Reader’s Corner: Meet the Author

Posted on August 4, 2011 by Jenna Jaxon

For my first Reader’s Corner I thought I’d try a “Meet the Author” post.  Give you more of an idea about the person who is Jenna Jaxon.  I got the idea for this particular post from Darlene over at Finding the Write Words with her Friday Favorites post.  I thought it a great way for readers to find out a few fun facts about me.

 A Few of My Favorite Things

1.  Favorite color:  Caribbean Blue (I used to have a car this color—yummy!)

2.  Favorite Romance Author and Book:  Jo Beverly’s Devilish (although Something Wicked is a close second)

3.  Favorite Non-Romance Author and Book:  Stephen King’s It (Drawing of the Three is a close second)

4.  Favorite Pleasure Food:  Chocolate (it’s my drug of choice)

5.  Favorite Mixed Drink:  Miami Vice (cross between a strawberry daiquiri and a pina
colada)

6.  Favorite Movie: (Tough Question!)  Last of the Mohicans (Daniel Day Lewis—May I help you please!)

7.  Favorite Actor/Actress:  Sean Connery/Sigourney Weaver tied with Glen Close

8.  Favorite Place You’ve Visited:  Ireland  (I’ve kissed the Blarney Stone!  This is NOT me!)

9.  Favorite Pop Song:  Today it’s Loser Like Me (got a rejection); usually it’s Bad Romance

10.  Favorite Holiday:  Halloween (see answer  #3 for explanation)

 

We can also play “Ask the Author.”  If you have a question about other favorites of mine that are not on this list, leave a comment and ask.  Or tell me what some of your favorite things are.  I’d love to know more about you too!

Also, come check out my published works.  Heart of Deception is an historical romance, available at Books to Go Now.  Hog Wild is an erotic contemporary available at New Dawning International Bookfair.  And both are available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and All Romance Ebooks.

Posted in On Reading, On Writing Romance, Reader's Corner | Tagged , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Last Chance for Christmas in July

Posted on August 2, 2011 by Jenna Jaxon

 

Believe it or not, July has come and gone, as all good things must

Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

come to an end.  This means, sadly, that my Christmas in July short stories will only be available for a short time more.

I have gathered all the stories (The Kissing Tree, The Present, Sing A Christmas Carol, and ‘Tis the Season) under the Christmas in July page on my blog where they will remain until Sunday, August 7 for your reading pleasure.  If you haven’t read them, please come take a look and grab some early Christmas cheer and romance!  I hope you enjoy them!

Merry Christmas!

Jenna

Posted in Free Reads | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Reviewed by Jenna–“Getting Naked”: Naked Research by Dee Dawning

Posted on August 1, 2011 by Jenna Jaxon

Talk about inspiration! 

Dee Dawning’s Naked Research, a scorching hot ménage-a-trois, was the first erotic romance I ever read—and the quickest!  But that’s because I simply couldn’t put it down.  I bet you won’t either.

Rebecca Roth is on a mission:  find men to have sex with.  This shouldn’t be a problem for a bold, attractive, sexy writer of erotic romance.  Except she needs two lovers at the same time.  Her next novel is a ménage a trois and, as Rebecca only writes from her own sexual experience and she’s never done it with multiple partners,  she finds herself having to do “naked research.”  Enter Kevin, whom she picks up at a bar, and Vince, his roommate who has no problem sharing.  They are gorgeous men, with bedroom skills that drive Rebecca wild with delight and multiple orgasms.  But she’s made it clear this is a one-night stand—she refuses to get involved, to put her heart in jeopardy again, especially with two men she’s come to care for in just one night.  But when an unforeseen problem arises with her writing, Rebecca must decide whether she can return to them for more “research” without getting her heart broken. 

All the elements of a great erotic romance come together in Naked Research.  The plot is fun and well developed, with several unexpected twists to keep you turning pages.  The characters come to life immediately, sympathetic and sensual.  With men who are hot, hunky, and intelligent—Kevin’s a literary agent, Vince an architect—and a heroine who is strong-willed and sexy, yet vulnerable, the book promises to more than satisfy the reader’s sexual fantasies.

And did I mention the smokin’ hot sex?  These scenes are so steaming they will make you reach for your significant other or run for a cold shower.  I’m heating up now just remembering them.

This book did, in fact, inspire me—not to do “research” of my own, but to write an erotic romance.  Perhaps it will inspire you as well, in…other ways.  Regardless, you will not be disappointed if you indulge in some Naked Research.

Dee Dawning’s Naked Research is available at Siren Publishing, and through Amazon and Barnes and Noble.  For a full list of Dee’s many fun, sexy and erotic reads, check out his website.

Posted in On Writing Erotic Romance, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Six Sentence Sunday 7/31–As Long As You’re Mine

Posted on July 31, 2011 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome back to Six Sentence Sunday.  My thanks again to those who visit me every week and those who are visiting for the first time.  I do appreciate comments so please, let me know what you think of my six.

This week I thought I would move us forward a bit and let you see Rafael and Samantha’s “official” first meeting, from Rafe’s POV. Enjoy!

“Aunt Beatrice, would you introduce me to your charming guest?”  He motioned to Samantha, whose jaw dropped at his audacity.  “We have not been formally introduced.”

            “Rafael!”  Beatrice blushed in earnest now, apparently embarrassed at the thought of what had transpired under her roof last night.

            Rafe just stood there, innocent eyes on her until she shook her head at her nephew and turned to Samantha.  “Lady Samantha Easterling may I introduce my devil of a nephew, Rafael Clements Beauregard of Richmond, Virginia. 

I think Aunt Beatrice has him pegged right!  Hope you enjoyed these six from As Long As You’re Mine. Next week we’ll see this meeting from Samantha’s POV.

For more great snippets please go to Six Sentence Sunday.  Or join in the fun next week with six of your own.

If you’d like to see more of my work, check out my previous posts under “Christmas in July” and enjoy three free reads.

And remember  Heart of Deception, is available for purchase from Books To Go Now!, and Hog Wild from New Dawning International Bookfair.  Both are available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and All Romance Ebooks.

Posted in On As Long As You're Mine, On Six Sentence Sunday, On Works in Progress, On Writing Historical Romance | Tagged , , , , | 51 Comments

Sweet Saturday Sample

Posted on July 30, 2011 by Jenna Jaxon

Good Morning!  Welcome to the very first ever Sweet Saturday Sample.  This blog tour is similar in nature to Six Sentence Sunday if you’re familiar with that.  We post an excerpt of our work–published or WIP–that’s no higher in heat level than PG-13 for your enjoyment.

This week I’m posting from a short story I just finished called Almost Perfect.  This is the opening, so you don’t need any set-up!  Please enjoy!

“Happy birthday to me.” 

Pamela Kimball stowed away a pair of cute moss green floral shorts in her oversized Louie Vuitton rolling bag. 

“Happy birthday to me.”  She added a top with a contrasting diamond design on brushed Indian cotton. 

“Happy 27th birthday, dear Pamela.”  A midnight blue peek-a-boo nightgown came next.  Thank God she had the figure to do this justice.  The filmy gown attached to cups slit up the center and fastened in the middle with a white diamond-like jewel.  Her nipples did indeed play peek-a-boo when she tried on the confection with the matching jeweled G-string.  Pamela laid the scrap of mesh lace on top of her clothes. 

“Happy birthday to me.”  She added a pair of white satin mules—she had ripped the maribou off and replaced it with rhinestone jewels—and zipped the bag shut.

Two years after her divorce she was finally getting on with her life.  Hence the nightgown.

Wonder what she’s gonna do with that nightgown?  LOL

Come back next week for another “Sweet Sample” or join in the fun with your own.  Follow this link to Sweet Saturday Sample to find more “sweet” offerings.

If you liked the above sample, you might also like some of my published work.  Heart of Deception, set in Victorian England, is available at Books to Go Now.  Hog Wild, an erotic contemporary retelling of The Three Little Pigs, is available at New Dawning Bookfair.  And both are available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and All Romance Ebooks.  Blurbs for both book can be found on my Published Works page.

Posted in On Almost Perfect, On Sweet Saturday Sample, On Works in Progress | Tagged , , , , , | 30 Comments

Here’s My Heart Winner’s Circle

Posted on July 30, 2011 by Jenna Jaxon

Good Evening and Welcome to the Here’s My Heart Winners Circle.  I would like to thank all those who entered to win a copy of my historical romance Heart of Deception.  I am very encouraged and flattered by the kind comments and number of entrants to the contest.  Below are the three ladies who have entered the Winner’s Circle:

Tomi Warnick

Nichelle Williams

Jennifer Lowery

Congratulations, ladies.  If you would please send me the email address you would like your copy sent to, I will make sure you have something to read this weekend.

For anyone wishing to purchase a copy of Heart of Deception, it is available at Books to Go Now, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and All Romance Ebooks.

Please join me tomorrow for Sweet Saturday Sample, a blog hop similar to Six Sentence Sunday except the excerpts can be longer than six sentences but are limited to a PG-13 rating (the excerpt, not the entire work).  I will be putting up an excerpt from the short story I just finished, Almost Perfect.  Hope to see you here tomorrow.

Posted in Contests, On Heart of Deception | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Here’s My Heart Contest Update

Posted on July 27, 2011 by Jenna Jaxon

Happy Wednesday to all my readers!  I have been busily writing on several project, trying to meet deadlines, and thought I would go on and extend the Here’s My Heart Contest until Friday morning.  Anyone wishing to enter to win a copy of Heart of Deception, my Victorian historical, can enter a comment sometime between yesterday and Friday morning when I will randomly select three winners.  Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you.  If you’ve already left a comment but not an email address, just look for your name in the winner’s circle on Friday and you’ll have instructions on how to contact me and claim your prize.  Remember, you can enter a comment on the blog, my Facebook author’s page, or Twitter.  And each comment on the different media is another entry to win!

Now if you just can’t wait to read Heart of Deception, it is available for purchase at Books to Go Now, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and All Romance Ebooks.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow as well when I will post the last of my Christmas in July free reads.  This one has to do with that most wonderful and delicious of Christmas traditions–Christmas dinner!  Hope you enjoy!

Posted in Contests, On Heart of Deception | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Here’s My Heart Contest

Posted on July 26, 2011 by Jenna Jaxon

Good Morning and Happy Tuesday!

Last week I held my Motorcycle Madness Contest and had a blast!  Everyone seemed to like my excerpt and three excited winners are now enjoying copies of Hog Wild.

So today I decided to do the same thing for my historical romance.  My Here’s My Heart Contest will give away copies of Heart of Deception to three lucky winners.  Same as last week, all you have to do is leave a comment on this blog, my Facebook Author Page, or on Twitter.  At the end of the day, I will pool the comments from all media sources and do a random drawing.  And if you comment in all three places, you have three chances of winning!

FYI–here are some little known facts about this short story:

1)  It won third place last year in a short fiction contest sponsored by a writer’s conference in my area.

2) It was my very first work contracted for publication.

3) For those of you who follow Six Sentence Sunday, it was inspired by my novel As Long As You’re Mine that you’ve been following the past few weeks.

Below is the blurb and an excerpt from Heart of Deception, to whet your appetite even more! 

Heart of Deception 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.

Heart of Deception Excerpt:

“Then what can we do, my love?”  Despair returned, heightening her anguish.  “The season is in full swing and Papa has decreed I must choose a husband this year.  He was quite vexed that I did not last year and has threatened that if I don’t choose someone appropriate he will choose for me.”  Celinda shuddered.  The men her father mentioned as “appropriate” was ludicrous.  Andrew tugged her into his arms. 

“Would someone of his choosing be such a tragedy?”  His face buried in her hair, his warm breath against her head heated her whole body.

“Ugh, yes.”  She snuggled further against him. The clean scent of his cologne enveloped her, making her want to burrow inside him.  Closing her eyes she sighed. “The men he suggested are terrible.  Old and titled and stodgy.”

Andrew laughed and released her to stand at arm’s length from him.  “I’m old and titled.  Do you think if I can prove to be stodgy he would approve of me then?”

Celinda giggled.  “Oh, Andrew, you aren’t old.  And you must not become stodgy!  How could I ever cope with a husband who bored me to tears?”

His raised eyebrow, a sudden devilish puckering of his lips, and her breath caught.  This man had thrilled her with his attentions from the beginning.  Life with Andrew would always be exciting, even dangerous.  She shivered in anticipation.

“Celinda, I have an idea how we can gain your father’s approval for our marriage, but it’s rather daring.  I don’t know if you would agree to it.”  His eyes glinted with a roguish flare.  “I don’t know if you should agree to it.”

As if an icicle had been drawn down her spine, gooseflesh rose on Celinda’s arms.  “What is it, Andrew?”

“Scandal, my love.  But it would make sure that we could marry.”

“Scandal?”  Her voice squeaked. 

He smiled wickedly as he drew her head towards him.  “Let me whisper it in your ear, love.”

And just what is he planning?  Leave me a comment or two or three and be entered to win Heart of Deception and find out!

Heart of Deception is also available for purchase at Books to Go Now, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and All Romance Ebooks.

Posted in Contests, On Heart of Deception | Tagged , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Reviewed by Jenna: “Wait for It!”–A Secret Affair by Mary Balogh

Posted on July 25, 2011 by Jenna Jaxon

The first Mary Balogh book I ever read was the third in this series, At Last Comes Love, which I fell in love with because it kept me guessing from the first page to the last.  In fact, the first three novels in the Huxtable family series were all wonderfully vivid page-turners that I’ve read several times in just a couple of years.  The first sign of discord, however, was the fourth book, Seducing an Angel.  This book disappointed me, even upon a second reading, although I found I did like it better the second time around.

Which leads me to A Secret Affair.  I wanted to like this book.  I loved the dark and twisty character of Constantine Huxtable: unable to inherit his father’s title because he was born before his parents could marry, estranged from his cousin and best friend, a totally unrepentant Regency rake.  I wanted Con to get his happy ending, wanted it badly.  But the woman with whom he chooses to have his “secret affair” is not someone the reader would wish on a favorite character.  She is cool, calculating, aloof, choosing Constantine as a dalliance merely because he is a “bad boy” she can dispose of easily at the end of the season.  She is remarkably similar, in fact, to the heroine of Seducing an Angel.  So after the first few chapters I was resigned to another disappointing read. 

I have picked this book up and put it down easily a dozen times since I began reading it in early July.  Last night, however, I finally found myself looking at the clock and saying, “Just one more chapter.”  What happened?  The characters finally got to the point where I felt I would just die if they didn’t get together.  They became human to me, as they had not been before.  Because suddenly there were stakes involved.  When neither thought they cared for the other, you didn’t care either; once one became aware of a possibly unrequited attraction for the other, however, you came to care very much.

This manner of pacing has left me wondering why Mary Balogh chose to write the book this way.  I’d be afraid that the reader would lose patience with the story and put it down for good before getting to the really satisfying parts.  Taking risks is one thing, disenfranchising your reader is another one entirely.

In addition to this slow building of tension, I noticed, on a technical note, several places where background or previous action information was unnecessarily repeated; it had been said before in much the same manner, with nothing new to be added by the retelling.  I thought this made the scenes drag and wished the editor had been a bit more judicious with highlighting and edits.

None of this is to say that A Secret Affair is a bad read.  Far from it.  It will, perhaps, take more energy to get into the story and to come to care about the characters than in many of Balogh’s previous works.  I think it interesting that the three books in the series chronicling the Huxtable women’s love affairs were seemingly better written than the two devoted to the men’s stories.  Whether this is due to a change in technique or strategy, I am not sure.  But I will say that if you stick with A Secret Affair, you will find it as satisfying as any guilty pleasure ever is.  Which is to say “Wickedly so.”

Posted in On Writing, On Writing Historical Romance, On Writing Romance, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Six Sentence Sunday–As Long As You’re Mine

Posted on July 24, 2011 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome back to Six Sentence Sunday.  My thanks again to those who visit me every week and those who are visiting for the first time.  I do appreciate comments so please, let me know what you think of my six.

This week I thought you might like to see some more of Rafael’s interview with Samantha’s father.  He’s way too cocky for his own good. Enjoy!

“I turned over in bed and my hand landed on…” Rafe pulled up short; this was her father after all, “a very female part of the female anatomy.” 

Face red and eyes bulging, if Clarendon did not have apoplexy at this moment, he was safe for the rest of his life. 

“She called me by my name, Rafe, and was very. . .encouraging, shall we say?  But I swear to you, my lord, I did not know it was Lady Samantha.”

“Then who did you think it was, a succubus?”

“I thought it was one of the maids, my lord.”

Somehow I think Rafe is just digging himself deeper!  Hope you enjoyed these six from As Long As You’re Mine. For more great snippets please go to Six Sentence Sunday.  Or join in the fun next week with six of your own.

If you’d like to see more of my work, check out my previous posts under “Christmas in July” and enjoy three free reads.

And remember  Heart of Deception, is now available for purchase from Books To Go Now!, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble and Hog Wild from New Dawning International Bookfair.

Posted in On As Long As You're Mine, On Six Sentence Sunday, On Works in Progress, On Writing Historical Romance | Tagged , , , , | 45 Comments