Heart of Deception Receives 4 Stars!

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

It’s certainly a happy Monday for me.  I got word yesterday that my short historical romance, Heart of Deception, was the very first book to be reviewed on Kayla Tocco’s brand new review site A Whole Latte Romance Reviews !  The review goes live at 11:00am EST.

I’m so excited, not just because I was the first, but also because my Victorian romance garnered four stars in the review.  Click the link above to read the review in its entirety.

To celebrate, I’m giving away a copy of Heart of Deception to a commenter on my blog today.  Tell me how short is too short for fiction these days if you’re going to pay money for it?  I’ve noticed some reviewers are turned off by short books.  So what’s an appropriate length?

I also wanted to let you know that I’m being interviewed over at Lia Davis‘s blog today and talking about my erotic contemporary Almost Perfect.  If you leave a comment there, you can be entered to win a copy of Almost Perfect too.

Hope to see you around the internet today!

Posted in Contests, On Almost Perfect, On Heart of Deception | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Six Sentence Sunday–2/05/12 Only Scandal Will Do

Posted on February 5, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome back to Six Sentence Sunday!  I want to thank everyone, once again, for their great support each week.  I do appreciate your visits and look forward to each comment with anticipation.  I also look forward to visiting your sites and reading your wonderful stories.

Once again I’m following up my six from last week with the next six sentences  from Only Scandal Will Do.

If you remember, Duncan has purchased a woman in a brothel auction and has come to claim his prize.  His “slave” however, continues to insist there has been a mistake.  He has managed to turn the tables on the “lady” and called her virtue into question.  Last week, outraged, she turned and fled, only to be stopped short by her purchaser. Kat is determined to talk her way out of this.

“I beg you to aid me in my hour of need.” She put every ounce of charm into her smile; she could cajole him, as long as he couldn’t read her mind.

“Ah, but I have needs too, slave.” His hands were in her hair again, as though he could not help himself.

Well aware from his husky tone what needs the man might have, Katarina winced. If only she could see all of his face—it was so difficult to judge the man under that golden mask. 

Katarina is always thinking two steps ahead.  But he sure doesn’t seem to be taking no for an answer.  Let the fireworks begin!

If you’d like to read more about Kat’s plight, check out my posts from January at Sweet Saturday Sample and come back next week for another six sentence installment.

Thanks once more for visiting Six Sentence Sunday.  Click the SSS to try out more author snippets.  You’ll be glad you did!

Posted in On Only Scandal Will Do, On Six Sentence Sunday, On Writing Historical Romance | Tagged , , , , , , | 29 Comments

Sweet Saturday Sample–2/04 Heart of Deception

Posted on February 4, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome back to Sweet Saturday Sample!  All excerpts here are rated PG-13 or milder.  I’m switching up today:  still historical but my Victorian short story, Heart of Deception.

This is the beginning of the story, set in London, 1860.  I hope you enjoy.

“I’ll just die if I can’t marry you, Andrew!”

True anguish twisted Celinda Graham’s face as she gazed at Andrew Finley, her hands grasping his with a desperation she had never felt before.  Sunshine filtered through the red and white blossoms of the old hawthorn tree, behind which she and her beloved managed to meet. Celinda had successfully evaded her companion, Miss Walton, stealing out to a secluded area of Belgrave Square’s park.  Despite the warmth of the day, a chill rippled through her heart.

“Papa simply would not listen to me.” She reached up to dash a tear trickling down her upturned cheek.  “Of course he has never approved of any of my suitors, so I should not be surprised that he doesn’t approve of you either.”

Papa should be glad I want to marry Andrew.  Celinda could not imagine a more wonderful man to be in love with.  Andrew was older, almost thirty, much more mature than boys nearer her own nineteen years.  He was not a rake. At least, she didn’t think he was.  Certainly, he never made any improper advances towards her in the short time she had known him.  How unfortunate that he was new to London’s social scene and Papa didn’t know him at all.

But the most important, most wonderful thing about Andrew was that he loved her.  Not that he had ever said the words.  He doesn’t need to.  Standing here, his warm hands holding hers, his kind eyes gazing down at her, his brilliant smile just for her, Celinda knew in her heart that Andrew loved her.

“It’s because of my family, Celinda.”  The fine lines around Andrew’s bright blue eyes deepened, mirroring her distress.  “I suppose I believed he would judge me on my own merits and not on the scandalous behavior of my ancestor.”

“I told him you were nothing like the first viscount.  But Papa said it was in your blood—that you couldn’t help but behave badly.”  She smiled up at him, willing him to feel her confidence in him.  “I know you would never be dishonorable toward a woman.  Papa just doesn’t know you as I do.  We must find a way for the two of you become better acquainted.  Then he will realize that his fears are groundless.”

But are they groundless?  Come back next week for another little snippet to see if Andrew is truly what he seems. Hope you enjoyed today’s sample of Heart of Deception.  It’s available for the tempting price of .99 at Books To Go Now, Amazon, All Romance E-Books, and Barnes and Noble.

Be sure to click here to visit more Sweet Samples.  You’ll be glad you did!

Posted in On Heart of Deception, On Sweet Saturday Sample | Tagged , , , , , | 16 Comments

Blog Hop Winners: Readers Rally, Shameless Giveaway, Bubble Baths and Steamy Romance

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

I seem to have spent most of the month of January on Blog Hops and the response was fantastic!  So I’ve got three sets of winners to announce from these hops.  Some of you have already received your prizes and others will have them sent today.

Congratulations to all the winners and great thanks to everyone who came by my blog and commented.  If you didn’t win with these hops and you’d still like a chance at a copy of Almost Perfect, come by Tessa Berkley’s Blog today and comment for another chance to win.

WINNERS OF READER RALLY BLOG HOP

TEREASA

AMBER

SAVANNAH MILLER

WINNERS OF THE SHAMELESS GIVEAWAY BLOG HOP

JULIANNE

LYNNE REYNOLDS

WINNERS OF THE BUBBLE BATHS AND STEAMY ROMANCE HOP

SHADOW KOHLER

KATHRYN ANNE MERKEL

Congratulations again, ladies, and check back during February.  The month of Love is going to be a month of Giveaways! 

Posted in Blog Tours, Contests | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Guest Blogger: Lisa Kumar is Bound By The Mist

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

I’d like to welcome fantasy/paranormal author Lisa Kumar whose first full length novel, Bound by the Mist, has just released.  Isn’t her cover gorgeous?

Character-driven Fantasy Romances in a World of Kickass Paranormals

I’ve always loved paranormal and fantasy books within the romance genre. I loved vampires and werewolves but outgrew them before Twilight made them wildly popular. Next was my obsession with Greek god–or gods of any kind. Surprisingly, I haven’t jumped onto the angel bandwagon, but maybe someday. Right now I’ll stick with all things fae.

But lately, with the proliferation of urban fantasy, paranormal romances have become increasingly inundated with kickass heroines and whirlwind plotlines. Do those make for exciting reads? Sure, probably–if I read them. But I often put them down in frustration. I want romance, not action-packed fight sequences where the heroine can kick the hero to the next town with her pinky toe.

Now, I understand that some women–many women–love these kinds of stories. That’s great. That’s fantastic. There’s something empowering about reading about a super-strong woman.

But what about those of us who want romance, realistic romance (well, as realistic as it can be when reading about fantastical creatures and beings)? And how about those who want to see ‘everyday’ normal heroines we can identify with? It may be the introvert in me, but I like normal when it comes to my heroines. While I might admire Zena-type women, I can’t identify with them as closely as I would like.

So, give me a romance centered on the couple, and I’m a very happy reader. As this is what I love to read, it’s also what I write. And my latest release, Bound by the Mist, is character-driven to the extreme.

So for those of you reading this post–would you read a character-driven paranormal or fantasy romance that somewhat flies in the face of the mainstream genre? You know my answer.  I’d love to hear yours.

Thanks for dropping by! And thank you, Jenna, for hosting me on your blog.

Bound by the Mist Blurb:

A magic that’s fading

Relian has lived a life that hasn’t changed in millennia, and he likes it that way. As Prince of the Erian people, he has his conscripted duties. And a human, even one as desirable as Cal, does not fit into them. But as the enemy darkindred knock on the borders and the magic of his people fades, he might just have to find room.

A love that’s binding

College Student Cal Weston spends a good portion of her time trying to keep people from thinking she’s crazy, including herself. And with good reason. But her carefully constructed reality is turned upside down when she discovers that Relian, the seductive elvin prince who has been starring in her sensuous fantasies, isn’t merely a myth and his magical kingdom really exists. Now she’s bound to an elf and stuck in a land where no one, least of all Relian, is willing to spill any answers about the truth of her arrival.

Two people, two worlds meet in the mist

Even as love grows between them, can they lay aside their differences to embrace a life together?

Links: Lisa’s website, Amazon, B&N

Thank you so much, Lisa for taking us into the fae world for a taste of the otherworldly Relian and the down-to-earth Cal.  So now let us know your choice, readers:  character-driven romance or action packed?  Lisa’s offering a copy of Bound by the Mist to one lucky commenter today!

Posted in Guest Bloggers, On Writing Romance | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 39 Comments

Horny Hump Day 2/01/12: Almost Perfect

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

Horny Hump Day Is Back!

WARNING:  MATERIAL NOT SUITABLE FOR THOSE UNDER THE AGE OF 18!

NOT SAFE FOR WORK!

Wednesdays in February will definitely speak of love and lust as Horny Hump Day gets hotter and hotter!  Participating authors post three sentences from their published works or WIP, or from a work of classic literature hot enough to make your panties sizzle!

This week I’m putting up three scorching hot sentences from my latest erotic release Almost Perfect, part of Decadent Publishing’s 1Night Stand series.

Pam Kimball’s been marooned on a not so deserted island–with her ex-husband.  They divorced over her demeaning his lovemaking skills, but now Roger boasts he’s learned  lot in two years.  Pam’s about to find out just how much.

One hand cupped her breast, caressing the smooth flesh while thumb and forefinger tweaked her nipple with pinches that sent fire bolts to her core.

His other hand explored her mound, a finger circling her clit lightly enough to put her on edge, but not to satisfy. She writhed in his lap, her body twitching with desire.

Looks like Roger’s boasting for a reason! LOL  Have a Happy Horny Hump Day!

You can also check out the Horny Hump Day blog site for the other sites on the hop.  It 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 for Horny Hump Day.  I’d love for you to leave a comment, or even a few sexy sentences from your own work.  I do appreciate comments!

Posted in Blog Tours, On Almost Perfect, On Horny Hump Day | Tagged , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Movie Madness At Harlie’s Book Blog

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

Just in case you hadn’t heard–I’m blogging today over at Harlie’s Book Blog on movies and what I have in common with my Almost Perfect heroine, Pam Kimball.

Come check out my post and comment to win a copy of Almost Perfect!

Posted in 1Night Stand, Contests, On Almost Perfect | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Six Sentence Sunday–1/29/12 Only Scandal Will Do

Posted on January 29, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome back to Six Sentence Sunday!  I want to thank everyone, once again, for their great support each week.  I do appreciate your visits and look forward to each comment with anticipation.  I also look forward to visiting your sites and reading your wonderful stories.

Once again I’m following up my six from last week with the next six sentences  from Only Scandal Will Do.

If you remember, Duncan has just purchased a woman in a brothel auction and has come to claim his prize.  His “slave” however, continues to insist there has been a mistake.  He has managed to turn the tables on the lady and called her virtue into question.  Last week, outraged, she turned and fled.

A long arm snared the diaphanous folds of her gown. The material strained against her body, forcing Kat to freeze lest it rip and expose her completely. Cursing her own folly for choosing such a costume, she swung around to face her captor.

“Please release me, sir,” she demanded, trying to keep her temper in check. She needed to woo this man to her cause. And though it galled her, she could only do so with soft words, not blows– perhaps the blows could come later.

Not a shrinking violet by any means.  Katarina plans to give him a run for his money, it seems!

If you’d like to read more about Kat’s plight, check out my post from yesterday and come back next week for another six sentence installment.

Thanks once more for visiting Six Sentence Sunday.  Click the SSS to try out more author snippets.  You’ll be glad you did!

Posted in On Only Scandal Will Do, On Six Sentence Sunday, On Writing Historical Romance | Tagged , , , , , , | 24 Comments

Sweet Saturday Sample–1/28 Only Scandal Will Do

Posted on January 28, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome back to Sweet Saturday Sample!  All excerpts here are rated PG-13 or milder.  Mine today, from my soon to be released historical romance, is rated PG-13.

In this section Lady Katarina has been kidnapped and is being readied for some unknown  nefarious purpose.

As the woman disappeared, the kidnappers hustled Katarina into a narrow room barely wide enough to hold its plain washstand and wooden close stool. They plopped her down on the convenience chair and untied the ropes. As soon as her hands were free, she drew one back for a blow at the nearest brigand, but the tall, thin man pushed a sword into her face and shook his head.

“Lay a hand on either one of us, girl, I’ll carve your face so your own mother wouldn’t know you.” His flat voice and icy gray eyes told Kat he spoke in earnest. She reached to untie the gag, and the sword tip waved dangerously near her nose. “Nay. The gag stays until the deal is done. Afterwards, you can try to talk your way out of it.”

Kat did not understand the last statement, but lowered her hands as the other kidnapper, an unremarkable man with a jovial face, finished untying her legs. She rotated her ankles, wiggled her toes, tried to force feeling back into them. She needed to be able to run at the first opportunity.

The kneeling kidnapper grabbed first one, then the other foot, stripping off shoes and stockings with lightning efficiency. He stood up, grinning, making Kat long to kick him for his effrontery. The man elbowed his companion, remarking, “I’m thinking that’s not all’s coming off before the night’s over, eh Nigel?”

Hope you enjoyed my sample of Only Scandal Will Do!  I’ve got more sentences for you tomorrow tool.

Be sure to click here for more Sweet Samples.  You’ll be glad you did!

I’m also blogging today on the topic of Make-Up Sex  and my current release Almost Perfect over at Patricia Green Books.  Gives a whole new meaning to the old Stylistics song “Break Up to Make Up.” 🙂

Stop by and find out some ways to take advantage of a good fight!  Thanks for visiting again.  See you next week!

Posted in On Only Scandal Will Do, On Sweet Saturday Sample | Tagged , , , , , , | 28 Comments

Bubble Baths And Steamy Romance Blog Hop (January 27-29)

Posted on January 28, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

I’m hopping again, this time with the sinfully sensuous sounding Bubble Baths and Steamy Romance Blog Hop.  Doesn’t that sound simply delicious?  Here’s my perfect recipe for a sensuous soak:

Take one extra-large clawfoot bath tub filled with hot water

Add just the right amount of Treasures of the Sea Bath Soak by Kama Sutra

Plus sweet-smelling rose petals and candles,

A HOT hunk  and you.

Mix thoroughly and enjoy!

My characters in Almost Perfect could have used a long soak in a hot tub, but they were not in evidence on the island.  So Pam and Roger had to make do with skinny dipping!

For one lucky commenter I’m offering a copy of Almost Perfect and, as an added little perk, a copy of my historical romance, Heart of Deception.  Now, here’s an excerpt from Almost Perfect:

She pulled the lip away and wiped her hand across her chin where she had dribbled some. Holding it out to him, she noticed his slack-jawed attention riveted straight on her chest. Which meant….

“You still look fine, Pam. Mighty fine.” Her ex-husband licked his lips, his grin reaching almost ear to ear. If there weren’t still some water left in the bottle, she’d brain him with it.

He reached down and slipped off his sandals, then untied his drawstring, all the while gawking at her breasts. With one swift movement, he shucked his pants to reveal a hard, tanned body, complete with a serious erection.

She hadn’t seen that coming. Her mouth dropped open as the Perrier hit the sand. She stared at his fully aroused cock, a shiver of pure desire sparking through her before she dragged her gaze back up to his face. A low chuckle rumbled deep in his chest. “A promise is a promise. You showed me yours.” He threw her one more impish grin before taking off for the water. “You coming?”

She stared as he splashed in and dove under. His pale, rounded butt flashed her before sliding under the waves. Her heart pounded and blood sang through her veins as it had not done in years. A deep ache bloomed between her thighs, pitifully familiar; it too had lain dormant until now. The problem was it had been so long since she’d had sex. She’d be twice as horny if that were her pirate out there. At least she fought to believe it.

Roger’s head broke the surface and he flipped his hair out of his face. “Come on in. The water’s great!” She didn’t move. “I promise not to bite.”

“But I might,” she muttered, starting for the water, afraid they had the makings of a real live Blue Lagoon.

Maybe not quite as good as a steamy bubble bath, but I think Pam and Roger will find a way to relieve some stress. LOL

Thanks for visiting my blog!  To continue your hop click Bubble Baths and Steamy Romance to take you to the list of participants.  Hope your bath tub fantasies come true. 🙂  Please leave a comment and follow this blog to be entered in the contest to win a copy of Almost Perfect and Heart of Deception.

Posted in Blog Tours, On Almost Perfect | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 27 Comments