Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 04/25/21 ~ A Countess of Convenience ~ “I Wanted You Intimately”

Posted on April 25, 2021 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

This week I’m continuing with A Countess of Convenience, book 1 of my new series, Captivating Countesses, which released at the end of March!

BLURB:

Following a tragic accident, an unconscious Judith Harper is returned to her childhood home to die. Miraculously, she awakens but to a horribly changed world in which she finds her husband dead and her world upended.

Judith must regain her strength, not only to reclaim her life but also to right a terrible wrong–a feat which may require her to marry again, and quickly. But not only is Judith not ready for another husband, a marriage before her year of mourning is up will ruin her in London society.

Still, if she hopes to have her life back, she may have to risk the scandal and make a marriage of convenience…but to whom?

John, Lord Haxby has loved Judith since childhood, and because of that he stood aside while she married another eight years ago. Now she is free of her odious husband, he hopes he can persuade her that he is the only man who can make her truly happy. However, he discovers Judith is more than interested in Lord Farringdon, the man who saved her life. Can he stand aside once more and watch the love of his life make a grave mistake, or will he step up and show the woman he loves he is not a convenient solution to her problem, but the perfect one?

I’ve continued on from last week’s snippet. Judith and John are traveling to London, using two of the housemaids as chaperones for Judith. Earlier in this scene, Judith asked John a very leading question, but they left it without an answer. Now, after she’s gone to bed, Judith is feeling guilty that she teased John. So she’s gone out to his room, in just her night gown, to talk to him. As she’s knocking, someone comes into the corridor. John whisks her into his room. Judith confesses she teased him because she had dreamed of kissing him. This snippet continues immediately from last week’s. We are in John’s POV.

This will be my last excerpt from A Countess of Convenience. Next week I’ll go on to my soon to be released novel Almost a Countess, book 2 of Captivating Countesses.

EXCERPT:

“Oh, no, John,” she grasped his hand, the light contact inciting a riot in his senses, “it was lovely, truly.”

“And you wanted it to happen in real life, so you thought to tease me into it?” The ever-devious Judith.

She continued to stare at her lap, her cheeks still pink. “It wasn’t fair to say something like that to you. I didn’t think about it until I’d already said it. It was only later that I realized I might have…given you the wrong idea.”

“And what idea would that have been, my dear?”

Judith finally met his eyes. “That…that I wanted you…intimately.”

And a little more for good measure…

“And you do not.” John held his breath.

“I…” Her mouth trembled. “I…don’t know. After dreaming of the kiss, I wondered what it would really be like.”

There was the opening if he dared take it. “Would you like to find out?”

Eyes so wide they became huge rings of white with deep blue centers, she whispered, “Yes.”

A Countess of Convenience is still available for the pre-release price of $2.99 on Amazon, B & N, Kobo, and Applebooks.

A Return to Life is available on Amazon for FREE and on Smashwords , B & N, Apple, and Kobo for free as well. This is the first chapter of A Countess of Convenience.

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 Countess of Convenience, A Return to Life, Blog Hops, Captivating Countesses, Historical Romance, On Weekend Writing Warriors, Promotion, Weekend Writing Warriors | Tagged A Countess of Convenience, A Return to Life, Captivating Countesses series, Georgian romance, historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, Regency romance, Weekend Writing Warriors | 25 Comments

Cover Reveal: Almost a Countess

Posted on April 23, 2021 by Jenna Jaxon

Happy Cover Reveal Day!

I am very happy to present to you the real cover for book 2 of my new Captivating Countesses series, Almost a Countess!

Isn’t it gorgeous? Danielle Fine knocked it out of the park on the first try this time! Thank you, Dani!

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 minor infraction. 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.

EXCERPT:

A quarter hour’s canter brought them to the inn, a hub of industry just as Mrs. Pierce’s shop in Potterne had been at her home in Wiltshire. Moments later Mrs. Jameson’s thirteen year-old son had helped her off the horse and was leading Gretchen to the watering trough at the side of the inn. “Thank you, Tom. I won’t be long.” Only long enough to secure a cup of something cool and one of Mrs. Jameson’s superior small cakes.

The innkeeper’s wife did not disappoint, and Dora was soon ensconced in the place of honor nearest the large front window, a mug of small ale and two of the heavenly cakes on a plate in front of her. “Much obliged, Mrs. Jameson.” Dora drank thirstily, then bit into the first cake. The currants gave it an extra sweetness that made Dora want to eat it slowly to savor the taste, while simultaneously wanting to gobble down the sugary treat. “I am never disappointed when I come here.”

“Ye’re lucky today lass.” The good woman plied the surrounding tables with a soapy rag. “Those’re me last two until tomorrow. A group of soldiers come through an hour or so ago like a plague of locusts and ate every scrap I had.” She nodded to Dora’s plate where the final cake remained. “Savin’ the two I held back.” She sent Dora a smile. “I knows you likes to come by of a Tuesday, Miss Harper, and that you likes my cakes particular.”

“Indeed I do, Mrs. Jameson.” Dora broke off a bite of the remaining cake and popped it into her mouth. If that was the case, and there were no more to be had, she intended to savor this cake. “What were soldiers doing here?”

“They asked me if I’d seen any ragged-looking men come by in the last day or two. Said they were looking for a man who’d escaped them several days ago. Takin’ him to London they were, when he gave ‘em the slip.” Mrs. Jameson nodded and grinned. “Good fer ‘im, I say. The army can be a cruel and vicious thing, mark my words, Miss Harper. I’m sure you’ve not seen the wrongful things they’re capable of, but I have. You don’t want no trouble with them, miss.”

“I certainly don’t, Mrs. Jameson.” She’d never had any communication with soldiers or the army in general. She’d always thought it a decent profession for a gentleman to enter, but she understood that all the regiments were not made up solely of gentlemen. Still, if they were searching for a prisoner, she’d pray they found him and swiftly. Such desperate men could be dangerous, especially to a woman virtually alone as she was.

Almost a Countess is available for pre-order for $2.99 on Amazon and Smashwords and shortly will be available also on B & N, Kobo, and Apple. Almost a Countess will release on July 28, 2021.

Posted in Almost A Countess, Captivating Countesses, Cover Art, Cover Reveal, Georgian romance, Historical Romance, New Release, Promotion, Regency Romance, Uncategorized | Tagged Almost A Countess, Captivating Countesses series, cover reveal, Georgian romance, historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, Regency romance | 1 Comment

Medieval Monday ~ The Highlander’s Pirate Bride by Cathy and DD MacRae

Posted on April 19, 2021 by Jenna Jaxon

Good Morning! Welcome to the Spring 2021 Medieval Monday blog hop! The hop is our usual format: the first week on my blog I posted an excerpt from my book, then afterwards, I’ll post another Medieval Monday author’s excerpt and they will post mine, plus a link where you can find excerpts from all the authors via Medieval Romance Lovers.

Our theme for the Spring is First Kiss and throughout I’ll be sharing an excerpt from my medieval romance Betrayal, book 2 of Time Enough to Love. In this book, Alyse, the heroine, has just received the news that her betrothed lord, Sir Geoffrey Longford, has married another. As Alyse and Geoffrey had already been intimate, she is in rather a predicament. Follow my snippets of Betrayal at my guest’s blog site.

Week 11’s excerpt is from Cathy and DD MacRae’s medieval romance

The Highlander’s Pirate Bride

BUY LINK:

https://www.amzn.com/dp/B08WFJFT8D

BLURB:

Will the theft of the wrong ship land her in a hangman’s noose? Or a Highlander’s arms?

As the pirate The Black MacNeill, Rona MacNeill has stolen more than one English ship to keep her clan from starving. With Yule only days away, will the theft of the wrong ship land her in a hangman’s noose? Or the arms of a Highlander?

Rona MacNeill has done everything she can to help her small, impoverished clan—except marry for money. Her luck seems to lie in stealing ships, not attracting suitors. Only days before Yule, she seeks one last ship with stores to keep her people fed over the long, harsh winter. Too bad her luck has run out.

Pedr MacLean is happy to be the younger (by three minutes) son of Baron MacLean. His days are filled with running the family’s shipping business and sailing the world. His heart belongs to the sea—or so he thinks, until one of his ships is stolen, and the woman responsible turns his world upside down.

Drawn to Rona’s strength and love of the sea, Pedr will agree to her father’s demand—information on the whereabouts of his ship in exchange for his daughter’s hand in marriage. Will Rona find herself caught between a marriage of convenience and a hangman’s noose? Or will she discover something far more compelling?

The Highlander’s Pirate Bride is the swash-buckling seventh addition to the Hardy Heroines series. If you like pirates, rags-to-riches, and swoon-worthy Highlanders, you’ll love Cathy & DD MacRae’s newest high-seas romance.

EXCERPT FOR WEEK #11:

“Yer sympathies, aye.” He pressed his lips to her hair, the corner of her eye, the ridge of her cheek. “Yer heart, my fair pirate, belongs to me.”

Follow Jenna’s snippet on Cathy MacRae’s blog today.

For more Medieval Monday snippets, click here.

Time Enough to Love Series

Posted in Betrayal, Historical Romance, Jenna Jaxon, Medieval Monday, Medieval Mondays, Medieval Romance, On Time Enough to Love | Tagged Cathy and DD MacRae, Hero/Heroine first kiss, Jenna Jaxon, Medieval Monday, medieval romance, The Highlander's Pirate Bride | 5 Comments

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 04/18/21 ~ A Countess of Convenience ~ “I Shouldn’t Have Flirted”

Posted on April 18, 2021 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

This week I’m continuing with A Countess of Convenience, book 1 of my new series, Captivating Countesses, which released at the end of March!

BLURB:

Still, if she hopes to have her life back, she may have to risk the scandal and make a marriage of convenience…but to whom?

I’ve continued on from last week’s snippet. Judith and John are traveling to London, using two of the housemaids as chaperones for Judith. Earlier in this scene, Judith asked John a very leading question, but they left it without an answer. Now, after she’s gone to bed, Judith is feeling guilty that she teased John. So she’s gone out to his room, in just her night gown, to talk to him. As she’s knocking, someone comes into the corridor. John whisks her into his room. I’ve skipped a couple of paragraphs. We are in John’s POV.

EXCERPT:

“But I shouldn’t have flirted like that, John,” she said, staring directly into his eyes. “We have already discussed the…possible necessity of our marrying. In asking that, I may have given you an erroneous idea about my…feelings for you.” Abruptly, she dropped her gaze.

Of course, he’d assumed she’d meant an amorous tryst but had known the offer had come from her nervousness or a need for some kind of physical contact. But since she’d brought the subject up… “Then why did you ask, Judith?”

Her tiny gasp filled him with his usual protective instincts, and it was on the tip of his tongue to tell her not to worry, it was all forgotten. Yet something held him back, some part of him that wanted desperately to hear her answer.

“Because I wanted to know what it would be like to kiss you.”

And a little more for good measure…

Flummoxed for a second time, John stared at her, his jaw all but dropped. “What would make you want to know that?”

Her cheeks pinkened, and she gripped her hands tightly in her lap. “When you woke me earlier, before dinner, I was dreaming.” After a furtive glance at him, her gaze darted away again. “I was dreaming you awakened me, and I kissed you.”

“I see.” At least he hoped he did. When he’d come upon her asleep before dinner, she’d been moaning deep in her throat. If he hadn’t awakened her, would she have dreamt of other intimacies with him? Encouraged by her admission and what it might foreshadow for the future, John sat in the chair opposite her, weighing his words. “It wasn’t an unpleasant experience, then, kissing me in the dream?”

A Countess of Convenience is still available for the pre-release price of $2.99 on Amazon, B & N, Kobo, and Applebooks.

A Return to Life is available on Amazon for FREE and on Smashwords , B & N, Apple, and Kobo for free as well. This is the first chapter of A Countess of Convenience.

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

Release Day Giveaway Winner

Posted on April 14, 2021 by Jenna Jaxon

So sorry it’s taken me this long to announce the winner, but I’ve been under the weather the past couple of days. But now I’m ready to announce that the $20.00 Amazon Gift Card goes to

MEGHAN EDWARDS

Congratulations to you, Meghan. I’ll be contacting you later today with your prize.

Thank you to all those who came by to help me celebrate the release of A Countess of Convenience! I should be having another release in May so stay tuned to the blog for the date and name of the release.

Posted in A Countess of Convenience, Captivating Countesses, Giveaways, Promotion, Winners | Tagged A Countess of Convenience, giveaway winner, Jenna Jaxon | Leave a comment

Medieval Monday ~ The Lady of the Forest by Barbara Bettis

Posted on April 12, 2021 by Jenna Jaxon

Week 10’s excerpt is from Barbara Bettis’s medieval romance

The Lady of the Forest

(Knights of Destiny series)

BUY LINKS:

Available on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2gIrn1j

BLURB:

He must pursue his enemy; she must protect her people. Can their love survive the duties that drive them apart?

When her elderly husband dies, Lady Katherine fakes her own death and disappears into the forest with others escaping the brutish new lord. Determined to protect her people, she knocks the wrong man senseless. But Lord Henry isn’t an enemy, he’s the brother of her childhood friend. Although his tender confidence tempts her, she’s bound by duty.

Henry of Chauvere has found the one lady he wants for his own, never mind she’s tied him hand and foot. When he learns the king has ordered her to wed Stonehill’s ruthless new master, he insists Kate seek haven with his sister. But she won’t desert her friends. Henry vows to solve her problem, provided he catches a traitor before the threat from Kate’s past catches her.

When a daring rescue compels Henry and Kate to join forces, their attraction grows into love. If only duty didn’t drive them apart.

EXCERPT FOR WEEK #10:

Annoyance replaced guilt, and she huffed in disgust. Planting her palms against his boulder-hard upper chest, she pushed, straight-armed. “I can see you’ve recovered enough to poke fun, blast you.”

His clenched his lips, but a soft snort of laughter escaped. “Don’t wake the others,” he whispered.

She started to lift off him, but he snaked an arm around her waist to hold her in place. For a moment neither spoke, and she again became aware of his body beneath hers. Firm. And getting firmer. Again.

Follow Jenna’s snippet on Barbara Bettis‘s blog today.

For more Medieval Monday snippets, click here.

Time Enough to Love Series

Posted in Betrayal, Historical Romance, Jenna Jaxon, Medieval Monday, Medieval Mondays, Medieval Romance, On Time Enough to Love | Tagged Barbara Bettis, Hero/Heroine first kiss, Jenna Jaxon, Medieval Monday, medieval romance, The Lady of the Lake | 5 Comments

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 04/11/21 ~ A Countess of Convenience ~ “Why Have You Come Here?”

Posted on April 11, 2021 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

This week I’m continuing with A Countess of Convenience, book 1 of my new series, Captivating Countesses, which released at the end of March!

BLURB:

Still, if she hopes to have her life back, she may have to risk the scandal and make a marriage of convenience…but to whom?

I’ve continued on from last week’s snippet. Judith and John are traveling to London, using two of the housemaids as chaperones for Judith. Earlier in this scene, Judith asked John a very leading question, but they left it without an answer. Now, after she’s gone to bed, Judith is feeling guilty that she teased John. So she’s gone out to his room, in just her night gown, to talk to him. As she’s knocking, someone comes into the corridor. John whisks her into his room. I’ve skipped a couple of paragraphs. We are in John’s POV.

EXCERPT:

The white garment that he had rightly deemed a nightgown, and which on another woman would’ve been unremarkable, seemed almost indecent on Judith. The rounded neckline showed the tops of her breasts, unfettered by a corset, and through the thin cotton material, he could see a hint of her darker nipples.

John swallowed hard and licked his lips, parched even though he’d just taken a large swallow of brandy.

Her hips swelled where she sat in the chair, her gown lying bunched between her legs, outlining the shape of her thighs…bringing to mind what lay beneath that thin fabric at their apex and John had to suppress a groan. Thank goodness the garment flowed over her legs so he could see no further—until he came to her bare ankles and small feet. All the brandy in the world would not erase the sight of her thus. “Judith,” his voice seemed to come from a long way away, “why have you come here?”

“To apologize to you, John.”

Perhaps his faculties had gone missing. “Apologize for what, my dear?”

And a little more for good measure…

“For…for…” Judith seldom had trouble expressing herself. The transgression of which she spoke, therefore, must be grave indeed to bring out a stammer. “For teasing you earlier.”

Of all the things that might’ve come from her lips, those words were the last ones he’d have imagined. “Teasing me?”

“When I asked if there was something I could do for you.” Her voice had dropped so he could scarcely hear her.

“Ah.” As if the fire suddenly blazed anew, sweat popped out on John’s brow and his cock surged forward as if eager to answer the question. “I believe I take your meaning. Think nothing of it, my dear.”

By God, he wished he could think of anything else. Her low, sultry voice, coupled with the image of her seated in that chair, now seared on the inside of his eyelids, wreaked havoc in his breeches.

A Countess of Convenience is still available for the pre-release price of $2.99 on Amazon, B & N, Kobo, and Applebooks.

A Return to Life is finally available on Amazon for FREE and on Smashwords , B & N, Apple, and Kobo for free as well. This is the first chapter of A Countess of Convenience.

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

Regency Romance Books: On Sale During April!

Posted on April 7, 2021 by Jenna Jaxon

Are you looking for your next Regency read? Want to fill the time until round two of Bridgerton comes out? Want to be swept away into another time and place by an earl or duke? Then look no further!

Bookfunnel is running a Regency Romance promotion for the month of April and I’m in it! Several of my books are on sale and in the promotion: A Countess of Convenience and To Woo A Wicked Widow. But there are also more than 30 other authors whose books are just waiting to be read. Come on by here and grab your next great Regency read!

I also happen to be running a special sale on three of my Handful of Hearts novellas: Heart of Desire, Heart of Delight, and Heart of a Scoundrel. Each of them is only .99 until April 15!

So stock up on your Regency Reads before the summer starts! Here’s the link to the Regency Romance promotion.

Happy Regency Reading!

Posted in A Countess of Convenience, A Handful of Hearts, Captivating Countesses, Heart of a Scoundrel, Heart of Delight, Heart of Desire, Promotion, Regency Romance | Tagged A Countess of Convenience, A Handful of Hearts series, Bookfunnel promotion, Jenna Jaxon, Regency Romance Promotion, To Woo a Wicked Widow | Leave a comment

Medieval Monday ~ Magnar by Mary Morgan

Posted on April 5, 2021 by Jenna Jaxon

Week 9’s excerpt is from Mary Morgan’s medieval romance

Magnar

(The Wolves of Clan Sutherland, Book 1)

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | APPLE BOOKS | KOBO

BLURB:

Known as the Barbarian, Magnar MacAlpin is a fierce ruler for those under his command. As leader of the Wolves of Clan Sutherland, his loyalty and obedience lies with Scotland. However, the king’s last demand is not something Magnar will tolerate.

After Elspeth Gunn’s brother the Chieftain of Castle Steinn is murdered, she flees with her nephew, and finds safety amongst a band of men who are rumored to be part wolf. When the king forces her to wed a heathen Northman, she fears losing her heart and soul not only to the man, but the beast as well.

In order to restore peace to a shattered clan, Magnar and Elspeth travel a treacherous path that challenges their beliefs. When evil seeks to destroy ancient traditions, will Magnar be compelled to restrain his wolf or allow him free to protect those he loves?

EXCERPT FOR WEEK #9:

Her face softened as she moved slowly toward Magnar. “Therefore this marriage is in name only for Erik’s protection, aye?”

Annoyed with the direction of his thoughts, he looked away. How Magnar longed to tell the lie on the tip of his tongue. The word ached to be released. He turned and stared into her jeweled eyes in an attempt to offer her any hope of what she wanted to hear.

When she placed a hand on his arm, she whispered, “Tell me honestly, Magnar.”

Last week’s snippet on Judith Sterling’s blog: https://judithmarshallauthor.com/blog/

Follow along next week on Bambi Lynn’s blog: https://bambilynnblog.wordpress.com/

Follow Jenna’s snippet on Mary Morgan’s blog today.

For more Medieval Monday snippets, click here.

Time Enough to Love Series

Posted in Betrayal, Historical Romance, Jenna Jaxon, Medieval Monday, Medieval Mondays, Medieval Romance, On Time Enough to Love | Tagged Hero/Heroine first kiss, Jenna Jaxon, Magnar, Medieval Monday, medieval romance, The Wolves of Clan Sutherland series | 5 Comments

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 04/04/21 ~ A Countess of Convenience ~ “What the Devil are You Doing Here?”

Posted on April 4, 2021 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

This week I’m continuing with A Countess of Convenience, book 1 of my new series, Captivating Countesses, which released last Tuesday!

BLURB:

Still, if she hopes to have her life back, she may have to risk the scandal and make a marriage of convenience…but to whom?

EXCERPT:

A man stopped and squinted at her in the shadowy light of the sconces. “Judith? What the devil are you doing here?”

****

Confounded by her presence outside his room, John didn’t have time to chastise her for her foolish move–he unlocked his door, seized her arm, and dragged her inside. Shutting the door with a loud thump, he gave a relieved sigh then turned the lock and leaned back against the broad panel. One disaster averted, he glared at his charge, looking up at him petulantly. “I only hope to God no one saw me do that.”

“I saw no one in the corridor.” Judith pursed her lips, not a good sign at all.

“You’d be surprised how nimbly potboys can nip up a staircase without being seen.”

And now a little more of the scene :

With luck, they were safe for now. There was still the adventure to come of getting Judith back to her chamber unseen. Good thing he’d requested a bottle of brandy be sent up upon their arrival. He needed some about now. “Why are you here, Judith?” He strode to a desk that served as sideboard then poured a good three fingers of the amber liquid and took a hefty swallow. “Is something wrong?”

“Yes, there is, John.”

A Countess of Convenience is still available for the pre-release price of $2.99 on Amazon, B & N, Kobo, and Applebooks.

Come celebrate the release with me! I’m giving away a $20.00 Amazon giftcard to a commenter on my Release Party blog post. Here’s the link! It’s not too late!