Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 10/10/21 ~ Heart of Hope ~ Too Slow

Posted on October 10, 2021 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

I’m back this week after an unfortunate absence. The last Sunday I was here I came down with what I thought was a bad case of the flu–which turned out to be a breakthrough case of COVID. I’ve been battling it for the past two weeks and am awaiting my test results, hoping for a negative report. But I feel much better now and am back with another excerpt from my just finished WIP Heart of Hope, the sixth book in my Handful of Hearts novella series. It’s the story of Lady Letitia Stowe and Mr. Albert (Bertie) Symmons, who meet, although not for the first time, at Lady Hamilton’s ball (where all couples meet in this series).

And here’s the new cover, just revealed this past week!

BLURB:

Shy wallflower Lady Letitia Stowe is determined to dance with no one at Lady Hamilton’s ball unless she knows the gentleman. When just such a man appears in the form of Albert “Bertie” Symmons, Letitia is suddenly eager to dance with him until she discovers their set turns is the scandalous waltz. Letitia begs off and instead they talk together, each confessing a weakness. Inspired to help one another, they make a pact: she will instruct him in dancing and he will do likewise for her in horseback riding. Their frequent meetings grow into true affection and respect until Bertie is so bedazzled by Letitia he asks her to marry him and she joyously says yes.

Unfortunately, Letitia’s brother has another match in mind for her with the wealthy, titled Lord Kettering. To change her brother’s mind, Letitia and Bertie stage a series of faux rescues where Bertie is the hero. Regrettably, none of them work and Letitia fears they may have to resort to a tried and true method of assuring their marriage: have Bertie compromise her. However, when Bertie proves unwilling to go down that path to matrimony, Letitia may have to take matters into her own capable hands.

This excerpt takes up right where we left off: Letitia is trying to be a wallflower because she doesn’t want to dance with anyone she doesn’t know. But she spies Mr. Symmons, who she does know, and hopes he’s headed toward her. He is and the conversation this week is now leading toward an invitation to dance. However, at the penultimate moment, Lord Kettering intrudes and asks Letitia for a dance.

We have now switched to Bertie’s POV. Hope you enjoy.

(PS–This is the unedited version, so any flubs are my own and will be dealt with by my editor I’m sure. But if you wish to point out anything, please do!)

EXCERPT:

If the great chandelier fell down upon him this minute and pounded him to dust, Bertie could not have been more perturbed.

“You were too slow, Mr. Symmons,” Lady Romsey’s lips were pressed into a straight line, “the prize goes to the swift.”

“Thank you, Lady Romsey.” Bertie hoped the lady would do more than state the obvious. “I won’t make that mistake again, I promise you.” His gaze strayed to Lady Letitia on the dance floor with Kettering. He’d never liked the viscount, always so smug when speaking to Bertie. Just because he had a title and Bertie didn’t–titles weren’t everything. Many a titled gentleman didn’t have a feather to line his nest. And Bertie’s nest, or his father’s at any rate, was well lined indeed.

And a little more for good measure…

“As her dance card is all but empty, she must still have the supper dance open, you know.” Lady Romsey raised her quizzer to stare at Lord Haversham who was approaching, a grim look on his face. “You might ask her as soon as the present set has finished. Don’t let her get away again, Mr. Symmons.”

Bertie decided to take her advice, and his own instincts said he should take his leave of Lady Romney before her nephew arrived. “My lady, I shall wait beside the dance floor and ask as soon as she’s free.” A hasty bow and he fled to the farthest corner of the floor, close to where Lady Letitia was dancing. He’d make certain he was right there when they finished so he could get first crack at the supper dance.

Heart of Hope is now up for pre-order on Amazon and will release on October 31th. The pre-order price is just .99, so grab your copy now. After release it will revert to its regular price of $2.99.

Additionally, my upcoming contemporary Christmas novella, The Present, is on pre-order on Amazon, part of a Christmas series called Christmas on the Side. It will release on November 9th. You can go check it out here.

And the final Widows’ Club book, The Widow Wore Plaid, is available for pre-order on Amazon as well. It will release on December 28th.

Because it’s October, my Halloween short story, Hearts at All Hallows’ Eve is available again as well. It’s .99 on Amazon and free on Smashwords.

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There’s some fantastic snippets to be read.

Handful of Hearts series

(all on sale for .99 each during October)

Posted in A Handful of Hearts, Blog Hops, Heart of Hope, Historical Romance, On Weekend Writing Warriors, Promotion, Regency Romance, sweet romance, Weekend Writing Warriors | Tagged A Handful of Hearts series, Heart of Hope, historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, Regency romance, sweet Regency romance, sweet romance, Weekend Writing Warriors | 16 Comments

Heart of Hope Cover Reveal!

Posted on October 8, 2021 by Jenna Jaxon

This should have been posted on October 1, however as I was rather indisposed, I’m sharing my new cover for my upcoming release, Heart of Hope, the next book in my Handful of Hearts novella series.

Isn’t it gorgeous? 🙂

Heart of Hope will release on October 31 on Amazon and is currently up for pre-order for .99. Here’s the link so you can grab it at that fabulous price.

BLURB:

EXCERPT:

Her aunt applied her quizzing glass to the gentleman, then sniffed and dropped it. “That is Bertie Symmons. Mr. Albert Symmons, rather. And a more annoying young man I have never met.”

“Really?” Letitia looked at the gentleman again, her interest piqued. “I believe I am acquainted with him, aunt. We met at Lady Rosamond Cowper’s garden party a little over a year ago. He was smelling a rose and got stung by a bee.”

Mr. Symmons had taken the sting in stride, although his nose had swollen rather horrendously. They had talked about being stung as children as they applied ice to the welt. He’d certainly had an amiable disposition as he recovered. Letitia had not seen the man since that day, though of course she’d been in the schoolroom and only allowed to attend the party because Lady Rosamond was a cousin somewhere on their father’s side and Marcus hadn’t wanted to attend alone.

Perhaps dancing with Mr. Symmons wouldn’t be bad at all. They had talked without any awkwardness at the garden party. If he remembered her, they could reminisce about the bee sting during the times when they weren’t actively dancing. Then she could keep her promise to her aunt with little distress to herself. She gazed eagerly at Mr. Symmons, who did indeed seem to be heading directly for her. Her cheeks flushed and the room suddenly got terribly hot. As the gentleman in question stopped in front of her, Letitia forced herself to continue breathing.

“I say, it’s Lady Romley, isn’t it? And Lady Letitia?” Mr. Symmons smiled broadly and bowed to them, his tall frame jerking oddly with the effort.

“It is indeed, Mr. Symmons.” Aunt Alexandra pursed her lips. “You claim an acquaintance with my niece?”

Mr. Symmons peered at Letitia, then nodded vigorously. “At least I think it’s you. We spoke about bee stings rather at length after one popped me on the nose at a garden party. You kept chipping the ice from a block and putting it in a handkerchief so I could stop the swelling.” He grinned at Letitia. “It worked too.” He felt his nose. “Never better despite the wretched bee.”

“It is indeed me, Mr. Symmons.” Letitia returned his smile wholeheartedly. “I’m so glad you had no further ill effects from the sting.” She had to keep him talking about the garden party or bees or something until he got the idea to ask her to dance. If only he would, she’d be happy to hold up her end of her promise to Aunt Alexandra.

“Thank you, Lady Letitia. No, no ill effects at all, at least not for me. Can’t say for the bee, you know.”

Look for more cover reveals soon. I have books coming out in October, November, and December!

Handful of Hearts Series

Posted in A Handful of Hearts, Cover Art, Cover Reveal, Heart of Hope, Historical Romance, Regency Romance, sweet romance | Tagged cover reveal, Handful of Hearts, Heart of Hope, historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, Regency romance | Leave a comment

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 09/26/21 ~ Heart of Hope ~ Caught!

Posted on September 26, 2021 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

I’m back this week with another excerpt from my just finished WIP Heart of Hope, the sixth book in my Handful of Hearts novella series. It’s the story of Lady Letitia Stowe and Mr. Albert (Bertie) Symmons, who meet, although not for the first time, at Lady Hamilton’s ball (where all couples meet in this series).

In this excerpt, Letitia is trying to be a wallflower because she doesn’t want to dance with anyone she doesn’t know. But she spies Mr. Symmons, who she does know, and hopes he’s headed toward her. He is and the conversation this week is now leading toward an invitation to dance. However, at the penultimate moment, someone else shows up! Hope you enjoy.

(PS–This is the unedited version, so any flubs are my own and will be dealt with by my editor I’m sure. But if you wish to point out anything, please do! Also, there’s no cover yet, but I’ve put up a picture of the couple who will be on the cover.)

BLURB: Tentative Blurb! Tell me what you think! Feedback is most appreciated!

Shy wallflower Lady Letitia Stowe is determined to dance with no one at Lady Hamilton’s ball unless she knows the gentleman. And when just such a man appears in the form of Albert “Bertie” Symmons, Letitia is suddenly eager to dance with him. But when their set turns out to be a waltz, Letitia cannot bring herself to perform the scandalous dance even with Bertie. They talk together instead and confess weaknesses they struggle with. Inspired to help one another they make a pact: she will instruct him in the correct forms of dancing and he will do likewise for her in horseback riding. Their frequent meetings grow into true affection and respect for one another, until Bertie is so bedazzled by Letitia he asks her to marry him and she joyously says yes.

Unfortunately, Letitia’s brother has another match in mind for her with the wealthy, titled Lord Kettering. To change her brother’s mind about the man she loves, Letitia and Bertie stage a series of faux rescues in which Bertie saves Letitia from harm. But when none of them work, Letitia fears they may have to resort to a tried and true method of assuring a marriage will take place: have Bertie compromise her. However, when Bertie proves unwilling to go down that path to matrimony, Letitia may have to take matters into her own capable hands.

EXCERPT:

A young gentleman, dressed in flawless black evening dress with a white waistcoat and an elaborately tied cravat with a flashy gold and diamond pin pinned to the center of it, had crept up on her unawares while she and Mr. Symmons talked.

Letitia wrinkled her brow. She’d been introduced to many of the gentlemen in attendance this evening, but had this been one of them? She’d not paid too much attention, actually.

Aunt Alexandra seemed to have the same question. “Have we been introduced, young man?”

“Yes, Lady Romley,” he bowed elegantly, “Lord Kettering, ma’am. Son of the Earl of Pytchley. We were introduced briefly by Lady Hamilton, at which point I determined I must ask Lady Letitia to partner me in a set this evening.”

And a little more for good measure…

Drat! Caught like a mouse in a trap. Letitia looked from Mr. Symmons, with whom she wanted to stand up, to Lord Kettering with whom she now must dance, to Aunt Alexandra who was shooting daggers at her from coal black eyes. Letitia sighed. If she had her wish, she’d be in bed alongside her sisters right now.

“Yes, Lord Kettering, I will dance this set with you.” Resigned, but trying not to show it, Letitia sent one sorrowful look to Mr. Symmons before Lord Kettering placed her hand in the crook of his arm and led her onto the dance floor.

Due to unfortunate circumstances, Heart of Hope will release on October 29th instead of the first. I promise to have it up on pre-order as soon as I get a cover for it.

Meanwhile, I’ve just put my contemporary Christmas novella, The Present, on pre-order on Amazon, part of a Christmas series called Christmas on the Side. You can go check it out here.

And don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There’s some fantastic snippets to be read.

Handful of Hearts series

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 09/19/21 ~ Heart of Hope ~ The Question of a Dance Card

Posted on September 19, 2021 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

BLURB: There’s still no blurb yet, but I’m working on it!

EXCERPT:

Letitia laughed. He had a good sense of humor. Why was Aunt Alexandra so disparaging of him? “Well, that is good to hear, Mr. Symmons.” She couldn’t suggest they dance, so how to suggest it to him to ask her? “You seem to be in fine fettle tonight. Have you been enjoying the dancing?”

“Tolerably well, my lady. I’ve stood up with an old friend, Miss Locke, and with Miss Powell, but I haven’t had much luck otherwise gaining partners. They all seem to have filled their dance cards immediately upon arrival at the party.”

And a little more for good measure…

“As any young lady is wont to do, Mr. Symmons.” Her aunt sniffed at him. “If she has a grain of sense. She must fill her dance card before the dance, else she may have to stand around conversing about mundane topics with gentlemen who will be satisfied with second best.”

“Is your dance card filled, Lady Letitia?” A hopeful lift to his eyebrows made Letitia glad she could answer him in the negative.

“Why no, Mr. Symmons, my card is not filled. Not at all.” She fanned the pages of the little book tied to her wrist before him, every one of them blank.

“Then we must remedy that immediately, Lady Letitia.”

Letitia jerked her head up, frowning at the unfamiliar voice that had barged in on their private conversation.

Heart of Hope should release on October 1 and I’ll have it up on pre-order as soon as I get a cover for it.

Meanwhile, I’ve just put my contemporary Christmas novella, The Present, on pre-order on Amazon, part of a Christmas series called Christmas on the Side. You can go check it out here.

And don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There’s some fantastic snippets to be read.

Handful of Hearts series

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 09/12/21 ~ Heart of Hope ~ A Conversation About Bees

Posted on September 12, 2021 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

BLURB: There’s still no blurb yet, but I’m working on it!

EXCERPT:

They had talked without any awkwardness at the garden party. If he remembered her, they could reminisce about the bee sting during the times when they weren’t actively dancing; then she could keep her promise to her aunt with little distress to herself. She gazed eagerly at Mr. Symmons, who did indeed seem to be heading directly for her. Her cheeks flushed and the room suddenly got terribly hot. As the gentleman in question stopped in front of her, Letitia forced herself to continue breathing.

“I say, it’s Lady Romley, isn’t it? And Lady Letitia?” Mr. Symmons smiled broadly and bowed to them, his tall frame jerking oddly with the effort.

“It is indeed, Mr. Symmons,” Aunt Alexandra said then pursed her lips. “You claim an acquaintance with my niece?”

And a little more for good measure…

“Thank you, Lady Letitia. No, no ill effects at all, at least not for me. Can’t say for the bee, you know.”

Heart of Hope should release on October 1 and I’ll have it up on pre-order as soon as I get a cover for it.

Meanwhile, I’ve just put my contemporary Christmas novella, The Present, on pre-order on Amazon, part of a Christmas series called Christmas on the Side. You can go check it out here.

And don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There’s some fantastic snippets to be read.

Handful of Hearts series

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 09/05/21 ~ Heart of Hope ~ A New Hope

Posted on September 5, 2021 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

I’m back this week with an excerpt from my just finished WIP Heart of Hope, the sixth book in my Handful of Hearts novella series. It’s the story of Lady Letitia Stowe and Mr. Albert (Bertie) Symmons, who meet, although not for the first time, at Lady Hamilton’s ball (where all couples meet in this series).

In this excerpt, Letitia is trying to be a wallflower because she doesn’t want to dance with anyone she doesn’t know. Hope you enjoy.

BLURB: There’s no blurb yet, but I’m working on it!

EXCERPT:

Letitia took a deep breath and looked out at the dancers who were about to finish their set. She squared her shoulders and darted her gaze about the room, looking to see if there were any gentlemen who seemed to be approaching her in search of a partner for the next set. So far everyone seemed to be occupied with themselves or with others, not with coming to ask her to dance.

Wait.

One tall, slender gentleman, in well-cut evening clothes, his hair a little longer than the current fashion, was heading this way, although Letitia couldn’t quite determine if he was coming toward her specifically or simply heading in her general direction. Letitia peered at him, something familiar about the lanky figure and the swaying gait. “Aunt Alexandra, who is that gentleman coming this way? The one in the burgundy waistcoat?”

Her aunt applied her quizzing glass to the gentleman, then sniffed and dropped it. “That is Bertie Symmons, Mr. Albert Symmons rather and a more annoying young man I have never met.”

And a little more for good measure…

Perhaps dancing with Mr. Symmons wouldn’t be bad at all.

a pink roses backdrop at a wedding, floral decorations

Almost a Countess is still available on Amazon at the pre-order price of $2.99 thru Labor Day. $2.99.

And A Countess of Convenience is available on Amazon thru Labor Day for .99, to celebrate the release of book 2 of Captivating Countesses. Grab your copy now!

And don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There’s some fantastic snippets to be read.

Handful of Hearts series

RELEASE DAY FOR ALMOST A COUNTESS!

Posted on August 31, 2021 by Jenna Jaxon

A month after it’s first scheduled release, I am very pleased and proud to announce that

ALMOST A COUNTESS

has released on Amazon. It will release on Smashwords Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Apple on September 7.

BLURB:

Exiled to a lonely estate in north Yorkshire, Dora Harper finds life satisfying, if appallingly routine—until an escaped Scottish prisoner begs for her help. Despite her misgivings, Dora takes him in, feeds and clothes him, and is amazed at his transformation into a very handsome, virile gentleman, who claims he is an earl. No matter who he really is, his very presence in her house could ruin her reputation for good. Trouble is, Dora might not mind that at all.

Phineas “Finn” MacDonald, the Earl of Aberfoyle, is on the run from a troop of soldiers bent on charging him with treason. Dora’s miraculous appearance is a godsend for him, in more ways than one. The pretty young English woman is kind, compassionate, and willing to help him in his attempt to seek justice and evade the troop that is quickly closing in on him.

With their close proximity over several days, Finn’s desire to escape wanes, even as thoughts of Dora fill his mind. So when a unique opportunity presents itself, Finn claims to be Dora’s husband to save her reputation and throw the soldiers off his trail. Now all Finn needs to do is persuade Dora to make the ruse a reality—before the soldiers can find him and carry out the grim penalty for his alleged crime.

EXCERPT:

She jerked her hand away. There must be something she could do to rouse him. Putting her altruistic instincts aside, she would require the stranger’s help if she wanted to remount Gretchen and save herself a long walk home on a day she needed to travel swiftly. As she thrust the sodden handkerchief into the pocket of her habit, her hand brushed something hard and cold.

Her smelling salts. She grasped the vial, blue glass covered in silver filigree, took a breath, then popped the top and thrust the bottle under the man’s nose.

With a gasp, he sat up and grabbed her wrist, pushing the vial away from his face. “Are ye trying tae kill me with that stink?” He gazed around, shook his head. “Who are ye? Where did ye come from?”.

Startled beyond belief, Dora opened her mouth but was unable to form a single word.

His eyes, as sky blue as her riding habit, narrowed. “Cat got yer tongue, lass?”

“N…no.” She managed to get that out. “You startled me, is all.”

“Aye, well I’m sorry for that. Ye’re a bit o’ a surprise tae me too.”

He released her wrist, and she staggered back to put some space between them.

She replaced the stopper on the vial—it took her three tries she was shaking so badly from his abrupt awakening—and slid it back into her pocket, then stood gawking at him. Trying to make sense of the fact there was an escaped prisoner not three feet from her.

He frowned, his gaze narrowing. “I ken ye understand who I am, dae ye no’?”

Heart in her throat, Dora managed a short nod.

“Ye seem tae be a compassionate person, so I’ll dare tae ask ye tae help me, lass.” The menacing look had disappeared, replaced by anguish. “I canna let them take me again. They mean tae dae me grave harm before they take me tae the authorities. If they take me.”

“What did you do?” Dora backed up another step. Was he dangerous? It made a big difference if the man was a murderer or merely a thief. She glanced toward her horse. How quickly could she reach Gretchen, who stood quietly cropping grass nearby? Though how she planned to get up on the horse, should she reach her first, she had no idea. Perhaps she should simply make a run for it. If his leg was truly injured, she should be able to outdistance him quickly.

“No’ what they accuse me o’. I did a foolish thing, no’ a treasonable one. But the lieutenant disna see it that way and wants tae make me pay for something I dinna dae.”

It sounded reasonable, but wouldn’t all prisoners say such things? This was the thanks she got for trying to do a good deed. Dora sighed. She needed to find out how serious a threat this man was to her. “What did you do?”

“I wore this glaikit kilt is what I did.” His anger seemed pointed at himself, not her. “And in their thirst for my blood, they dinna care that I hold a title, or that my father fought for the bloody British.”

“They arrested you for wearing a piece of clothing?” Surely he was having her on. “I hardly think—”

“Lass, I dinna think it wise tae bandy words here when Lieutenant Scarlet and his men could ride up on us at any moment. If ye’ve no’ met the lieutenant, I suggest ye no’ dae it alone in a field with an escaped prisoner at yer side. I guarantee the man will no’ be pleased with ye, and ye’ll feel his displeasure keenly.” He touched the cut on his forehead. “Ye can trust me in that if nothing else.”

Suddenly more afraid of the soldiers than the prisoner, Dora scanned the fields for any movement. Thank God all was still. Returning her gaze to the man before her, she took in his appearance once more. On closer inspection, his shirt, though torn, was of excellent quality, as was the fabric of his bright kilt. And his boots, though muddy, were expensive. He’d claimed to have a title. Was he indeed a gentleman? Could she trust him? Overwhelmed with the decision she needed to make, Dora simply stared at the man before her, not knowing what to do.

A look of resignation came over his face. “I canna blame ye, lass, if ye dinna wish tae trust me.” He pointed to Gretchen. “If ye’ll call yer wee beastie, I’ll give ye a leg up. I dinna wish yer blood on my hands should Scarlet and his men find us here.”

The earnest concern in his face said he told the truth—he’d allow her to leave him here to the mercies of the soldiers. And she’d have his blood on her hands if she did. How exasperating. “Are you too hurt to sit a horse?”

“I’m no’ hurt sae bad I canna ride,” he said cautiously.

There seemed no other way around it. He must go with her. Dora sighed, hoping she was doing the right thing. “Come on, then.”

Almost a Countess is available on Amazon for the pre-order price of $2.99 for a few more days before it reverts to its final price of $3.99.

As part of the release celebration, I’ve put A Countess of Convenience, book 1 of the Captivating Countesses series, on sale for .99.

If you want to read the beginning of both Dora’s and Judith’s stories, they first appear in Only A Mistress Will Do, part of the House of Pleasure series.

And if you’d like a chance to win a signed copy of Almost a Countess, please comment on this post telling me the first romance novel you remember reading. If you can’t remember it, tell me your absolute favorite romance novel. One random commenter will receive a signed paperback copy of Almost a Countess.

Posted in A Countess of Convenience, Almost A Countess, Captivating Countesses, Giveaways, Historical Romance, New Release | Tagged A Countess of Convenience, Almost A Countess, Captivating Countesses series, giveaway, Jenna Jaxon, new release, Only A Mistress Will Do | 5 Comments

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 08/29/21 ~ Almost a Countess ~ Mutiny

Posted on August 29, 2021 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

Well, I am finally back. August turned out to be the month from hell, especially emotionally. Due to unforeseen circumstances I ended up editing two books and writing a third all at the same time. Thank goodness I’m now just finishing up that third book. Because of extensive edits to Almost a Countess I had to postpone the release not once but twice. But now, I’m pleased to say, it will release this Tuesday!

I also received the devastating news that my best friend has terminal cancer, with not a terribly long life expectancy. I’m still reeling from this blow, trying to come to grips with it. And in the end, I thank God for every day we will have together.

I’ve returned to Almost a Countess for the final week. I’m skipping ahead a little to a scene that gives you a good look at Finn’s character. 🙂 Dora’s just ridden off to pay a call on her dear friend Lady Trevor, leaving Finn behind forbidden to ride without her. Enjoy!

BLURB:

EXCERPT:

Finn waited until Miss Harper and her groom disappeared before turning to James, saying “Your assistance please, lad,” then he stalked around the house, heading for the stable.

“Where are you going, my lord?” The groom trotted along behind him, uncertainty in his voice.

“I’m going tae saddle one o’ Miss Harper’s wee beasts and have a trot about the estate.” Despite Miss Harper’s request that he not ride in her absence, Finn saw no reason why he shouldn’t test his ankle with a little turn around the park. They reached the stable, and he was assailed by the comforting smells of horses, leather, hay, and manure.

“But Miss Harper—”

“Miss Harper is merely trying tae devil me, lad, tae assert her authority when it makes nae nevermind whether or no’ I ride alone.” Finn summoned all the dignity he could muster. “I wish tae have this horse saddled,” he pointed to a grand, tall beast, coal black with an intelligent eye, and glared at the groom, “or I’ll dae it myself, lad.”

And a little more for good measure…

Reluctantly, the footman did as he was told, though he continued to stare at Finn, a grim look on his face.

Miss Harper’s instructions dispensed with, Finn mounted, gathered his reins. “What’s his name?”

“Hannibal, my lord.”

The groom looked none too happy, but Finn was determined to try his ankle and taste a little freedom in the process. He moved the big stallion down the driveway at a fast walk. Miss Harper still didn’t trust him, so he could understand why she wanted to ride with him. And he’d certainly have preferred riding with her. The lady sat her horse to perfection. Of course, she’d have to be an excellent horsewoman to have maneuvered them home yesterday with him unconscious. Riding well was a quality he’d always admired in women.

Still, he could not waste a whole morning in a stuffy library or picking flowers in the garden waiting for Miss Harper to return. When he presented himself and her horse this afternoon, safe and sound, perhaps she would begin to trust him a smidgeon more.

Almost a Countess is still on pre-order on Amazon for $2.99. Grab your copy at the pre-order price.

And don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There’s some fantastic snippets to be read.

Captivating Countesses

Posted in Almost A Countess, Blog Hops, Captivating Countesses, Georgian romance, Historical Romance, New Release, On Weekend Writing Warriors, Promotion, Weekend Writing Warriors | Tagged Almost A Countess, Captivating Countesses series, Georgian romance, historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, Regency romance, Weekend Writing Warriors | 15 Comments

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 08/08/21 ~ Almost a Countess ~ Where the Devil is He?

Posted on August 8, 2021 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

I’m so glad to be back! Last week I was off grid, up in the mountains of New York state at my friend’s cabin with 0 internet signal. I had a great visit with her and got my edits done for Almost a Countess, so while I was sorry not to be with you, I was happy to be there with her. This week I’ll continue with Almost a Countess, but I’m skipping ahead to Finn’s POV when he awakens at Dora’s home. REMEMBER: Only 9 days until Release Day!

BLURB:

EXCERPT:

With a fluttery feeling that almost made him ill, Finn struggled toward consciousness. A stabbing ache in his head made him wince. The pain was reminiscent of his twenty-first birthday when his uncle had plied him with whiskey until the wee hours of the morning. Hopefully, this ache wouldn’t make him as violently ill as he’d been then.

Cautiously, Finn opened his eyes to slits—no need to give the inhabitants notice that he was awake. But a quick look told him the room was empty. Opening his eyes wider, he took in the massive mahogany bed with its dark burgundy and gold trappings, the grand fireplace where flames licked the logs, the casement window with drapes open allowing the bright afternoon sunshine into the chamber. All in all, a well-appointed room, if a little grandiose for his own tastes, still wherever he’d ended up, the owner had spared no expense with his creature comforts. So where the devil was he? And who was the woman who’d found him and brought him here?

And a little more for good measure…

He shifted in the bed, and a sickening pain shot up his leg from his ankle. “Jesus!”

Panting against the ache, he slowly shifted again and managed to sit up without further agony. Moving slowly, he peeled the covers off his legs, dreading what he might find. But his legs both looked normal, no broken bones in evidence, although his right ankle seemed swollen rather badly. Still, it could have been much worse.

His boots had been removed, of course, and he glanced at the floor, but they weren’t in evidence. Neither were his clothes. Worse luck. Currently, he was clad in an old-fashioned chemise, good quality linen that had been worn seldom, with lace at collar and cuffs. Gently, he ran his hand down his leg to his ankle, needing to confirm it hadn’t been broken. The swelling was slight, which meant a sprain. It would hurt like hell for a week or more, making further escape difficult if not impossible, although, apparently, he could still sit a horse. He distinctly remembered leaping onto the blond woman’s horse, but not much else. Such a limitation could end up being deadly for him.

Almost a Countess is still on pre-order on Amazon for $2.99. Grab your copy at the pre-order price.

And don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There’s some fantastic snippets to be read.

Captivating Countesses

Christmas in July Giveaway: The Widow’s Christmas Surprise Week #4

Posted on July 26, 2021 by Jenna Jaxon

I’m celebrating Christmas in July this year by putting all of my Christmas novellas on sale for .99 each. However, I also have a full length Christmas novel, The Widow’s Christmas Surprise, Book 5 of my Widows’ Club series published by Kensington. It’s not on sale this month, but to make it part of my celebration, each Monday in July I’m holding a giveaway of a signed printed copy of the historical romance.

To enter the giveaway just comment below following the week’s “theme.” Sunday night I’ll draw a name at random from those who commented. The following Monday I’ll announce the winner of the copy and give a new “theme” for the comments for the week. So there will be a total of four chances to win a copy of The Widow’s Christmas Surprise, the last one being announced on August 2. I’ll give you the theme for this week after the blurb and excerpt from the book.

BLURB:

The death of her husband has thrown Lady Maria Kersey’s future into doubt—and her heart into the arms of a man she cannot have. But Christmas with the Widows’ Club will bring choices—and surprises–that may change all her holidays to come . . .

Maria just gave birth to her first child, a beautiful daughter—but the event is shrouded in sorrow. A month earlier, Maria’s husband, Lord Kersey, was killed in a duel under compromising circumstances. Worse, Maria’s failure to provide a male heir has stripped her of any hope of an inheritance. Scorned by the ton, one of her few allies is her late husband’s steward, Hugh Granger. Hugh is everything her husband was not—warm, charming—and penniless. . . .

Hugh has fallen desperately in love with Maria, but has little to offer but comfort. As their attraction becomes impossible to resist, Maria flees to London to spend Christmas with her dearest friends, a group of widows who lost their own husbands in the Battle of Waterloo. Little does she know the holidays will reveal a twist of fate she never expected—proving that the greatest Christmas gift is the magic of true love . . .

EXCERPT:

“You know I do not.” Existence here without her would be the worst form of torture.

“Then I won’t go,” she raised her head to look at him, love shining in her eyes, “we can get married, Hugh. I can live with you and your sister and my daughter at Wingate–if only we think about it, we can find a way to be happy.”

“My love, what do you think Lord Kersey will do when he finds out that I have married his kinswoman without so much as a by your leave? I wager I will find myself without a situation, therefore no house, no means to support any of us.” He hated to extinguish the hope in her face, but the harsh reality of their plight could not be mitigated. “Our best plan is the one we agreed to last night.”

“But I don’t want to leave you, not even for the time it takes me to go from here to there.” She struck out toward the far shore.

“Maria, come back.” He set out after her, but she swung around toward him.

“I won’t do it, Hugh. I won’t go. There must be some other way we can be together without another wretched scandal raising its head.” She looked so distraught, so forlorn, where moments before she’d been all smiles and laughter.

“Come back, my love. We can talk about it before we go back to the Hall.” It was more of a perfunctory concession. He’d thought about nothing else for the past days save how to make everything come out right. Nothing, save her leaving or Kit dying, would end their torment.

“Promise me, Hugh. Promise me we will be to—” Maria’s foot slid backward toward the bulrushes, broke through the ice and plunged her into the depths of the icy pond.

WEEK #3 GIVEAWAY WINNER

BRENDA DICKSON

Congratulations, Brenda! I’ll be contacting you shortly.

GIVEAWAY:

This is the final week to be entered in the giveaway. The final theme for these giveaways is ornaments! In a comment below tell me what your favorite Christmas ornament is–the angel on top the tree, the candy cane ornament your child made, your Supernatural 1968 Chevy Impala (my daughter actually has this one).

My favorite actually is the delicate glass angel tree topper my husband and I have had ever since we celebrated our first Christmas together. The current one is actually angel #2. The first one shattered one Christmas as my husband was taking it off the tree! Thank goodness we could find a replacement!

I’ll announce the final winner next Monday here on my blog.

If you’d like an e-book of The Widow’s Christmas Surprise, it’s available at the following retailers:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082WQT41J/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i3

B & N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-widows-christmas-surprise-jenna-jaxon/1135644826?ean=9781420149753

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-widow-s-christmas-surprise

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-widows-christmas-surprise/id1512241034

My Christmas novellas on sale for .99 for 6 more days (until July 31) are below. Click on the cover to go to the Amazon site to grab your copy! Or the Barnes & Noble links are below:

Hearts Beneath the Mistletoe

It Happened at Christmas

A Match Made at Christmas

Married by Christmas

Seduction at the Christmas Court