Sweet Saturday Sample: 8/4/12 Time Enough To Love–Betrothal

Posted on August 4, 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.  The series is set in England and France in 1348.  Betrothal takes place at the court of King Edward III.

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.   Today’s snippet takes place after her initial meeting with Sir Geoffrey, alone with her current bedfellow, Anne, in their room preparing for bed.

“So you finally got your wish, Alyse?”  Anne’s caustic voice oozed sarcasm, and betrayed more than a touch of envy. As she sat on the bed they shared, she brushed her hair with hard, determined strokes. 

 “I got my answer, Anne, not my wish.” Her tone just as terse, Alyse folded away her rose gown and closed the lid of the chest.  Standing in her plain white linen shift, she began to unpin her hair.

 

Metropolitan Museum of Art–Chemise/Shift
(Later than Medieval Period) Similar to Older Periods

“You would wish to be married to someone other than Geoffrey Longford?”  Anne scowled and stroked harder.  “Did you look at him Alyse?”  Her tone was less strident, more wistful.  Anne’s father had betrothed her to the Viscount de Mantillas, reported to be an older Spanish nobleman, and she had bemoaned thoughts of her wedding night before now. 

Her hair freed, Alyse brushed with vigor, venting her temper with each stroke. “Aye, and all together too close! As I said earlier, looks are not the only consideration for a husband. From what I observed, Sir Geoffrey has quite a high opinion of himself and no regard for my feelings.”  She paused, remembered his response to her silent plea.  “Almost no regard.  And did you see how huge he is?  Up close I mean?  He could crush me like flea if I displeased him!”

“So do not displease him!  All a woman need do is warm a man’s bed well enough and she’ll find favor with him.  You should have little trouble seeming eager with such a man between your sheets.  Do you think he’s huge all over?” 

“Anne!”

“Even if he’s not, I’d change places with you in a snap of my fingers.”  Anne handed her brush to her roommate then scooted beneath the covers.  “You’re so besotted with Lord Brayton— who never gave you a serious thought—you can’t see a gift from God when it’s set down before you.”  She turned her back and commanded brusquely, “Blow out the candle when you’re done.”

Makes you hope Alyse has a better bedfellow shortly! LOL

I hope you enjoyed this latest sample from  Time Enough to Love.  Stop by SSS tomorrow for six sentences from 7 Days of Seduction.  And today be sure to click here to visit moreSweet Samples.

   

Posted in On Sweet Saturday Sample, On Time Enough to Love | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

WINNER’S CIRCLE

Posted on August 3, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

I’ve finally tallied all the points, counted and figured and punched the Random.org random number generator multiple times and have come up with all the winners from my Only Scandal Will Do Release Party and all the giveaways during the week, including the Hero Blog Hop.  Whew!  That’s a lot of swag!

I’ll start with the individual post winners and then the Grand Prizes.

Only Scandal Will Do Release Party Post #1

Tempeste O’Riley–Scandal Swag Pack

Only Scandal Will Do Release Party Post #2

Cassandra G–signed print copy of Heart of Deception

Only Scandal Will Do Release Party Post #3

Chickie 434–e-copy of Almost Perfect

Only Scandal Will Do Release Party Post #4

Melissa Bourn–Scandal Swag Pack

Art of Seduction Post

Neecy Kelly–Scandal Swag Pack

Horny Hump Day Post

Cera du Bois–e-copy of Hog Wild

To Bathe or Not to Bathe Post

Grinelda Markowitz–signed print copy of Heart of Deception

A Hero’s Blog Hop Winner

Loretta Lynn–Scandal Swag Pack

Sweet Saturday Sample Post

Louise–e-book from my back list

Sharon Cullen–e-book from my back list

Six Sentence Sunday Post

Carrie-Anne Brownian–e-copy of Almost Perfect

and now for the GRAND PRIZES

3rd Place Winner

Carin W– Scandal Swag Pack

2nd Place Winner

Melissa Bourn–a $15.00 Gift Card

1st Place Winner

Fedora Chen–will Become a Character

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

Congratulations Ladies!  Thank you so much for helping me celebrate

Only Scandal Will Do’s Release

(Please contact me at 1jennajaxon@gmail.com about the distribution of your prizes)

Posted in Contests, Giveaways, On Only Scandal Will Do, Release Party, Winners | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Special Guest: Sheri Fredricks and Remedy Maker

Posted on August 2, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome to my first ever Blog Tour Guest Author!  I’m now a blog tour stop for Sizzling PR and Safari Heat.  And today I have Sheri Fredricks, who has given me some fascinating answers to my interview questions.  Pull up a chair and have a chat with us!

First, Sheri, thank you so very much for coming here today.  I’m so excited to  have you here talking about your mythic romance fantasy, Remedy Maker.

Hi Jenna! It’s so good to be on the Journal. Thank you for having me here.

I’m holding a contest for the hosts of my book tour. The host with the most commenters will receive this gorgeous rhinestone studded, hand decorated book bag crafted by Tina Garcia of Blingitude.com.

Come on everyone! Let’s get in the game!

Yes!  Please comment!  I need some bling in my life!

That’s a fantastic giveaway, Sheri!  And there’s another one later for the commenters as well!  So read on!

Now, please tell us a little bit about your new release Remedy Maker?

Remedy Maker is about Rhycious, an ex-military centaur medic whose battle scars are hidden beneath the surface. Moments of high stress trigger hallucinating flashbacks, a condition he continually fights to overcome. When he meets Patience, a beautiful wood nymph and the race of the late enemy of his people, he learns about unconditional love…and the healing power of a single touch.

Together they must battle human hunters who wish to enslave the mythological beings, rebels taking over the centaur kingdom, and the affection they have for each other in a mythic world filled with prejudice.

Such an interesting concept that a powerful creature like a centaur could have such a problem.  They always seem portrayed as impervious to such things.

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

Before I wrote Remedy Maker, I started to write a time-travel western, a blend of contemporary and historical with a paranormal twist. But I have to admit, I’m having a lot of artistic fun with my Centaur series!

What was your inspiration for this story?

I joke around about my inspiration coming from a bottle of gin because having a shape shifting centaur as a main character is bizarre. But I took an online Point Of View class and wanted to turn something in completely different from what other participants had written. Somehow, a centaur waking up in a dark room next to a woman is what popped into my head. Hmm…maybe it was the gin after all.

And some potent gin at that! LOL  It was the creative genie in that bottle that did it!

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?

In the story, Rhycious is an herbal healer. More than that, he is assigned tasks that must be completed, and most of those he works from the seat of his pants with no direction. I didn’t have the title for a long time. When I realized it was staring at me the entire time, I grabbed it.

This was the only title I used for the story. Because naming a story is important to me, I refuse to give it a title until I’m sure of what it’ll be.

Along those same lines, I am a fanatic about my character names. Are the character names in Remedy Maker special in any way?

Patience was named because I wanted a play-on-words type of name for heroine. Also, she is a reflection of her name and the patience the hero needs.

When I wrote the story, I already had the name Rhycious in my head. Like Patience, he also lives up to his name. His character is of a no-nonsense man who lives by his morals. I wanted a name that reflected his values.

Additionally, I chose one name to be different and interesting, and the other that was easily identifiable.

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

The story was clear in my mind the moment I sat to write the outline. It hasn’t been that way for the others I’ve written. Often I’ll sketch a minimal outline, then fill in the details as I sweep through it. When I finished Remedy Maker’s outline, the story was nearly complete.

From the Villa Adriana near Tivoli, 1736
By Jastrow (2006)

Do you have plans to turn Remedy Maker into a series?  Why or why not?

My current plan is to continue the Centaur series I’m currently writing. However, if my readers are interested in further adventures with a Wood Nymph or Troll series, I would seriously consider it.

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

I love the tortured hero who has what it takes, but lacks the confidence or ability to get himself to where he needs to be. You want to root for him like the underdog, cheer him on. I like a complimentary heroine, and I believe opposites attract. Her strengths are exactly what he needs, whether or not the hero wants or desires it.

Strong love, strong attraction, infallible faith in something is what keeps a hero’s memorable shadow in my mind. While I don’t mind a kick-ass heroine, I do like to see a feminine side that’s evenly matched in strength, courage, and intelligence.

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

The first book I read in the romance genre was The Black Lyon by Jude Deveraux. I still have it. As for mythic romance, I’ve never read a book that had shape shifting Centaurs and Wood Nymphs that disappear into thin air.

I’ve been told my modern mythic romance is unique for its genre.

It may very well be, Sheri.  I’ve not heard of it before.  You are such a trend-setter!

So, then, who has been the greatest influence on your writing?

The person with greatest influence would be the one with the most encouragement. My husband. I have crit partners I couldn’t possibly live without who’ve also encouraged and kicked me in the rear to get me up and moving again. But my husband, bless his heart, knew I wanted something special to do, something that would gain me recognition for a job well done.

And let’s face it – nobody really gives a rip around here if my kitchen floor is squeaky clean and the bathrooms are sanitized!

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

I would wish for magical powers! Remember Samantha from Bewitched? She’d wiggle her nose and things would appear or disappear. She could transport anyone or anything anywhere!

Need to sanitize that bathroom? BAM – done.

Want to write for an extra 45 minutes instead of wasting precious time cooking dinner? BAM – done!

Imagine the possibilities!!

That must be the perfect wish for a writer, Sheri!  I’d learn to wiggle my nose in a heart beat if it would keep the house clean! LOL

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

When we were on our honeymoon in Jamaica, we took a tour of the Dunn’s River Falls. Our tour group of approximately thirty people headed for the trail that climbed alongside the falls and kept visitors safe behind a rope handrail. My husband and I, along with another couple we’d met on the bus, decided that was much too safe for us! We waded into the river and climbed the rocks that created the falls. At one point, I had a heavy stream of water pouring down over my head while I reached blindly for handholds above and foot holds below.

It was the most exhilarating and dangerous thing I’ve ever done. Whenever someone asks what we did for our honeymoon, I always answer, “We went to Jamaica and climbed the Dunn’s River Falls.”

How cool is that!  You are braver than I am!

Jenna, thank you so much for interviewing me today! I had an absolute blast and learned a few things about myself while answering your questions – like wanting magical powers. I wonder what you would wish for…

I have a fabulous prize for one lucky commenter at each of my tour stops, so don’t forget to leave your email address! Among other goodies, my swag pack includes bookmarks and magnets, and your name will go into a drawing for the grand prize of a $20 Amazon gift card at the end of my book tour.

Posted in Author/Character Interviews, Blog Tours, Contests, Guest Bloggers | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 39 Comments

Only Scandal Will Do for Horny Hump Day 8/01/12

Posted on August 1, 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 a final nibble from my historical romance novel, Only Scandal Will Do, which is now available for purchase!

This nibble continues the intimate scene between Duncan and Katarina from last week.

Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

He drew her toward the big four-poster, but instead of laying her down, threw himself on his back in the center of the mattress and pulled her on top of him until she touched every inch of skin on his body.

“Duncan.” A mewl of desire escaped her as she rubbed her breasts against his bare chest—her nipples now ached in need.

A lovely image to leave them with, don’t you think? 🙂

Only Scandal Will Do is available for purchase on Amazon, iTunes, ARe and the Lyrical Press store.

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 , , , , , | 16 Comments

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 , , , , , | 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.

Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

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 , , , , , | 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

Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

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 , , , , , | 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.

Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

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?

Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

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 , , , , , , , , , | 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 18th 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

 

 

 

 

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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 , , , , , | 22 Comments