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:

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.

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:

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 2:00 pm and includes a free read!

Posted in Contests, On Only Scandal Will Do, Release Party | Tagged Become a Character, contests, cover reveal, gift card prize, giveaway, Heart of Deception, historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, Lyrical Press, Only Scandal Will Do, Release Party, swag pack prize | 20 Comments

ONLY SCANDAL WILL DO RELEASE PARTY!

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! And this is a multi-site party, to boot. I’ll tell you about the other sites and what’s going on there in a minute.

First, I want to tell you about the Contest and Giveaways for this week. To celebrate Scandal’s release, I’m having a rather involved contest–not like I usually have. This week it’s all about the points. Getting points. Racking up points. And there are lots of ways to gain points:

1. Every time you comment on this blog all week, you receive a point. I’ll have posts each day this week, from today through Sunday (sometimes I’ll have multiple posts in a day–like today!).

2. Today I have a review posted on Aine Massie’s blog site. Go by there and post a comment and get two points.

3. I’m featured on The Romance Reviews in a couple of places today! Click on the banner tag at the top right of this post and it takes you to my Sizzling Summer Reads post (Do this last). Leave a comment for 1 point. TRR is featuring Scandal in a Q & A there today. Click the TRR link, answer the question correctly and put the answer in your comment here and you receive 2 points. Visit TRR’s four star review of Scandal, tell me what’s the horrid social issue the reviewer found was a new take on the 18th century romance, put that in your comment as well and receive 3 points for the comment.

4. Like and tag Only Scandal Will Do at Amazon = 2 points.

5. Like my Facebook Author Page=2 points.

6. Follow me on Twitter @Jenna_Jaxon=2 points.

7. Subscribe to this blog=2 points.

8. Visit my blog throughout the week. I’ll have a different post each day. Comment or answer a question posed in the blog and receive more points.

Now for the Prize Packages:

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 10:00 am and includes an unveiling!

Six Sentence Sunday–7/22/12–Only Scandal Will Do

Posted on July 22, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

Only Scandal Will Do

Officially Releases on July 23, 2012!

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

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.

Lady Katarina realized he didn’t believe her story after all. She threatened to kill him if he didn’t let her go and insisted once more that she was who she said she was. Now she takes action. In the aftermath of her strike, Kat commandeers the man’s cloak and prepares to.

The hallway was still vacant. She sped across the threshold and closed the door with a quiet click.

Rain had fallen since she’d entered this hell house. Shivering, she paused at the back door to raise the hood. With any luck at all, no one here would be able to trace her. Leaving only a trail of small, muddy footprints to melt into the gloomy London night, she slipped out.

But she’s not out of the woods yet!

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

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 | 52 Comments

Sweet Saturday Sample–7/21/12 Only Scandal Will Do

Posted on July 21, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

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

Today I’m switching up, and giving you the opening scene of my just released book, Only Scandal Will Do. Hope you enjoy!

“Put her back in the carriage, now!” Her assailant snarled the brusque command, sending a shiver of fear through Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam.

An unseen attacker seized and tossed her into the coach. Gagged, hands pinioned behind her back, ankles bound together, she lay trussed like a Christmas goose in a cramped bundle on the hard plank floor of the dim carriage, her diaphanous Grecian costume in ruins. Schemes for escape flashed through her head in a dizzying whirl.

The horses jerked forward, the uneven cobblestones of London’s streets jouncing her already aching body.

All because she’d been bored. Doggedly, Katarina tested the bonds securing her hands, strained against the coarse rope then relaxed, seeking play in the cords. None. She muttered a curse and forced her whole body to relax. Tension would never free her. Rough and tumble games growing up with Jack had taught her that.

Jack! God, where was he? Was he alive or… She’d heard one muted cry when they were attacked, then nothing. If her brother were dead, it would be her fault.

Katarina pulled and twisted her wrists. If they had stayed in Virginia, they would have been better off. London was far wilder than she would have believed. Although she’d heard of women being abducted by highwaymen, she’d thought them only tales–until now.

But when Jack inherited a title, they’d been forced to come to London. The six months of mourning for their father not quite over, Great-Aunt Harriet now commanded the little social life allowed her. The past month found her stuck all day with strong tea and inane gossip about her aunt’s old friends. Finally, rebellion set in. Over breakfast this morning, she’d demanded Jack escort her to a masquerade ball this evening, ironically attired as Athena, goddess of war.

A nasty rut jarred the carriage, making Kat groan. What wouldn’t she give for Athena’s armor at this moment, or at least her spear. She had to admit, though, she’d gotten her wish. She wasn’t bored now.

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.

Only Scandal Will Do is available at Amazon and Only Scandal Will Do @ iTunes!

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 | 15 Comments

Friday Favorites–Favorite Kiss

Posted on July 20, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome back to Friday Favorites where each week I’ll ask you to post an excerpt about a favorite. Last week I was on vacation with spotty internet, so I wan’t able to post. This week I’m back and, because Only Scandal Will Do has been released, I wanted a favorite that sizzled. So I’m going to show you my favorite kiss from Scandal. It’s not the hottest kiss in the book, but it’s still my fave.

Kisses come in all varieties–a chaste kiss that’s loving not passionate, a sweet kiss that evokes a longing in every reader, a sexy kiss that begs the participants for more, the hot kiss that makes you turn on the fan and shout for ice water. Whether we’ve experienced these kisses in the flesh, or vicariously through our reading, kisses are a fantastic experience.

I’m sure we all have our favorite kiss in our own or others’ work. In all my works–and I have a lot of kissing in my books–my favorite kiss occurs in Only Scandal Will Do. And I remember when I wrote it because it came out of nowhere. My hero, Duncan, is out in the garden at night, trying to talk to Katarina about their situation. She’s wary of him, has just refused to marry him, saying, “I can swear to you that I would not marry you if I were in Hell and you were my only hope of Heaven.”

I had stopped writing, was thinking of how to get her back into the house. Put my fingers back on the keyboard and this is what came out (the speaker of the first line is Duncan):

“Is there nothing that would entice you to leave your Hell for my Heaven?”

She struggled to answer, opened her lips to deny it, only to find her mouth completely sealed by his.

The feeling of his mouth on hers transfixed her. She could hear her heart racing, thudding painfully in her chest. Not with terror, but with something she feared even more: pleasure.

He was gentle, for all the swiftness of his attack. Just like before. Softly he pressed her lips, leisurely outlining her mouth with his tongue. The sensation sent shivers all over her, even as a flush of heat rose in her core. Her body molded to his, his hard muscles rippling against her as he shifted his weight and gathered her more tightly. He clasped her head in a grip that supported rather than restrained. Cradled described that feeling best. Yes, cradled in his arms.

That overwhelming sense of safety washed over her again, and she relaxed into the comfort of his embrace. Her body remembered the exquisite sensations of before and delighted in them. She tangled her fingers in his hair and pressed closer, opening her mouth, urging him to enter. He obliged wholeheartedly, sweeping in to claim his playground. Kat whimpered as a sweet urgency filled her. She wanted to remain this way forever.

Duncan obviously took over, because neither Kat nor I saw that coming! But I love how we both yielded to the inevitable. You’ve got to love a man who knows what he wants–and goes for it. LOL

So share your favorite kiss today. Chaste, sweet, hot, sizzling–what’s your pleasure?

By The Way–Only Scandal Will Do is now available at Amazon. 🙂

Posted in Friday Favorites, On Only Scandal Will Do, On Writing Historical Romance | Tagged Favorite Kiss, Friday Favorites, Georgian historical romance, historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, Lyrical Press, Only Scandal Will Do, passionate kisses | 24 Comments

Only Scandal Will Do is Released on Amazon!

Posted on July 19, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

At long last, four days earlier than expected, my Georgian Novel, Only Scandal Will Do has been released!

I am overwhelmed, excited, happy, scared. The list goes on. But I am mostly very happy and excited to be able to share it with my readers who have heard about this book for almost a year now.

I will have the Official Release Day Party on Monday, July 23 because I’m still setting up for that little shindig. I’ve got blogs planned for the week and a BIG contest I’ll tell you about in a minute.

Duncan and Katarina, my hero and heroine, have made this journey with me, through major rewrites, beta reads, and edits as I used them and their story to learn how to be a writer. They are as real to me as some of my friends, and it’s a little sad and scary to have them out in the world now. But as they are dauntless, I’m sure we’ll all survive. And they will return throughout the Scandal series, so I haven’t totally let go. Yet.

There are also some people I need to thank, because without them this book would not have been written. First and foremost I thank my husband and two daughters who have supported me throughout the three years I have been working on this story. I’ve ignored them more nights than not to work on the computer, go off to writer’s conventions and retreats. And they’ve done their best to leave me alone and let me write. Thank you, guys. This is the winner’s circle for us!

I also need to thank my four beta readers: Kary Rader, Patricia Green, Carrie Olguin, and Brenda Dyer. Without you ladies and your critiques and support, this book would not have made it to the query stage. Thank you for making me make hard decisions, for pushing when I didn’t want to budge, for making me hear things I didn’t want to hear. That’s what good crit partners do and you are the best!

In that same vein, my heartfelt thanks to Marion Browning-Baker, for keeping my historical research straight. You did a fantastic job, Marion. I’ve already gotten compliments on the period details. And last, but certainly not least, my editor Mary Murray, who believed in this manuscript and worked in collaboration with me to make the book the best it could possibly be. I’m incredibly proud of what we have accomplished. Like a child, it truly takes a village to write a novel.

That’s all my Academy Awards-esque spiel. Now on to the contest!

Starting on Monday, I’ll be running a contest to celebrate the release of Only Scandal Will Do. That week it’s all about the points. You gain points by commenting on my blog posts, on Aine Massey’s post/review and answering The Romance Review’s questions on Monday, by following my blog, following me on Twitter, liking my author page on FB and by answering questions on posts on my blog during the week. If I’m anywhere else during the week (and I’ll let you know if I’m guesting) and you post a comment, you get points.

At the end of the week (Sunday), the three highest scores receive the following prizes: Third place: Scandal Swag pack; Second Place: $15.00 GC; and First Place: Become a Character in the third book in the Scandal series, Only A Mistress Will Do. I’ll also have Instant Prizes each day on my blog with giveaways of my other books or other swag.

Sound interesting? Then come on by and hang out at Jenna’s Journal next week and rack up those points!

So now here’s the blurb for Scandal and after it the buy link.

Have a Super-Great Day!

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?

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

Only Scandal Will Do is available for purchase at Amazon.

Posted in Contests, Giveaways, On Only Scandal Will Do, On Writing Historical Romance | Tagged contest, Georgian historical romance, giveaway, historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, Lyrical Press, Only Scandal Will Do, release day | 10 Comments

Only Scandal Will Do for Horny Hump Day 7/18/12

Posted on July 18, 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, set to be released on

July 23rd.

Only 6 days away!

This scene skips ahead to another, hotter scene between Duncan and Katarina.

He withdrew and she whimpered, unwilling to lose that connection, only to feel stinging pain as he slid two fingers in to stretch her wider.

Moaning, she writhed with mounting tension. She felt moisture where he stroked and fondled her, stoked a fire that threatened to burn out of control.

I think control is a thing of the past! Could you control yourself? 🙂

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.