead and kosher.”

Blurb for Interview With A Jewish Vampire:

The last thing 40ish Rhoda Ginsberg expected when she signed up for Jdate was to fall for a Jewish vampire. But when she meets gorgeous but undead Sheldon, a former Hasidic rabbi, she rationalizes that he may be not be alive, but at least he’s Jewish. In a wild romp that ranges from New York City to Century Village, Florida, they conspire to turn a bunch of little old Jewish ladies into vampires, who then “go rogue” and prey on the young.

About the Author:

Erica Manfred is a freelance journalist, humorous essayist, and author. Her most recent book is the novel, Interview with a Jewish Vampire. She’s also authored two non-fiction self-help books, including most recently He’s History You’re Not; Surviving Divorce After Forty. Her articles and essays have appeared in Cosmopolitan, The New York Times Magazine, Ms., New Age Journal, Village Voice, Woman’s Day, SELF, Ladies Home Journal, and many other publications. Erica lives in Woodstock, New York with her Chihuahua, Shadow, and her daughter, Freda. Brought up by Jewish parents who spoke Yiddish but avoided religion, she got her Jewish education at the Woodstock Jewish Congregation which welcomes Jews from all backgrounds, from atheist to Orthodox, to vampire. Her website is http://www.ericamanfred.com, or visit http://www.jewishvampire.com

Excerpt for Interview With A Jewish Vampire:

“I would like to tell the story of my life.” He leaned forward and gave me such an intense look I had to turn away. “Would you be willing to interview me?”

No, I wasn’t interested in the story of his life. I was interested in getting to know him in a more biblical sense. I figured he was just another narcissistic celebrity wannabe. As a writer I was constantly getting hit on–not by attractive men–but by people who thought their lives were so fascinating they would make surefire bestseller material. All they thought they needed was a writer to tell their story which, of course, I would be thrilled to do on spec because they didn’t have any money. None of them realized that writers are not charitable institutions.

“You will want to write my story,” he said urgently, “You’ve never heard anything like it before. It will make you rich and famous.”

“Sure, sure. So what’s so special about your story?” I asked wearily, disappointed that he was only interested in my writing skills, not my body.

“I’m a vampire,” he said matter-of-factly.

“Sure, and I’m the Queen of the Damned.”

“What will convince you?” he asked.

“Hmm. Hold on a minute,” I said, playing along. I dragged a cross out of my purse, which I happened to have because I’d visited St. Patrick’s Cathedral with my niece earlier that day and got one for free. I held it up in front of him.

“I’m a Jewish vampire. Doesn’t do a thing for me.”

“How about a Jewish star?”

“Don’t be silly, only Christians are afraid of the devil.”

I dragged out a mirror and held it in front of his face. No reflection. He said Ah and the mirror didn’t fog up. When he opened his mouth I saw that his long incisors were, in fact, fangs. I shrank back, not thrilled about the notion of becoming dinner.

Erica, this sounds like a fun read for the Halloween season!

Posted in Blog Tours, Book Spotlights, Reader's Corner, Sizzling PR Blog Tours | Tagged contemporary romance, Erica Manfred, horror/comedy, Interview With A Jewish Vampire, Jewish religion, vampires | 15 Comments

Six Sentence Sunday–10/21/12 Time Enough To Love: Betrothal ~ “Excellent Sport “

Posted on October 21, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

Happy Sunday! For my Six Sentence Sunday post today, I’m continuing with my medieval WIP Betrothal, about to go into edits! And I’m picking up where we left off with Sweet Saturday Sample yesterday. You can read that post here.

Lady Alyse de Courcy is a waiting gentlewoman to Princess Joanna, youngest daughter of King Edward. Alyse is less than happy with her arranged marriage to Geoffrey Longford, a knight in the king’s service, and is infatuated instead with his best friend, Thomas, Lord Brayton.

This scene occurs the night after the betrothal. Geoffrey has drawn Alyse over to his table, hoping to talk to her in private. His group of friends, led by Thomas, attempt to make sport of the couple. Thomas makes the suggestion (in jest) that Alyse should know him before she is wed. Geoffrey, piqued that Alyse still shows an interest in his friend, asks her to answer the lewd statement. But when she acquits herself credibly in wordplay, she draws Geoffrey’s ire because she will not banter with him. In trying to extricate herself from one predicament, Alyse instead lands smack into the fire by declaring “Nay, my lord, I would deny you no pleasure.”

Geoffrey’s bench thumped down on the rush-strewn floor, his blood heating at the import of her words.

“Indeed, my lady, shall we retire at once to my chamber?” He tried to restrain a lecherous grin as he watched her fight to recall those words. She was proving excellent sport in her attempts to placate him.

“My lord, I did not mean…”

“Did you not, my sweet?” he whispered, leaning toward her, tempted to try to steal a kiss in the confusion.

Will temptation get the better of him? LOL

Thanks so much for visiting me today. If you get a chance, Betrothal‘s cover is in a contest at Danielle Fine’s website and I’d appreciate your vote if you haven’t already. 🙂 You could win a cover too!

Now pop over to the Six Sentence Sunday list and check out the rest of the snippets. See you there!

Posted in Betrothal, On Six Sentence Sunday, On Time Enough to Love | Tagged Betrothal, historical novella, historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, medieval romance, Six Sentence Sunday, Time Enough To Love, wordplay | 18 Comments

Sweet Saturday Sample: 10/20/12 Time Enough To Love–Betrothal: “A Scholar and A Wit”

Posted on October 20, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome back to Sweet Saturday Sample! All excerpts here are rated PG-13 or milder. Here’s another post from my new WIP, my medieval trilogy Time Enough To Love.

Part 1 is called Betrothal and I’m so excited! I still have a tentative release date of late-October, and I will keep you informed.

The series is set in England and France in 1348. Betrothal takes place at the court of King Edward III.

This excerpt is UNEDITED. Please be kind.

I continued this excerpt in Six Sentence Sunday last week which you can read here. And we continue on:

“I presume from your sharp repartee with Thomas, that you are both a scholar and a wit?” His mocking tone surprised him, a reaction, he supposed, to the unexpected skill she had shown in her use of language. He scowled, assailed by unbidden jealousy at the remembrance of Thomas’s kiss on her hand, although he knew such feelings were madness. His friend’s attentions were the courtly fashion, a game Geoffrey knew he played exceedingly well.

“Lady Alyse?” She had taken so long to reply Geoffrey had to ask again. “Do you attend me, my lady?”

The maid seemed to shake herself from a reverie and turned cautious eyes towards him. “Aye, my lord, I beg your pardon for not attending. . . my mind had. . . I am sorry, my lord.” She peered at him, pitiful and confused. “What did you ask of me?”

Geoffrey snorted. “I think I have my answer, lady, yet I will ask again. Are you both a scholar and a wit?”

Alyse ventured a small smile. “’Tis hard to answer yea, my lord, having just proved my lack of wits to you. Yet I have some pretense to both charges when I am hard pressed, as you heard before with Lord Brayton.”

“Yes, you did acquit yourself admirably with Thomas.” That exchange still sat ill with him. “But you do not care to trade banter with me, lady? Our conversations so far have not shown me your great skills in wordplay. Would you deny me this pleasure with you?”

“Nay, my lord, I would deny you no pleasure.” Alyse stopped and clapped her hand over her mouth, her eyes widening in horror. Her face deepened to a brilliant shade of scarlet as she realized the import of her unthinking words.

I hope you enjoyed this latest sample from Time Enough to Love. Stop by SSS tomorrow for more six sentences from Betrothal. And today be sure to click here to visit more Sweet Samples.