Edit is a Four Letter Word

Posted on July 30, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

ESCAPE 2
© Johanna Goodyear | Dreamstime.com

I know I’m supposed to be in seclusion right now–I’m finishing up edits for my Victorian historical As Long As You’re Mine for submission to an agent. Yes, I broke bad and hired an editor (a damn good one too) to make sure this manuscript was the best it could be.

And it will be, but man, the edits are kicking my butt!

Edits have never been easy; almost all of my manuscripts have come back from the editors looking like a Christmas tree with multi-colored balls on it. So with a deep breath I roll up my sleeves and wade in. I’ve never minded changing things when I feel the suggestion will make the work better. It’s the making it better part that’s the real challenge.

Of course, I wrote the original word/phrase/sentence/paragraph thinking this is exactly what I mean. Then it comes back with phrases like “word choice?” or “Not sure about this” or “Telling.” Ugh! Now I have to make it better. And to do that I’m going to have to…gulp…think! I’m actually going to have to be a writer. My first drafts are usually gut and emotion. The edits demand more. They insist that I use craft to make this work better.

Edit is a four letter word.

But it’s a good word because edits/editors force us to re-invent that word/phrase/ sentence/ paragraph/character/plot point that is not up to its full potential. It’s a bear because if you didn’t see anything wrong with what you had, how can you re-write it to make it better? A good editor will tell you the whys, which will give you the tools you need to improve your work.

Bottom line–Trust your editor. Ask questions if you don’t understand a comment. Editing should be a collaborative effort that works to make your manuscript the best that it can be. And I’ve been fortunate to have worked with several editors with whom the collaboration process was absolutely wonderful, including my current editor.

Just don’t tell her I wrote this. I’m supposed to be editing! 🙂

Posted in On Writing | Tagged Edit is a Four Letter Word, editing, editors, Jenna Jaxon, writing, writing tips | 19 Comments

Six Sentence Sunday–7/29/12–Only Scandal Will Do

Posted on July 29, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

Only Scandal Will Do

Officially Released on July 23, 2012!

My historical romance novel, Only Scandal Will Do, is available for purchase! It released on July 19th and has been doing well in reviews and sales. So it’s back for a final encore at Six Sentence Sunday! Hope you enjoy!

I’m working toward an edits deadline so I won’t be able to return SSS visits until after Tuesday, but I’ll be by!

Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam has been kidnapped and auctioned off in a brothel to the highest bidder, a man in a cloak and mask. He plays master to her slave, but when she protests she is a lady, he challenges her to prove it to him. She explains the circumstances and when he becomes sympathetic, she lowers her guard and allows him to comfort her. She finds herself strongly attracted to the stranger and he takes full advantage of her willingness–until she comes to her senses. After a quick tussle she wounds him and escapes.

The following six are from Duncan’s POV, later that night when he wakes up at home, his face on fire from the gouges Katarina made.

Duncan slipped on his red-striped banyan and poured himself a brandy. Cautiously, he alternated sips of the fiery brew with bathing his cheek. Wincing, he rubbed the swollen scratch marks.

The girl had been magnificent—her hair, her face, her form, her spirit. He almost wished her story had been true, for she would make an excellent candidate for his bride.

But what on earth would a lady of good reputation be doing in a brothel?

Want to read more? Only Scandal Will Do is now available at Amazon, iTunes, ARe, and Lyrical Press.

I’ll be celebrating starting tomorrow with a release party and some awesome contests and giveaways. Please come by!

I appreciate everyone’s comments, so thank you in advance for leaving one! Please also check out the other Six Sentence Sunday participants. I know you’ll be glad you did!

Posted in On Only Scandal Will Do, On Six Sentence Sunday | Tagged Georgian romance, historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, Lyrical Press, Only Scandal Will Do, Six Sentence Sunday | 16 Comments

Sweet Saturday Sample–7/28/12 Only Scandal Will Do

Posted on July 28, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

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

If you’re here for the Hero Blog Hop, please click the Blog Hop Banner on the right side.

I’m under a deadline for edits–Tuesday at the latest and 10 chapters to go! Yikes! So I may not get to return the visit to your blog until Tues. or Wed. But I’ll be there!

Today I’m giving you a little more of Chapter 1 from my just released book, Only Scandal Will Do, where you get to meet Duncan Ferrers, Marquess of Dalbury. Hope you enjoy!

Portrait by Anton Raphael Mengs

Duncan Ferrers, the Marquess of Dalbury, reared his frame back in the worn leather office chair with a sullen sigh at the mound of papers piled on either side of the usually tidy desk. When one removed to Italy for almost a year leaving a steward to look after things, chaos reigned.

Chaos ate up time better spent in pleasant pursuits, such as drinking at White’s, or gaming at Worthing’s, or exploring the delights of Amorina, his special sweet meat at Madame Vestry’s House of Pleasure. Amorina, Madame Vestry herself, had been his mistress for two years prior to his departure. Duncan wondered idly who had replaced him during his absence, and sighed once more.

He opened the desk drawer and withdrew a piece of heavy cream-colored

paper, folded and sealed with a blob of blood red wax imprinted with the entwined initials AV. Duncan raised the letter to his nose, closing his eyes briefly at the familiar smell of orange blossoms. He read again his name in the familiar, bold, cursive hand. It had arrived two days ago, but remained unopened. Why had she written?

Amorina was no longer for him.

Duncan threw the missive into the drawer, slammed it shut, then groaned anew. It would take a month to sort through the bills alone. He plucked another receipt from the pile that never seemed to shrink, then stopped. Damn. Aunt Phoebe’s masquerade ball this evening required an appearance. A nuisance, but a necessity. For the family.

Oh, to hell with business. He flung the bill down and came to his feet. If it had waited a year, it could wait one more day.

I hope you enjoyed this sample and stop by SSS tomorrow for six sentences more from Only Scandal Will Do. And today be sure to click here to visit more Sweet Samples.

As part of my release week celebration, today I’m giving away copies of books from my back list to two lucky commenters who answer this question and leave your email address: What initials are in the wax on the envelope Duncan throws back into the drawer?

Only Scandal Will Do is available at Amazon, Only Scandal Will Do @ iTunes, ARe, and Lyrical Press where it’s on sale for $3.00!

Posted in On Only Scandal Will Do, On Sweet Saturday Sample, On Works in Progress | Tagged Georgian historical romance, historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, Lyrical Press, Only Scandal Will Do, Sweet Saturday Sample | 14 Comments

A Hero’s BlogHop July 27-31

Posted on July 26, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

WELCOME TO THE HERO’S BLOG HOP!

Thank you for hopping by my blog today. We’ve got lots of celebrating to do. We’re celebrating HEROES first of all. And second, we’re celebrating the fact that this Hop has some fantastic prizes you can win:

1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet

2nd Grand Prize: A $50 Amazon or B&N Gift Card

3rd Grand Prize: The following Swag Pack!

LARGE SWAG PACK!

What would we do without a hero? Not much in the romance novel business! Oh, we love our heroines, but we LOVE our heroes.

Today I’m sharing some special hero love. My first full-length romance novel, Only Scandal Will Do, released a week ago and I’m so thrilled to bring you an interview with my book’s hero, Duncan Ferrers, Marquess of Dalbury. Duncan granted this interview back in May, for Hearthrob Haven, but I don’t think anyone will mind him coming back for an encore.

Jenna is seated on an 18th century Chinese Chippendale sofa, nervously fingering a locket around her neck. Checks her watch. Tries to relax. A door opens and she sits up, tense. Sound of door closing and boot heels on the polished floor.

Duncan Ferrers, Marquess of Dalbury, drops onto the sofa next to her, sweat beading his face, white linen shirt open to show his chest, also sweaty. He lays his rapier across the knees of his black breeches.

Duncan: (Sternly) Miss Jaxon. I am here, as you requested, but I am afraid we must make this brief. I am engaged elsewhere in ten minutes time. It is an appointment I will not fail to make.

Jenna: Thank you, Lord Dalbury, for taking the time to see me.

Duncan: It is always my pleasure, my dear. (A sensual smile steals across his lips.) But you must call me Duncan. After all, Jenna, we are intimately acquainted. (His brown eyes gleam with a sudden light.)

Jenna: (Flustered, clutching locket.) We are?

Duncan: You don’t recall that afternoon in October? You were reading and I came up, quite unexpectedly, and whispered in your ear? (He leans forward, eyes staring pointedly into hers.) Did I make so little impression, my dear, that you have forgotten our first meeting?

Jenna: God, no! (Collects herself.) I mean, yes…Duncan. I remember that first day very well.

Duncan: (Leans back, chuckles deep in his throat.) I always make a memorable first impression.

Jenna: You certainly did with Lady Katarina.

Duncan: (His eyes narrow and his mouth tightens.) I cannot be held accountable for that miserable debacle! How on earth was I to know she was kidnapped? She was on an auction block in the most notorious brothel in London–what else was I supposed to think but that she was a…a…

Jenna: Whore? I suppose that was the logical conclusion. Even though she denied it.

His brows knit together and he draws in a deep breath. Jenna braces for an explosion.

Duncan: (Slumps in chair.) She did. She told me who she was and I still didn’t believe her. (Mumbles something.)

Jenna: What was that?

Duncan: (Annoyed) I said I didn’t want to believe her. Stares at Jenna, eyes narrowed. What would you have done, my dear, (takes Jenna’s hand) had you been without “companionship” for two months, saw the most ravishing creature–your every fantasy come true–and been in a position (begins to kiss her fingers one at a time) to buy the “affections” of that person for your evening’s pleasure? (Turns her hand over and kisses her palm, lingering.) Would you want to simply let that person leave, or (kisses her wrist) would you (kisses her forearm) want to take (kisses her inner elbow and Jenna gasps) full advantage (kisses shoulder) of the situation?

His face is an inch from Jenna’s, his eyes on her mouth.

Jenna: (Panting, staring at his mouth, mesmerized as a mouse staring at a snake) Full advantage.

Duncan releases her arm and sits back, a wicked grin spreading across his face. Jenna shakes her head, as though coming out of a trance.

Duncan: Exactly my thought, my dear. Sometimes one simply cannot help oneself.

Jenna: (Frowning and straightening her dress) No wonder Katarina doesn’t believe a word you say, my lord.

Duncan: (Laughing) Don’t fret over a few ruffled feathers, Jenna. I just needed to make my point.

Jenna: (still perturbed at him) And your point is?

Duncan: (Smirking) I know how to get what I want.

Jenna: But you didn’t get Lady Katarina that night, did you, Duncan?

Duncan: (smirk wiped off face) No. I did not. (He stands, picks up rapier) But I am about to go remedy that situation right now.

Jenna: A duel with her brother for her hand, my lord?

Duncan: (grinning once more) A duel with her for her hand, Jenna. She gave the terms and I accepted. I draw one drop of her blood and I win the prize. (He winks at her.) And I do expect to win.

Jenna: “Pride goeth before destruction.” Never underestimate a woman, Duncan.

Duncan: (Smiling broadly) I will try to remember that, my dear. (Picks up her hand and kisses it. He leaves.)

Jenna: You bet your sweet ass you will. (She pulls a Netbook out of her bag, turns it on, punches a few keys, then sits back.) Only Scandal Will Do, Revision 8. (Makes a key stroke.) Revision 9. (Begins to type.)

Sometimes a hero is too arrogant for his own good. Perhaps Duncan will see the error of his ways–or perhaps Lady Katarina needs to show him. I’d put my money on her if I were you. 🙂 Their full story is told in Only Scandal Will Do, just released and available at Amazon, iTunes, All Romance E-books, and Lyrical Press (half price at Lyrical until July 31!).

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.

Now for my blog’s personal giveaway: to one lucky commenter who tells me what her favorite characteristic for a hero is (MUST LEAVE EMAIL ADDRESS TO BE ENTERED), I’ll be giving away a Scandal Swag Pack which includes a bookmark, a signature card, business cards, refrigerator magnet, and a signed print copy of my historical romance short story, Heart of Deception.

To hop on to the next blog in the Hero’s Blog Hop, click on the banner below and have a great rest of the hop!

Posted in Blog Hops, Contests, Giveaways, On Only Scandal Will Do | Tagged blog hops, character interview, contests, Georgian historical romance, Hero's Blog Hop, historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, Lyrical Press, Marquess of Dalbury, Only Scandal Will Do | 68 Comments

“To Bathe or Not to Bathe”

Posted on July 26, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

The Bath Alfred Stevens 1869

One of the things that has always drawn me to history is a curiosity about how people did things without the benefit of modern conveniences. What did they do about lack of air conditioning? Lack of plumbing? How did they brush their teeth? What did women do when having their periods? These questions have always fascinated me and while I was writing Only Scandal Will Do, I had to address some of these questions. Early on in the novel my heroine does something that we all take to be a matter of course: she takes a bath. Then I thought, “Would she?”

Believe it or not, bathing has not always been the “fashionable” thing to do. It apparently has gone in and out of fashion. Ancient history tells us that the Romans were keen on bathing and, surprisingly, the medieval community was as well, using communal bathing sites most often. The enlightened Renaissance, however, not so much. They opted to clean their undergarments rather than themselves. An absolutely wonderful video that details all these doings, Bathroom–History of the Home, can be found on youtube. Hosted by a historian, it’s an eye opening look at bathing through the ages.

But back to 1761. Would Lady Katarina have taken a bath after her adventures and if so, how would it be accomplished? Apparently, by the eighteenth century, cleanliness, at least for the rich, became acceptable again. According to Keeping It Clean—Georgian and Regency Bathing Customs by Joanna Bourne, tub baths could be found in most upper class or noble houses. The tubs were made of metal or wood, often lined with linen cloths for comfort. Tubs could be found in many different shapes, including the traditional oval, round, and a “sofa bath” which looks like a lounge chair.

Bathing was quite a production. It may have taken place in a designated “bath” room, but more often a tub was transported into the noble’s bedroom. Running water of the time was usually run upstairs by footmen carrying cans of hot and cold water. The lady would be attended by her maid and in the 18^th century would have actually had soap to use. Towels would have been made of linen (not thick and plush terry). As a result of the labor intensive nature of bathing during this period, it was not normally an every day occurrence (though Beau Brummel, at the end of the century, was reputed to bathe daily). The most common form of bathing each day was with a basin, where you hit the high and low spots with soap and water.

Lady Katarina’s bath, in Scandal, was certainly a special occasion—she’d been abducted, seduced, and interrogated and needed some creature comforts before finding out if her brother would live or not. A soothing bath was just the ticket and thankfully available to her.

Historical research is an integral part of writing historical romance, though it is often arduous. Finding conflicting information occurs with alarming frequency. Do you believe historical accuracy is necessary for romance writers? To what degree? Thanks for coming by and commenting. The winner of today’s giveaway will receive a signed, print copy of my other historical work, Heart of Deception.

Heart of Deception

Posted in Uncategorized | 19 Comments

Only Scandal Will Do for Horny Hump Day 7/25/12

Posted on July 25, 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

Today’s Horny Hump Day has another nibble from my historical romance novel, Only Scandal Will Do, which is now available for purchase!

This nibble skips ahead to another, more intimate scene between Duncan and Katarina.

She ran her fingertips lightly up his back and he skimmed her flesh as well, sending shivers down her spine. Did he feel that too? While she made light circles around his flat nipples, he fondled her breasts, squeezed them together until a deep valley appeared; a guttural moan emerged from his throat and his eyes closed, fierce contentment on his face.

It seems things are finally headed in the right direction for the two. 🙂

Only Scandal Will Do is available for purchase on Amazon, iTunes, ARe and the Lyrical Press store. Lyrical is running a half-price sale on Scandal through the month of July! See their site for details.

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 | Tagged blog hops, Horny Hump Day, Jenna Jaxon, Lyrical Press, Only Scandal Will Do, seduction scenes | 22 Comments

The Art of Seduction

Posted on July 24, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

We’ve all been seduced. At one time or another, we’ve been persuaded to do something we know we shouldn’t. But we do it anyway, damn the consequences. Why?

People have been resisting and succumbing to seduction for centuries, not only in the sexual arena but in all facets of our lives. Have you ever been seduced by the call of Starbucks? You know you don’t need to spend the money, you don’t need the empty calories, but you find yourself pulling into the drive-thru anyway, ordering that venti mocha latté. You’ve been seduced, just as surely as Darth Vader was to come over to the Dark Side. Call it persuasion if you want, I think it’s seduction.

Most people, however, still think of seduction in its sexual connotation. The very definition is to lead someone astray or persuade them to have sexual intercourse. So if we know this up front, why is seduction so…seductive?

A recent article in The Independent lists ten of the world’s best seducers and sheds some light on this question. The article by Mark Wilson, titled The Great Seducers, states the basics of seduction: “get them to notice you in the crowd, make them feel special, win their trust, make their pupils dilate, get them into bed.”

Can you see the bones of many a romance novel in that technique? But in addition to technique, the seducer, in order to be truly worthy of the name, must develop his or her

Giacomo Casanova by Anton Raphael Meng 1760

own particular style of seduction. Wilson admits that seduction is actually “a ritual with a complex set of rules,” and the ones capable of understanding and adapting those rules are more successful. He lists, quite rightly, Casanova, as the ultimate measure of a seducer–the man who was expelled from most European cities in the 18th century for his wild sexual escapades. His “style” according to Wilson, was to “discover a lady in trouble; be attentive; extricate her from her difficulty; bestow small gifts; use alluring words; make hay; get bored; exit stage left.”

My favorite (and best in my estimation) seducer in literature has to be Valmont in Dangerous Liaisons, adapted from the 18th century novel by de Laclos. His charm, wit, and persuasive talents, as he seduces not one, but two very different women at the same time, are spellbinding to watch. As John Malkovich portrayed him, he would have had me at hello.

So how do you plan a seduction? In Only Scandal Will Do, Duncan tries to seduce Katarina when he’s with her in the brothel. He plays on her need to believe that he’s accepted her story. So he treats her as a damsel in distress:

Excerpt from Only Scandal Will Do:

“You are distraught, my lady. It has been a harrowing night for you. Please allow me to come to your aid.” He brought her hands to rest on the soft black cloak that disguised the solid expanse of his chest. The concern and respect in his voice, which had so recently mocked and insulted her, broke through her crumbling defenses. Ready to drop from weariness, she could not reclaim the strength leached away by the excitements of the night. And his chest was so strong and warm under her palms. Incredibly warm. Kat sighed as that heat stole into her body, relaxing the muscles in her hands and arms inch by inch.

The face beneath the mask softened, his lips turned up in a tender smile. He traced a line down her cheek with the back of one finger. “Allow me take care of you, my dear.”

His touch, like fine silk drawn over her skin, sent a pang of longing through her. Could she permit someone else to be strong for her, just this once? He understood the fears she faced tonight and sought to vanquish them, as any knight errant would seek to make amends. He continued to stroke her cheek, her jaw, her chin, his touch feather light. A powerful, unreasoning desire assaulted her to feel his strong arms around her, sheltering her from the harsh world. She was hardly surprised, then, to find him gathering her against his broad chest.

“Lean your head just there, sweet.”

She could hear the strong beat of his heart, smell the clean, comforting citrus of his cologne. The fresh scent reminded her of home.

“You will be all right now,” he whispered, holding her securely to him. Safe at last. She closed her eyes and leaned into his caresses, contentment stealing through her for the first time since leaving Virginia.

With a finger beneath her chin, he lifted her face up to his. Her eyes flew open and peace fled as he pressed her mouth with a gentle kiss that stole what breath she had left. His lips–soft, warm, insistent–generated heat all the way to her toes. A sensation so overpowering she forgot everything around her, giving herself completely to the pleasures of that kiss.

Not a bad strategy. Looks to be working. But all seductions don’t go as planned. Always keep that in mind when designing yours.

Today’s giveaway is a Scandal Swag Pack to a random commenter who tells me: What seduces you?

Only Scandal Will Do is now available at Lyrical Press, Amazon, iTunes, and All Romance Ebooks.

Lyrical is actually running a special through the end of July: All the Scandal for Half the price! Check out their store!

Posted in On Only Scandal Will Do, On Writing Historical Romance | Tagged art of seduction, casanova, giveaway, Jenna Jaxon, Lyrical Press, Only Scandal Will Do, seduction | 22 Comments

ONLY SCANDAL WILL DO RELEASE PARTY: POST 4–THE SERIES

Posted on July 23, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

TODAY IS ONLY SCANDAL WILL DO’S

OFFICIAL RELEASE!

I’m so incredibly happy I want to PARTY all day!

For details on the contest and giveaways, scroll down to Post #1. It gives you the Contest lowdown. 🙂

My 4th and final post of this fabulous day is a flash forward of sorts. I’m sharing excerpts from the first three books of the House of Pleasure series: Only Scandal Will Do, Only Marriage Will Do, and Only A Mistress Will Do. There are two more books in the series, but they are only in outline form at present.

First, an excerpt from the book of the day, Only Scandal Will Do! Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam has been abducted and sold to a man for a night’s pleasure. They’re in a face-off in the bedroom of the House of Pleasure:

Except 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.

In book 2, Only Marriage Will Do, Lady Juliet Ferrers is fleeing London, running from a man who may or may not be her husband. She’s also fallen in love with another man, Amiable Dawson, who rescued her from the other man’s attentions. In this scene Juliet claims she has seen the “husband” to try and keep Amiable by her side.

Excerpt from Only Marriage Will Do:

“Are you sure it was him, Lady Juliet?”

It was easy to act flustered. “Oh, perhaps not, Captain Dawson. But perhaps it was. I don’t really know! But I was thinking ‘what if he follows me to Honoria’s? What am I to do?’”

Amiable took her hand and squeezed it gently to comfort her. At his touch, Juliet thought she would melt into the springs of the carriage. “I know you are still frightened of him, my lady. But all will be well. Your friend’s family will rebuff him if he puts in an appearance there.”

“But what if he brings papers and convinces the Claypools that I am his wife?” Juliet’s false fright deepened into a real concern. If, in fact, St. Cyr could produce such papers, the Claypools would have no choice but to turn her over to him. Fear poured off her and she gasped in air in an effort not to faint.

In a moment Amiable moved to sit beside her. His arm went around her shoulders, his voice as he consoled her low pitched and soothing. “Any papers he brings would be forgeries, would they not my lady? You can insist the Claypools take them to an attorney for authentification.”

Juliet’s eyes teared, her fears not allayed in the slightest. “But what if he has been clever about it? What if they can’t tell they are forgeries? He seemed so determined this morning I believe he would do anything to. . .to. . .” Great sobs broke from her throat. “I. . . just. . .just wish my brother. . . was here,” she managed to stammer before weeping overtook her in earnest.

“My dear! Please do not distress yourself so.” Amiable’s hand steered her head to his shoulder for the second time that morning. She struggled to get herself under control, all the while reveling in the feel of his strong arm around her, the clean scent of his clothes and the fainter but still comforting smell that was simply male. It was a scent that reminded her of Duncan and therefore made her feel protected.

He stroked her hair, her cap having come off again, and her hair spilled all around her shoulders. She must look the very devil. Juliet attempted to sit up, but he would have none of it, pressing her to stillness against his chest. She nestled there quite readily, happy to feel this closeness to him. “I feel so safe with you, Captain Dawson. Is that not strange?”

She felt his cheek move, as though he smiled. “I suppose it is, my lady, as we have only known each other for about an hour. Of course,” he chuckled, “we were married for at least half that time.”

Juliet smiled at that. He was so comfortable to be with. She never wanted them to be apart. “I begin to fear I will not be safe at the Claypool’s. I find I truly do not wish to go there, Captain Dawson. If Philippe finds me I am afraid he will manage to take me away with him, and I would rather die than have to be married to him.”

He drew her head away from his body and lifted her face so he could look into it. “Is there somewhere else I can take you, Lady Juliet? Some place you will feel safe?”

Juliet paused, thinking carefully, and sealed Amiable Dawson’s fate.

And book #3, Only A Mistress Will Do, is the story of Violet Carlton, beggared when her brother is killed in a duel, who is now forced to seek employment at the House of Pleasure or starve. In this scene she is awaiting her first client.

Excerpt from Only A Mistress Will Do:

“What pleasure may I give you this evening, my lord?”

No matter how many times she practiced that phrase Violet still doubted she would be able to utter it when the time came. She sat before the fire in the “green” room downstairs in the House of Pleasure, staring into the dying embers and repeating the phrase Madame had taught her, the question all Vestry’s girls were supposed to ask to their clients before complying with their demands for the evening.

Violet shivered, though the room remained warm from the blazing logs set aflame to take the chill from it more than an hour ago. No amount of warmth could take the chill from her heart and mind now. She was about to become Madame Vestry’s newest girl and lose her virtue to the man with the money to buy it.

She tensed as footsteps approached outside the door, sagging back in the dark green velvet armchair when they continued past. After five days of “training”–in which she learned things she never imagined went on between men and women–her nerve was all but gone. God help her if she could not bring herself to go through with this debacle, though He hadn’t spared a thought for her in over a year.

“What pleasure may I give you this evening, my lord?” She did not know the name of the man about to ruin her, not that it mattered. Madam Vestry informed her this morning that one of her customers had responded favorably to her invitation–she’d actually called it an invitation–and Violet should make herself available in the green room at eight o’clock tonight. Her time up, she waited now to greet the man and pray for a mercifully brief encounter.

Wild laughter out in the hallway, faint strains of a pianoforte, and the sickening grunts from the room next door ate at her frayed nerves. The raucous sounds of the brothel had become more familiar during the week, but still set her on edge. Now she only wished the matter done with. Afterward she could curl up on the sheets stained with her blood and cry uninterrupted. No one would hear her in this place.

Footsteps approached once more, slowed, stopped. Violet’s heart pounded, her rapid breathing keeping pace. She seized the arms of the velvet chair, holding herself still in place. Her nails sunk into the soft fabric as she fought to slow her breaths. The doorknob turned. Violet’s head came up, back straight, forced smile plastered on her face as the door opened wide and she caught a glimpse of the man who had bought her virginity, bought her–for the night.

I hope you enjoyed these little snippets of Scandal and the books to come. Leave a comment below and be entered to win an Only Scandal Will Do pen, pictured below.

And I have to tell you that Only Scandal Will Do now has three 5-star reviews at Amazon, in addition to a 4-star review from The Romance Reviewers and is available at Amazon, iTunes, and All Romance E-books.

And here are the Prize Packages again:

3rd Place Winner will win a Scandal swag pack

(Bookmark, signature card, business cards, magnet,

and print copy of Heart of Deception, my historical romance short story)

2nd Place Winner will receive a $15.00 Gift Card

1st Place Winner will Become a Character

in the third book of the Scandal series, Only A Mistress Will Do

And each post on my blog this week (including each of my four posts today) will be entered into my Instant Giveaways. Instant Giveaway prizes will include pieces of swag, e-copies of my books or a signed print copy of Heart of Deception.

Thank you all for coming by today. Please check in tomorrow when I’ll be talking about seduction–and how to plan one!

Posted in Contests, On Only Scandal Will Do, Release Party | Tagged Become a Character, contests, gift card prize, giveaway, historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, Lyrical Press, Only Scandal Will Do, Release Party, swag pack prize | 13 Comments

ONLY SCANDAL WILL DO RELEASE PARTY: POST 3–FREE READ

Posted on July 23, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

TODAY IS ONLY SCANDAL WILL DO’S

OFFICIAL RELEASE!

I’m so incredibly happy I want to PARTY all day!

For details on the contest and giveaways, scroll down to Post #1. It gives you the Contest lowdown. 🙂

Post #3 of this fabulous day is a little flash fiction free read–from Only Scandal Will Do. It’s a scene that got deleted in revision 4 (a long time ago, folks), but that I thought might be fun for you to read.

I originally had it in the novel because it gave quick insight to Katraina’s personality and her relationship between her and her brother Jack. The two of them are having breakfast and an argument erupts—into a food fight.

The scene got deleted it because it was positioned in the opening of the book as a flashback to the events of Katarina’s morning and how she came to be in a position to be kidnapped. But unfortunately it slowed the action too much and I found a way to relay all the information in subsequent chapters.

It’s still a fun scene (unedited, I might add, so there may be flubs here and there) and I hope you enjoy it. At this point, Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam has been kidnapped and thrown into her carriage by unknown assailants.

A Breakfast to Remember

As the carriage bumped over the cobbled streets, Katarina thought briefly that if they had stayed in Virginia they would have been better off. But her brother had inherited a title, forcing them to come to London. Because the six months of mourning for their father was not quite over, Great-Aunt Harriet had unfortunately taken command of the little social life allowed her. As a result, for the past month, she’d been stuck all day with strong tea and boring gossip about people she didn’t know. Until today, when she had finally rebelled.

When her brother came down for breakfast, all unsuspecting, she pounced on him. “Jack, you are going to take me with you today or I swear I will board the next ship back to Virginia. I cannot stand one more haughty old woman ‘tsk, tsking’ at me as though I was a savage just because I say I would rather ride than dance.”

“What are you talking about, Kat?” He scarcely glanced at her as he motioned the footman to serve his breakfast and reached for the newspaper.

“I am talking about being bored to tears by London society.” She watched him take a bite of toast and fix his eyes on the paper, completely ignoring her.

“Bored?” He sipped his tea and turned the page.

“Yes, bored! There is nothing to do but talk to ancient people I don’t know and don’t want to know. They seem to think the world revolves around fashion and marriage and this blasted Season that’s starting in a week or two. I will simply go stark staring mad and run screaming down St. James Place if I have to hear more descriptions of the latest bonnets, or silk taffeta saques, or who will be marrying whom.”

“You can order more dresses if you wish.” His absentminded tone said he had not heard a word of her complaint. That he didn’t even look up confirmed it.

A soft-boiled egg landed with deadly accuracy right between his dark eyebrows. He started from his seat in surprise. “Kat!” He glared at her indignantly. “I hardly think that was called for!” He wiped at the sticky mess oozing into his blue eyes.

“I think it was completely called for, Lord Manning! I am complaining and you are ignoring me. So I gave you something to complain about. What are you going to do about it?”

“Wash my face and go change my shirt, I suppose.” He frowned at her and stood to put action to words. Before he made it to his feet, Katarina hurled herself at him. They tussled as if in a fight to the death; even at twenty-one and eighteen they were as fiercely competitive as they had been at thirteen and ten.

“You are not leaving this house unless I go with you.” She grabbed his wrist and forced it behind him. “You have left me to the mercies of Aunt Harriet and London society long enough. Give over before I hurt you.”

Jack struggled in earnest, but she had the advantage of position. “You cannot lay hands on a peer, Kat. It’s a hanging offense.”

“I’ve been laying hands on you for almost eighteen years. I don’t plan to stop now, even if you are an earl. Take me with you!”

“I can’t. I’m off to Smithfield today to look at carriage horses with some of the fellows from my club. Ladies do not accompany gentlemen to such things.” He shot his free hand around and grabbed her arm, pinching it unmercifully. Reluctantly, she let go.

“I’m not a lady, I’m your sister.” She rubbed her arm. That would bruise by tomorrow.

“You’re a lady now, even if you are my sister.”

“Then I don’t want to be either!” Katarina stamped her foot in exasperation. “I want to go home!”

“You are home. This is our home now, Kat.”

“Well, I don’t like it. I’d much rather be back in Williamsburg, riding with the officers in Papa’s regiment. Or fencing with you and Sergeant Darby. I swear I haven’t held a sword since we came to England.”

“Nor should you, Kat. You’re a. . .

“Don’t say it, Jack!

“Lady! Well you are, and you had better start acting like one.” The shout reverberated throughout the breakfast room. He straightened his back, then sighed and finally met her eyes. “It’s really been as bad as all that?”

Kat threw herself down in a seat, and crossed her arms over her chest. “Yes, it has, much that you care. I want to do something fun and daring, such as attend a function with people younger than fifty! We’re in London, for God’s sake. The most exciting city in the world, and I’m bored! Can’t we go have fun?”

“We are still in mourning, Kat.”

“Only for a couple more weeks.” She switched tactics and began her best wheedling tones. “Aunt Harriet said once the Season began I could leave it off. Come on, Jack. Please?”

Jack gave her a long appraising look. “Would a masquerade be adventure enough to start with?”

“A masquerade?” Her spirits perked up at the word. “Wear some scandalously wicked costume, but no one would know who I was?” She raised an eyebrow. “What if I wanted them to know?”

“That too is possible. We unmask at midnight.”

She bit her lip, calculating. “How adventuresome can this costume be?”

Jack laughed. “Well, you cannot go dressed as Pocahontas in a hide dress that would show your legs. But you can be daring. I’m to go as Apollo, the sun-god, glittering in golden robes. Will you be my goddess?”

Katarina’s heart sped up with excitement. “I could go as Athena, calm, cool.”

“Truly going in disguise, then?” He ducked just in time to avoid her jab. “It’s done then. Go down to the costumier this afternoon and be ready in the hall at seven.”

At the doorway he turned back to her, a cheery grin on his face. “This night will banish your boredom, dear sister. I guarantee it.”

Have you ever been involved in a food fight? Leave me a comment and let me know what happened/almost happened/didn’t happen and be entered to win a signed copy of Heart of Deception, my historical romance short story.

Blurb for Only Scandal Will Do:

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

I just checked and had to tell you that Only Scandal Will Do is currently #66 on Amazon’s list of Historical Romance!

Only Scandal Will Do is now available at Amazon, iTunes, and All Romance E-books.

Now, just in case you were wondering about the contest, here are the Prize Packages again:

3rd Place Winner will win a Scandal swag pack

(Bookmark, signature card, business cards, magnet,

and print copy of Heart of Deception, my historical romance short story)

2nd Place Winner will receive a $15.00 Gift Card

1st Place Winner will Become a Character

in the third book of the Scandal series, Only A Mistress Will Do

Thank you all for coming by today. My next post will be at 6:00 pm and includes excerpts from the next books in The House of Pleasure series, Only Marriage Will Do and Only A Mistress Will Do!

Posted in Contests, On Only Scandal Will Do, Release Party | Tagged Become a Character, contests, deleted scenes, flash fiction, gift card prize, giveaway, historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, Lyrical Press, Only Scandal Will Do, Release Party, swag pack prize | 13 Comments

ONLY SCANDAL WILL DO RELEASE PARTY: POST 2–COVER REVEAL

Posted on July 23, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

TODAY IS ONLY SCANDAL WILL DO’S

OFFICIAL RELEASE!

I’m so incredibly happy I want to PARTY all day!

For details on the contest and giveaways, scroll down to Post #1. It gives you the Contest lowdown. 🙂

Post #2 of this fabulous day is about one of the prizes offered in my Scandal swag pack, a signed, printed copy of my first published historical romance, Heart of Deception. It’s been out in e-book format for a little over a year, and since it’s rather short, I thought it would be cool to have it printed into little books that I could tuck into my Scandal swag packs as a little something different. In case you haven’t read Heart of Deception, here’s the blurb:

Celinda Graham—young, naïve, passionate—is head-over-heels in love with Andrew Finley, Viscount Hurston and insists on marrying him. Unfortunately, Andrew’s family has been feuding with Celinda’s for generations. When her father refuses to allow the marriage, Andrew proposes a scandalous way to get his approval. But Andrew has a secret that may spell disaster to his plans if Celinda finds out he is not what he seems.

And for the print copy of the book, Danielle Fine made this awesome cover!

Isn’t it gorgeous! The tagline is new also–In love, trust no one. It quite sums up this little historical romance. And a signed print copy of Heart of Deception is the prize for this post’s giveaway–given to a randomly drawn name from comments on this post. Be sure to leave an email address so I can get in touch with you. 🙂

I also wanted to let you know that Only Scandal Will Do is currently #83 on Amazon’s list of Historical Romance! Here’s quick peek at it:

Excerpt from Only Scandal Will Do:

“Lady Katarina,” the marquess said, taking her limp, cold hand. “I have been looking forward to this moment ever since I heard you were in London.”

That voice sent shivers down her spine. She remembered well the arrogance in it when he’d declared himself her master. Soft and silky now, his mouth poised over her hand, and the words sent searing heat that penetrated her long kidskin gloves. Only sheer determination kept her from snatching it out of his grasp, and fear at what might be said if she acted in any way as though she had met this man before. No one must know.

She made herself look at his face, into the dark brown eyes that gleamed with…apprehension? Amusement? Katarina twitched her mouth into what hopefully passed for a smile and said, “I am delighted to make your acquaintance as well, Lord Dalbury. Although I must confess that until just now I had not heard your name.” Although pleased to hear how strong her voice sounded, she feared she might choke on the lies she spouted. Kat slipped her hand from his and a measure of calm returned.

Jack was deep in his conversation with Lord Braeton, completely unconcerned about her. She tried to refrain from looking at the marquess, but he demanded her attention by addressing her again.

“I almost missed the pleasure of making your acquaintance, Lady Katarina. I left the ball just before midnight, but one of my carriage horses came up lame and I returned to ask Braeton for the loan of a replacement. Lady Luck surely smiled on me tonight.” His wide smile seemed genuine, his voice tinged with a hint of relief.

She sighed. Her last night in England and Lady Luck had to favor this fellow.

He continued on, disregarding her silence. “I understand from Lord Braeton that you and your brother only arrived from the colonies three months ago, Lady Katarina.”

She found it hard to keep her tone civil. “Yes, my lord. We came to England in early February.” As she had told him before! It helped not to look at his eyes. Instead she fastened her gaze on his cheek. He would likely carry those scars the rest of his life. She hoped it hurt his vanity every time he looked in the mirror.

He apparently saw where her gaze lay, for he ran his finger down the center mark. “Ah, I see you are curious about my wounds.” He shifted his weight slightly, drawing her a little away from the others.

“Is it a war wound, my lord?” she asked, feeling the return of her confidence.

“It is a badge of honor I wear, given to me by a worthy opponent who I underestimated in many ways. I now regret the chance encounter, Lady Katarina.” He lowered his voice. “She did not deserve the treatment she had at my hands. I make my most sincere apology for doubting her words to me.”

Kat stiffened at this offering. How could he stand there and try to apologize so cavalierly in a crowded ballroom? “Whoever she is, then, Lord Dalbury,” she said sweetly, “I hope your opponent is more forgiving than I would be.”

Only Scandal Will Do is now available at Amazon, iTunes, and All Romance E-books.

Now, just in case you were wondering, here are the Prize Packages again: