Christmas in July: The Widow’s Christmas Surprise

Posted on July 5, 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:

“Ice skates!” Maria darted forward, taking one up, but being mindful of the blade. “I used to go ice skating all the time at my parents’ house. There is a river nearby that would freeze when the weather was cold enough.” She turned a gleeful face to him, “How did you know?”

“I didn’t.” Grinning like a fool at her look of pure pleasure, Hugh thanked whatever angel had whispered in his ear to take Maria skating. “I hoped you had skated before, but I would have been happy to teach you if you hadn’t.”

“Well let’s see who knows what,” she said and dropped down onto the log and began to tie the skates onto her shoes, “last one onto the ice has to pay a forfeit.”

Lord, and didn’t he know what her forfeit would be if she won the wager.

Hugh sat down to strap his skates on as well. The process wasn’t terribly difficult, just lengthy. He fumbled with the straps, his fingers stupid as he tried to hurry.

“One skate on!” Maria laughed and began on the other one.

“No fair. You have smaller fingers that work better than mine.” Cursing under his breath, Hugh buckled the first skate on and reached for the second, although he doubted he could catch up with Maria now.

“Done!” Pink cheeked she laughed again as she stood before him, showing him first one and then the other skate. “Do you need some help with your laces, my dear?”

“No, thank you.” His words came out a growl, which made Maria laugh all the harder.

“Come.” She held out her hand and helped him up when he was finished. “I cannot wait to skate again. It has been an age at least. I had to have been ten years old.”

“Well, I hope it comes back to you, but if not, I will be here to save you.” He grinned as they made their way toward the pond’s edge.

“My hero.” She clutched his arm in mock terror.

GIVEAWAY:

This week to be entered in the giveaway, comment below telling me what your favorite Christmas activity is–trimming the tree, caroling, ice skating (like Maria), drinking hot chocolate, kissing under the mistletoe…

I’ll announce the winner next Monday here on my blog and give you another chance to grab a copy.

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

The Christmas novellas that are on sale for .99 each during the whole month of July are below. Click on the cover to go to the Amazon site to grab your copy!

Christmas Novellas by Jenna Jaxon

Posted in A Match Made at Christmas, Christmas in July, Christmas stories, Giveaways, Hearts beneath the Mistletoe, It Happened at Christmas, It Happened Under the Mistletoe, Married by Christmas, Promotion, Regency Romance, Seduction at the Christmas Court, The Widow's Christmas Surprise, The Widow's Club | Tagged .99 Christmas novella sale, Christmas in July, Christmas romance giveaway, Jenna Jaxon, Signed print copy giveaway, The Widow's Christmas Surprise, The Widow's Club series | 7 Comments

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 07/04/21 ~ It Happened Under the Mistletoe ~ “May I Have the Supper Dance?”

Posted on July 4, 2021 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

This week I’m switching to my just released as a single Christmas novella, It Happened Under the Mistletoe. It’s the second of a pair of Christmas tales sent in Bath, England and featuring heroes who are two long-time friends. The first of the two is It Happened at Christmas.

BLURB:

Christmas magic under the mistletoe…

Roger, Lord Daventry is contemplating a quiet Christmas at his home in Bath—until he literally falls at the feet of beautiful Lady Sylvia Montgomery. He and Lady Sylvia have an immediate attraction, but everyone is leaving London for their country homes for the holidays. Roger says his goodbyes, hoping to meet Sylvia again in the spring.

Lady Sylvia, however, has other plans.

Cajoling her parents into spending Christmas in Bath, Lady Sylvia is thrilled to meet Lord Daventry once more at the city’s Assembly Rooms. She and Roger manage a tryst under the mistletoe and Roger is ready to make a declaration for Sylvia’s hand. But when her father is called away on business, and her brother, Lord Chumleigh, arrives to chaperone Sylvia, Roger recognizes a man from his past who can sabotage his hopes of marriage to Sylvia.

The snippet takes place about half way through the book. Roger is asking Lady Sylvia for the supper dance when things take a surprising turn. We are in Roger’s POV.

EXCERPT:

At last a lull in the conversation gave Roger the opportunity he needed to ask, “Lady Sylvia, may I request the supper dance with you, if it is still available?”

“It is no longer free, my lord.”

Hopes dashed, Roger gritted his teeth but continued to smile.

“Now that you have claimed it.”

His smile now genuine, Roger exhaled silently.

Grinning at his discomfort, Lady Sylvia tossed her head, making her curls bounce and swing around her face, and said, “I saved it for you particularly, my lord.”

“Indeed, my son has had a change of plans for the Christmas season as well,” said Lady Kenniston, who had apparently continued her conversation about plans and travel during the season. “He was to come to us in Lincolnshire, but finding us fixed here in Bath, he has determined to remain in London for the yuletide.”

“Please stop fussing with Chumleigh, Mamma–he attained his majority long ago and should be allowed to decide for himself where he will and will not spend Christmas,” Lady Sylvia turned to Roger and asked, “Your parents do not fuss so over your whereabouts at Christmas, do they, my lord? Lord Daventry, are you quite all right, my lord?”

And a little more for good measure…

Roger had stopped still as stone, a sick dread rushing through his body. Please God, let him have misheard her. “Excuse me.” Amazingly, his voice sounded almost normal. “You have a brother, Lady Sylvia?”

She nodded and screwed her face into a comic mask of dismay. “I do, although I often wish I didn’t. He is a bit older than me, though we have always gotten along famously.” She lowered her voice. “He’s the bookish one in the family, rather shy. And then Mamma has always pampered him too much. I’ve told him time and again he must stand up to her.”

“Sylvia!” Her mother’s voice rose, and Lady Sylvia took a step back from him. “You will not say such things about your brother before others. He is a delicate young gentleman who must have allowances made for him.”

Oh, Christ. “You said his name is Chumleigh?”

“Yes, my lord.” Lady Kenniston beamed at him. “Are you acquainted with him?”

“I believe so, but very briefly, many years ago. He likely will not recall my name.” Praying with all his might the lady didn’t mention that name to her son, Roger offered his arm to Lady Sylvia. “I believe this is our dance, my lady.”

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

Christmas Novellas

by

Jenna Jaxon

Posted in Blog Hops, Historical Romance, On Weekend Writing Warriors, Promotion, Weekend Writing Warriors | Tagged Christmas romance, historical romance, It Happened Under the Mistletoe, Jenna Jaxon, Regency romance, Weekend Writing Warriors | 26 Comments

Release Day! Only Seduction Will Do

Posted on June 30, 2021 by Jenna Jaxon

It’s RELEASE DAY for

ONLY SEDUCTION WILL DO!!

I’m so very happy to be releasing book 4 of The House of Pleasure series! I now have all five books in the series released as indie titles, with new covers that reflect the steamy nature of the books.

Only Seduction Will Do relates intricately to the three previous books before it, although it can be read as a stand alone novel. The hero is Jack Fitzwilliam, the Earl of Manning, the heroine is Miss Alethea Forsythe, a spirited woman who has failed to secure a husband after two Seasons. Jack and Alethea actually meet (or their meeting is reported) in the first book, Only Scandal Will Do, but the two only finally come together on stage in their book, with a startling interview that changes them both.

I hope you enjoy Only Seduction Will Do as much as I have. (I remember vividly writing the scene between Jack and his brother-in-law in the huge lobby of The Swan Hotel at Disney World during an RWA conference, laughing my butt off as I wrote it.)

BLURB:

Alethea Forsythe has been desperately in love with the Earl of Manning since they first met last summer and although the earl has made it clear he doesn’t return her regard, Alethea fights to keep her dreams of him alive. However, in a moment of despair, she is seduced by a married man and, when she discovers she is with child, fears she is now undone. With her reputation about to be ruined, she has the choice of accepting an arranged marriage to a stranger or taking matters into her own capable hands.

Jack Fitzwilliam, the Earl of Manning, is out enjoying a little Christmas revelry with friends—which ends in a visit to The House of Pleasure. After an unusual encounter there, he winds his way home to discover a late night summons to Miss Forsythe’s home. His evening becomes even more bizarre when the lady in question throws herself on his mercy and begs he take her to wife. At twenty-three, Jack has many more wild oats to sow, but his innate sense of honor will not allow him to shirk the duty of a gentleman.

Radiantly happy, Alethea vows to be an exemplary wife to Jack, however, his acceptance of her proposal comes with its own set of unexpected conditions. In exchange for the protection of his name, Jack vows his marriage to Alethea will be in name only. Desperate to touch her husband’s heart, Alethea battles to win his trust and love. When a trial by fire tests her love and Jack’s honor, will the passion that suddenly blazes between them temper their love or consume them?

Only Seduction Will Do is now available for purchase on Amazon! Click this link.

EXCERPT:

Intrigued by Miss Forsythe’s obvious distress, his inner knight sought to rescue this damsel as well. “Can you tell me the circumstances whereby you must marry?”

A deep blush returned to her cheeks, and she pressed the handkerchief there. “I fear I cannot reveal the reason, my lord, unless you agree to accept my proposal.”

“And I cannot accept it without further information, Miss Forsythe. You must see that,” Jack snapped. Did she take him for a fool to jump at her offer without a word of explanation?

“I understand that, my lord.” Her tone had hardened, as had her eyes. They glittered in the firelight like a pair of faceted sapphires. “However, I do have a reputation to maintain.”

“And you believe I would be indiscreet should you place your confidence in me, Miss Forsythe?” The temerity of the chit. Jack shot to his feet. “This alone makes it obvious we would not suit as a couple. Trust, I gather, is one of the most basic foundations of marriage. One that we do not seem to possess between us. I will wish you a good evening.” A curt bow and he headed for the door. Time wasted save for Braeton’s excellent whiskey.

“I am increasing.” The whisper of sound caught Jack with his hand on the door latch.

He whirled back toward her. “I beg your pardon?”

She had bent forward, her back bowed, her head on her knees, her entire body shaking with silent sobs.

Releasing the handle, he strode back to her, then stopped abruptly. At a loss, he shifted from one booted foot to the other, trying to think of something to say. Poor Braeton. No wonder he had looked haunted. For such a thing to happen to a woman under his protection could prove a blot on his reputation not easily erased in the ton’s eyes.

Not to mention the cost to Miss Forsythe herself. At the merest breath of such a scandal, her reputation would be in tatters. Circumstances mattered not at all. If she married the father, however… “I will not insult your intelligence by asking if the father knows. If you have come to me, he is obviously dead.”

Gasping in a breath, Miss Forsythe raised her tear-stained face to him and shook her head. “No, not dead.”

“Then why—”

“He is married.”

Jack hissed and sat hard opposite her. Gently, he took her hand. “Did he assault you? I assure you, if that is so, I will make it my business to see this man dance on the end of my sword.”

“No!” She clung to his hand with chilly fingers, as ferociously as if to stop him this moment from going to the duel. “You must not endanger your life because of my folly.”

“Your folly?” His fingers became as cold as hers. She had willingly lain with a married man? The narrow respect he’d had for Miss Forsythe vanished like the mist in the dawn’s light.

“I…I was—” She wiped her tears and tossed back coppery hair that had begun to straggle into her face.

It should have made her look more forlorn, more vulnerable. It did not.

“He approached me to comfort me and…in a moment of weakness I succumbed to his advances.” Haunted eyes stared straight into his soul. “There is no assault to be avenged, my lord.”

So, there it was. She had frolicked and now must pay the price. “Have you informed this man of the consequences of your weakness? He is as much if not more at fault for these wretched circumstances. Perhaps he might take the child after it is born.”

“No.” Miss Forsythe shook her head vehemently. “There is nothing he could do. I have no intention of telling him anything, now or ever. I will bear this shame as best I can myself.” She eyed Jack, a sliver of hope in her face. “Unless you can find it in your heart to keep me from it, my lord. That is why I begged my cousin to allow me to present my plea myself.” She hung her head, her voice low. “Ever since we met you have been kind to me. You more than any other gentleman of my acquaintance have shown me respect and compassion.” She dropped her voice to the barest of whispers. “I would be a good wife to you, I promise.”

Jack sank back into the chair, his head reeling with Miss Forsythe’s confidences. Trust him she must, implicitly, to have confessed so much to a man she barely knew outside the ballroom. Yet even on such short acquaintance she had read him right. He could no more divulge her story than he could his sister’s disgrace in March. This woman’s secret was safe with him. Regrettably, he could do little more than offer his sympathy and silence. “I am aware of the great trust you have placed in me, Miss Forsythe, and you may be assured my silence on this matter will be absolute. Unfortunately, I will be unable to assist you further than offering my sword in revenge or swearing my complete silence on the matter.”

Her face paled to the sickly color of new cheese. She clutched the chair once more to steady herself. “You will not marry me?”

Sadly, he shook his head, suddenly touched by her drooping countenance as hope fled. “I cannot. I am already betrothed to another.”

Now, for the party aspect of my post!!!

Leave a comment below telling me what your favorite thing to do for celebrations is! I will choose a winner at random and send them a $20 Amazon gift card. (Giveaway will run thru next Tuesday. The winner will be announced on my blog next Wednesday.)

Mine is to have cake and a cookout (indoor grill in the winter). So here’s my cake to celebrate my book’s birthday!

Thank you so much for coming by to help me celebrate

Only Seduction Will Do‘s birthday!

THE HOUSE OF PLEASURE SERIES

Posted in Georgian romance, Giveaways, Historical Romance, House of Pleasure Series, New Release, Only Seduction Will Do, Promotion, Release Party | Tagged $20 gift card giveaway, Georgian romance, giveaway, Jenna Jaxon, new release, Only Seduction Will Do, Regency romance, Release Party, The House of Pleasure series | 9 Comments

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 06/27/21 ~ Only Seduction Will Do ~ Desperate Measures

Posted on June 27, 2021 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

This week I’m continuing with my upcoming June release, Only Seduction Will Do. I’m really excited for this release as Seduction is the last of the House of Pleasure books to revert back to me from Kensington. Now the whole series is mine, with new steamy covers to entice new readers. 🙂 \

Only Seduction Will Do releases Wednesday, June 30!

BLURB:

The snippet takes place a little way into the second chapter. Jack Fitzwilliam, the Earl of Manning, has been summoned to a friend’s house where he is informed a young lady, Miss Forsythe who he has met and danced with during the Season wishes an audience with him to ask a very unusual question: Will he marry her? We are in Jack’s POV.

EXCERPT:

The outrageousness of the question itself warred with the astounding fact that a woman had the boldness to ask it–he’d certainly been right about Miss Forsythe’s distinctly non-ladylike manner.

As he paused, stunned quite speechless, her face had turned red, a flush that started at her ample breasts and continued to her bright red hairline. She bit her lips, then took a deep breath and said, “I know this is an exceptional request, my lord, and”—she stared at her lap, her hands shaking—“most forward for a woman to even ask it.” She glanced up at him, her eyes suddenly pleading, saying, “However, my circumstances dictate desperate measures be taken.”

Cautiously, Jack eased forward in his chair. He’d recovered from the broadside hit she’d scored, but didn’t want to give the woman cause for hope. “I am not unaware of the honor you do me, Miss Forsythe, to think I might be able to aid you in your plight, but are things so very extreme? Can the circumstances be remedied only by your marriage to me, or is there some other, less drastic avenue that may be undertaken to resolve it?”

He was not unaware of the great deal of courage it had taken for the woman to propose to him–his estimation of Miss Forsythe rose, even as he cringed from the idea of marrying her. Not that she wasn’t comely–rather the reverse actually–if only she didn’t remind him so much of his sister.

And a little more for good measure…

“I fear the only remedy is marriage, my lord, although I will confess it was my choice to ask you.” She looked at him frankly, as though a Rubicon had been crossed.

“I am flattered, Miss Forsythe.” Not really so much flattered as feeling trapped. Still, he had his engagement to Miss Carlton to stand between him and the woman before him. Lord, two damsels in distress in one evening was entirely too much. He should simply put an end to this interview by informing the woman of his betrothal.

Still, something held him back.

Intrigued by Miss Forsythe’s obvious distress, his inner knight sought to rescue this damsel as well. “Can you tell me the circumstances whereby you must marry?”

A deep blush returned to her cheeks, and she pressed the handkerchief there. “I fear I cannot reveal the reason, my lord, unless you agree to accept my proposal.”

“And I cannot accept it without further information, Miss Forsythe. You must see that,” Jack snapped. Did she take him for a fool to jump at her offer without a word of explanation?

“I understand that, my lord.” Her tone had hardened, as had her eyes. They glittered in the firelight like a pair of faceted sapphires. “However, I do have a reputation to maintain.”

“I am increasing.” The whisper of sound caught Jack with his hand on the door latch.

Only Seduction Will Do is available on Amazon for the pre-order price of $2.99. It will release on June 30, at which time it will revert to the regular price of $3.99.

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

The House of Pleasure series

by Jenna Jaxon

Posted in Blog Hops, Historical Romance, House of Pleasure Series, On Weekend Writing Warriors, Only A Mistress Will Do, Only Marriage Will Do, Only Pleasure Will Do, Only Scandal Will Do, Only Seduction Will Do, Promotion, Weekend Writing Warriors | Tagged Georgian romance, historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, Only Seduction Will Do, Regency romance, The House of Pleasure series, Weekend Writing Warriors | 17 Comments

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 06/20/21 ~ Only Seduction Will Do ~ “Miss Forsythe Wishes a Word”

Posted on June 20, 2021 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

This week I’m switching to my upcoming June release, Only Seduction Will Do. I’m really excited for this release as Seduction is the last of the House of Pleasure books to revert back to me from Kensington. Now the whole series is mine, with new steamy covers to entice new readers. 🙂 Speaking of new, steamy covers, here’s the one I just released last week.

BLURB:

I’m beginning the snippet a little way into the second chapter. Jack Fitzwilliam, the Earl of Manning, has been summoned to a friend’s house where he is informed a young lady, Miss Forsythe who he has met and danced with during the Season wishes an audience with him. We are in Jack’s POV.

EXCERPT:

“Miss Forsythe wishes a word with you, Lord Manning,” he shot an angry glance at the lady, “alone.”

All Jack’s instincts for self-preservation leaped into high alert. Something ill was afoot and he doubted it would be to his liking one whit when it finally came out.

Miss Forsythe stood, demure for possibly the first time in her life, her gaze lowered, her hands clasped primly in front of her. The picture of an obedient woman–and as false as a Newgate penny, he’d be bound.

“I am certain anything Miss Forsythe has to say to me could be spoken in your presence, Braeton.” He shot a look of desperation at the earl. Had the girl conceived some sort of trap to spring on him, compromise him into marrying her? Jack stiffened, then for the first time since he had arrived, he relaxed. Even though unannounced, he was already betrothed–Miss Carlton had now saved him, it seemed.

And a little more for good measure…

“I believe my cousin wishes to ask a boon of you, Manning.” Braeton’s mouth twisted as though he’d bitten into a lemon. “I am aware of the nature of the request and agree she would want privacy to ask it. I won’t be far if you should need me.” Braeton bowed curtly and left.

More confused than ever, Jack turned his attention back to Miss Forsythe, who swayed slightly from side to side, fidgeting with a lace handkerchief she’d produced from somewhere. Did she expect their conversation to lead to tears?

“Won’t you please have seat, Lord Manning?” Miss Forsythe indicated the chair nearest the fire. She seated herself opposite him. Perched seemed a better word, on the edge of the brown leather chair. “I do thank you so much for attending me at such an inconvenient time.”

“No inconvenience in the least, Miss Forsythe,” Jack said waving a hand of dismissal. He settled back into the chair. “How may I be of service to you?”

She gripped her lace-edged handkerchief in one hand, the other clenched on the chair’s arm. Raising her chin, her deep blue eyes boring into his, she swallowed hard. “Would you marry me, Lord Manning?”

Only Seduction Will Do is available for pre-order on Amazon. It will release on June 30.

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

The House of Pleasure series

by Jenna Jaxon

Cover Reveal: Only Seduction Will Do

Posted on June 16, 2021 by Jenna Jaxon

After many years, I am very pleased and proud to announce that the rights to the last of my previously published House of Pleasure books, Only Seduction Will Do, have finally reverted to me, and I am able to publish it under my brand.

Here is the sexy new cover for Only Seduction Will Do!

BLURB:

Only Seduction Will Do is now available for pre-order on Amazon. It will release on June 30, 2021.

EXCERPT:

“Miss Forsythe.” Jack bowed, as perplexed as ever. What was the woman doing here at this time of night, and dressed most inappropriately?

“Lord Manning, I must apologize for this cryptic summons, but I importuned my cousin to send to you upon a matter of utmost importance.” Miss Forsythe twisted her fingers together brutally, until Jack felt tied in knots.

“Utmost importance to your cousin, Miss Forsythe?”

“To me, Lord Manning. Although it will likely touch on both my cousin and her husband as well.” The woman avoided his eyes by moving swiftly toward Braeton. She grasped his arm and leaned toward him, her lips at his ear.

Braeton kept his voice low, though his face acted as an open book. At her first words, he scowled like a vengeful god.

Jack waited for the thunderbolt.

Shaking his head vigorously, the earl drew his brows down almost to his nose. “You will not—”

“My lord, you promised me earlier.” Miss Forsythe’s face had drawn into determined lines. Her voice lowered, power in her indomitable tone. “Do not renege on this, I beg of you.”

Dark brows still lowered, Braeton threw up his hands, paused to collect himself, then turned to Jack. “Miss Forsythe wishes a word with you, Lord Manning.” He shot an angry glance at the lady. “Alone.”

All Jack’s instincts for self-preservation leaped into high alert. Something ill was afoot and he doubted it would be to his liking one whit when it finally came out.

Miss Forsythe stood, demure for possibly the first time in her life, her gaze lowered, her hands clasped primly in front of her. The picture of an obedient woman. And as false as a Newgate penny, he’d be bound.

“No inconvenience in the least, Miss Forsythe,” Jack said waving a hand of dismissal. He settled back into the chair. “How may I be of service to you?”

I am more than excited that now all my House of Pleasure books are under my brand with the new covers. I hope you enjoy them all!

The House of Pleasure Series

Posted in Cover Art, Cover Reveal, Historical Romance, House of Pleasure, House of Pleasure Series, Only A Mistress Will Do, Only Marriage Will Do, Only Pleasure Will Do, Only Scandal Will Do, Only Seduction Will Do | Tagged cover reveal, Georgian romance, historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, Only Seduction Will Do, Regency romance, The House of Pleasure series | 3 Comments

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 06/13/21 ~ Almost a Countess ~ “Are They Coming?”

Posted on June 13, 2021 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

This week I’m once again continuing my current WIP, Almost a Countess , book 2 of my new series, Captivating Countesses. This week I’ll have a cover reveal for Only Seduction Will Do (which I just got the rights back to) and next week I’ll have a snippet from that to whet your appetite for seduction!

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 hauling him to London to be transported for a criminal act. 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 Dora suggests she pose as his wife to throw the soldiers off Finn’s trail, Finn wonders if he can persuade her to make the ruse a reality—before the army finds him and banishes him from Britain forever.

We’re starting this week where we left off last week. Dora is out riding and has been told British soldiers are roaming the countryside searching for an escaped prisoner. Dora is reflecting on her folly of riding out alone. Dora has just come upon a man lying hidden in the creek bed. He asks for her help and then collapses into the stream.

EXCERPT:

Dora blew out the breath she’d been holding and nodded. She still couldn’t speak—the intensity of the young man’s gaze unnerved her to the point she’d be hard pressed to give him her name should he ask it.

“Thank you.” He released her wrist and she shook it to bring some feeling back. The sal volatile flew, fortunately not landing on either of them. She replaced the stopper—it took her three tries she was shaking so badly—and slid it back into her pocket. When she thought she could do so without shaking, she asked, “Where are you hurt?”

The stranger cocked an eye at her. “You find a strange man in a stream and the first question you think to ask him is where he’s hurt?”

Dora pursed her lips then said, “I need to know if you can sit a horse and that’s going to depend on where and how badly you’re hurt.”

And a little more for good measure…

She breathed deeply, a measure of calm returning to her. “Is that head wound the only one I need to treat or is there another one that will keep you off the horse?”

“I’m nae hurt so bad I canna ride.” He cast a doubtful look at Gretchen. “Will the wee beastie bear us both?”

“She will if I ask her to. Come on. Wait.” Dora paused, head up, gazing over the field once more time. If the soldiers appeared now they would be at a pinch for sure.

The man had ducked back down, flattened himself along the embankment. Almost melted into the weeds and grasses and scarcely visible, save for his bright kilt. “Are they coming?”

Almost a Countess is available for the pre-order price of $2.99 on Amazon, Smashwords, B & N, Kobo, and Applebooks.

Also released, A Solitary Ride is the first chapter of Almost a Countess, book two of Captivating Countesses. It’s free on Smashwords and .99 on Amazon.

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

Captivating Countesses series

by Jenna Jaxon

Posted in A Solitary Ride, Almost A Countess, Blog Hops, Captivating Countesses, Historical Romance, On Weekend Writing Warriors, Promotion, Weekend Writing Warriors | Tagged A Solitary Ride, Almost A Countess, Captivating Countesses series, Georgian romance, historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, Regency romance, Weekend Writing Warriors | 20 Comments

Under the Stars Farm Lavender Festival

Posted on June 7, 2021 by Jenna Jaxon

This past Saturday, my daughter and I attended the Under the Stars Farm Lavender Festival in Gloucester. I had no idea there was a lavender farm about half an hour from my home, so I was very excited to get tickets and go. Lavender is my signature color. 🙂

The weather cooperated completely and we had gotten the early ticket, so we were there around 9:30 which was much cooler. By the time we left at noon the sun had gotten too hot and we were very happy for the air conditioned shuttle bus.

The first place we hit was the Farm Shop, which had everything lavender you’ve ever want. We ended up with a 16 oz tumbler (that came with lavender lemonade), lavender sugar, lavender linen spray, and lavender Earl Grey tea. We could have gotten so much more, but we were on a budget and there were other things to do and see.

Such as the Lavender Sweet Shop. There were several confectionary items: lavender apple bread pudding, a croissant with lavender icing, lavender lemonade pound cake, and a chocolate cake with a dusting of lavender sugar. Nothing was gluten free, so I could easily put temptation behind me. My daughter didn’t get off that easily.

There were other vendors there and we stopped at a site that sold goats milk soap. They had real goats! My daughter fed them and took pictures and we bought some goat’s milk lavender soap as well.

We rested for a while on the farm’s magnificent deck. The views are spectacular! My daughter ate lunch there and then we headed to an event we’d signed up for: Create Your Own Fairy Garden. This was lots of fun. We were given pots, mulch, moss, rocks, a succulent plant, and several other decorative items to create a little dish garden.

After this we went to the lavender fields for a short photo op, then boarded the shuttle to go back to our car.

All in all it was a wonderful day out among the lavender fields. The experience made me thing that because lavender is my signature color I perhaps need to create my own event that incorporates lavender into the theme.

Lots of food for thought after a terrific day out among the lavender.

Posted in Jenna Jaxon, Road Trips, Uncategorized | Tagged Jenna Jaxon, lavender, Lavender Festival, Under the Stars Lavender Farm | 2 Comments

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 06/06/21 ~ Almost a Countess ~ Something Quite Wild

Posted on June 6, 2021 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

This week I’m continuing my current WIP, Almost a Countess , book 2 of my new series, Captivating Countesses.

BLURB:

So sorry I didn’t get to the linky list in time! I’ll still be coming by your websites, though!

EXCERPT:

Stopping at the top of the bank, Dora laid him down so his head was pillowed on a thick patch of weeds and inspected him more thoroughly. He’d been through some travail, that was certain–a deep gash on his forehead might account for his fainting. She could see him still breathing, so he hadn’t inhaled any of the water. She’d best try to wake him for the afternoon shadows were lengthening alarmingly.

She gently poked his hip with the toe of her boot to no avail.

Well, as he was still breathing, he surely wasn’t dead. His well-muscled chest rose and fell rhythmically. Fascinated, she gazed at that wide swath revealed by the largest tear in his shirt, a generous sprinkling of hairs the color of flame spreading across the expanse.

A sigh escaped Dora’s lips. She should find a way to get back on her horse and leave now, while the man was insensible because if he woke now and asked for her assistance again, she’d have no choice but to render him aid–it simply wasn’t within her power to abandon anyone who needed her help.

And a little more for good measure…

She darted glances around the field, suddenly afraid the soldiers would appear and find both her and their fugitive. But the landscape was silent save for birdsong and the rustle of the breeze in the trees. Giving herself a shake, Dora peeled off her leather riding gloves, grasped her handkerchief, dunked it in the water, and pressed it to the man’s face. It seemed to have no effect on him, but she could feel the prickly stubble of his beard through the scrap of linen.

Chills shot up her hand, the hairs on her arm standing on edge. Who would have thought that brush of whiskers against the pad of her thumb would be as…erotic as any kiss she’d ever experienced? Not that she’d had many, mind you, only one or two from Tristan. And while they had been quite pleasurable, the feeling this man’s rough skin evoked in he was quite wild in comparison.

She jerked her hand away. The water seemed to have no effect any way. She must find a way to rouse the man for now she required she required the stranger’s help as much as he needed hers. There was no way for her to remount Gretchen without help, so she had to come up with some way to wake him up and soon. Thrusting 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, and popped the top. Bending down, she took a breath and held it, then thrust the bottle under the man’s nose.

With a gasp, he sat up and grabbed her wrist tightly. “Dinna do that again, lassie, or I’ll not be responsible for what happens to your nasty potion.” His eyes, as sky blue as her riding habit, narrowed. “Will you help me up, lass?”

Almost a Countess is available for the pre-order price of $2.99 on Amazon, Smashwords, B & N, Kobo, and Applebooks.

Also released, A Solitary Ride is the first chapter of Almost a Countess, book two of Captivating Countesses. It’s free on Smashwords and .99 on Amazon.

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

Captivating Countesses series

by Jenna Jaxon

New Summer Beach Read: Treasure by the Sea by Talia Logan

Posted on May 31, 2021 by Jenna Jaxon

Today, Memorial Day, is the unofficial beginning of summer here in the U.S. Which means many of you will be heading to the beach at some point. And what better thing to do when you’ve got your toes in the sand or are lazing by the pool?

BEACH READS!

While I myself do not have a beach read for you this summer (I must write one for next year, set in Brighton) one of my best friends, author Talia Logan has just published the first of a trilogy of beach reads, her Life’s a Beach at OBX series, for this summer titled Treasure by the Sea! It’s set in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, so if you’ve ever been, you’ll enjoy the story even more. Please check it out!

BLURB:

Single author Alexandra Prentiss buys her dream house, Treasure by the Sea, in the Outer Banks and decides to rent out rooms to help with her mortgage. When one of her guests turns out to be an extremely attractive gentleman, Alexandra thinks maybe her luck has turned, if only she can curb her prickly nature long enough to show him her softer side.

Drake Nelson, a widowed, retired Navy captain, is dragged down to OBX by his surfer son with the promise of a week relaxing on the beach. He’s immediately attracted to Alexandra, but when she runs hot and cold, confusing the bejesus out of him, he’s ready to throw in the towel on the hopes of any kind of relationship with her.

But when Alexandra falls prey to a madman in search of real treasure, Drake races to her rescue. Will he be able to save the fearless woman he’s come to love?

EXCERPT:

Merlin coasted over to give her a hug then said, “Dad. Let’s get our gear inside. I want to catch some waves before we grab some grub.” He knelt down, and Dickens rolled onto his back for a belly rub.

Watching Wiz pet Dickens, she dragged herself from her rapidly out-of-control, indecent fantasies about his dad and led them to the elevator. “I’ll ride up with you and show you around.”

“No biggie, Alexandra. Are we on the second floor? I can show Dad where everything is.”

“Uh, no. I thought you might enjoy the third floor. There’s no one else here this week, and the view is better. And it has a bigger kitchen.” They moved into the small lift. “But you don’t usually do much cooking.”

Merlin laughed. “I don’t, but you never know about Dad. Every time I go to his house he’s watching some food show.”

Apparently his son’s dig aggravated the man. His lips tightened briefly before he responded in a lighter, if somewhat forced, tone. “No one said you had to come over.”

Can this damned thing move any slower? The jibes between father and son seemed good-spirited, but in a snap that could escalate into something much less friendly. A lesson she’d learned years ago. She let her head drop in an attempt to give them some privacy, and her gaze fell to Drake’s hand.

And the gold band.

The expletives that shot through her mind would have shocked even her crime thriller readers. Sucked in by a good-looking, flirtatious man. Again. Damn it.

But Merlin had told her his mother had died last year. Unless the man had remarried—already—or he was one of those stuck-in-the-past guys who would never let go. Either way, it was the perfect setup for another heartbreak. And that she did not need.

Another one bites the dust. The music rumbled in her chest, and an urge to burst into the Queen song sprinted through her. She choked.

“Are you okay?”

A hand lightly patted her back—Drake’s, because Wiz stood in the opposite corner. She shifted to the side forcing him to drop his hand, and the sudden loss of warmth his touch had provided left a void. “I’m fine, thanks,” she croaked.

The elevator finally stopped, and she opened the doors then led them through the kitchen and living areas and showed Drake the four bedrooms. “All of the rooms up here are the same except for small details. You can explore and take your pick.” She turned to leave but kept her focus on Drake. “My cell number is on the paperwork on the kitchen island—I usually stay out of the way, but if you need anything, I can—” Drake’s expression brought her words to an abrupt halt.

A smile tugged at the edges of his lips. “You really don’t need to stay out of the way.”

Treasure by the Sea is available on Amazon and Smashwords. Please click this link to purchase.

About the Author:

Talia Logan is the pen name for an award-winning author of thrillers, but Talia writes romance. Her alter ego isn’t a secret, but she does want to keep her genres separate.

In her stories you’ll find heartbreak and joy, maybe a little intrigue, and always a happy ending. She writes from the porch of a Chesapeake Bay-front home, where the seagulls caw by day, the waves crash by night, and the moon casts a sultry glow over the dark waters… Okay, that’s fiction, but this is romance.

Because everyone deserves a chance at love.