Cover Reveal: It Happened Under the Mistletoe

This book was supposed to release this time last year, but too many other writing obligations made me shelve it until this year. Well, it almost didn’t make it this year either because of my husband’s surgery, but I’m fairly certain I’ll be able to release this Regency Christmas novella, the companion piece to It Happened at Christmas (released last year) in the next week or so.

It will be releasing as a single title and I’ll be packaging it with four of my other Christmas novellas in a Christmas boxed set called It Happened Under the Mistletoe and other Yuletide Tales.

So without further ado, here are the gorgeous covers for my newest Christmas story.

and

I’m finishing up edits for it tonight, so be on the lookout for the release sometime next week!

Thank you, once again, to Danielle Fine for my gorgeous covers!

Posted in Christmas stories, Cover Reveal, Holiday Posts, It Happened Under the Mistletoe, It Happened Under the Mistletoe and Other Yuletide Tales, Regency Romance | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

House of Pleasure Books on Sale This Week!

Sorry I haven’t posted before this, but I’ve been taking care of my husband who just had open heart surgery. He came home yesterday, so my stress level, while not normal, has gone down a few notches, so I remembered to let everyone know that three of my House of Pleasure books are on sale this week!

Only Scandal Will Do

On Sale for .99 on Amazon, SmashwordsKobo, and Apple.

BLURB:

He has the woman of his dreams, but can he find a way to win her heart?

Kidnapped, displayed on the auction block of a notorious brothel, and sold to the highest bidder, Lady Katherine Fitzwilliam is furious and vows to fight her way out. Unfortunately, the rogue who bought her is way too charming and attractive to make that easy. He seduces Kat almost to the point of ruin, but she manages to escape him, although thoughts of him tend to linger long after she’s free.

Duncan, Marquess of Dalbury succumbs to temptation one night and purchases a fiery beauty whose very looks fill him with hot desire. When she insists she’s a lady, he scoffs, but is surprised when she flees before he can claim his pleasure. When he discovers she’s sister to a peer, Duncan is horrified to have compromised her. He offers marriage to scotch the scandal and gain an heir. However, the dazzling charms of the red-haired beauty, coupled with her astonishing skill with a sword, ensnares his heart and soul. If only Katarina didn’t hate him with a fury hotter than three hells…

Can he manage to turn her anger against him into a passion for him? Or will they be doomed to live together, but forever apart?

 

Only Marriage Will Do

On Sale for .99 on Amazon, Smashwords,  Kobo, and Apple.

BLURB:

Not all happy-ever-afters begin with “I do.”

Two unexpected callers turn Lady Juliet Ferrers’s world upside down. The first claims to be married to her via a proxy marriage, a statement she can scarcely credit—except she was betrothed to him once upon a time. To deter him, Juliet acts boldly when a stranger appears, declaring he is her husband. But when she is finally alone with the handsome visitor, she finds herself hoping she can turn her falsehood about their marriage into truth.

Captain Amiable Dawson seems to have stepped into a fairy land when a beautiful young woman he’s never met introduces him as her husband. The more she explains her situation, the less he is inclined to believe her, yet Amiable is a pushover for a damsel in distress. Against his better judgment, he agrees to accompany her to her family’s estate far to the north. Along the way the passion between them sizzles until a happy-ever-after is all but assured. However, the question of Juliet’s true husband rears its head again, forcing Amiable to wonder if he is married to the lady or not.

When his rival abducts Juliet, Amiable is compelled to choose between the woman he loves or the law of the land that decrees she is not his wife. Desperate to rescue her at any cost, his last resort may be to kill the man who stands in the way of their happiness.

Only Pleasure Will Do

On Sale for $2.99 on Amazon, Smashwords, Kobo, and Apple.

BLURB:

The pleasure is all hers…

Amorina Vestry, madam of the House of Pleasure for six long years, has wrested a living out the establishment by devising a variety of ways to give men pleasure. But behind the persona of the ruthless businesswoman, schooled in the erotic arts, lurks another woman with a secret she dares tell no one. Now, in vengeance for thwarting a dastardly plan, Amorina is kidnapped and forced to commit murder to save the one person she loves unconditionally…unless the man she secretly yearns for can rescue her before it’s too late.

When Amorina Vestry goes missing, Sir Reginald Matthews, former Runner now magistrate at Bow Street, agrees to search for the very provocative woman he met a year ago and cannot seem to forget. He manages to track her down, only to be captured by the same madman who took her. Their close proximity in a make-shift prison leads inexorably to a night of passion in which Amorina lowers her guard to reveal a shocking truth. Spurred by his growing attraction to her, Reginald is determined to free them before she commits the most heinous crime imaginable.

As Reginald races to save Amorina, he comes to fear another foe as well. He may very well save his love only to find he must give her up or risk the censure of a society that will condemn her.

 

All three books will be on sale thru mid-day Sunday. For some reason Barnes & Noble hasn’t changed their price yet. If they do, I’ll add it here. Meanwhile, Smashwords allows you to download in a variety of formats. Hope you grab a copy and enjoy!

Posted in House of Pleasure Series, Only Marriage Will Do, Only Pleasure Will Do, Only Scandal Will Do, Promotion, Sales Posts | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Medieval Monday ~ Seduction at the Christmas Court ~ The Surgery

Good Morning! Welcome to the Fall/Winter Medieval Monday blog hop! We’re doing the hop somewhat differently this time around. There will be a link below to the Medieval Romance Lovers Facebook page that has links to all the other authors who are participating this time around. So after you read my excerpt, click the link and go have fun with our medieval romance snippets.  They can also be found via #MedMonFall2020 .

Our theme for the fall is Nature and I’ll be sharing a segment from my medieval Christmas novella Seduction at the Christmas Court. The scene begins with a boar hunt some days before Christmas in 1349. Geoffrey, Lord Longford and his wife Alyse have been summoned to the King’s Christmas court and this is the King’s favorite sport.

Available on Amazon, Smashwords, and Barnes & Noble.

BLURB:

Alyse and Geoffrey, Lord and Lady Longford, have journeyed to the glittering Christmas Court of King Edward III in the year 1349 to wait upon the king and take part in some Yuletide merriment. However, when Geoffrey is suddenly called into the king’s service again, Alyse must remain at court, attending the queen and persuading her rebellious sister to accept an unwanted betrothal. When rumors of Geoffrey’s death arise, Alyse fends off an old suitor who wants to renew their friendship. But how long will he take “No” for an answer?

EXCERPT FOR WEEK #7:

(The action has shifted from the woods to Alyse in the castle when she receives an urgent summons.)

By Johann Heinrich Ramberg

Alyse sprang into the corridor, pulling Pippa behind her with a steely grip. “Where is the surgery?”

“Follow me.” Pippa picked up her skirts and ran toward the right and several twists and turns later they came upon a doorway to a large chamber. The din of shouts, curses, and moans filled the air– servants and knights sped in and out, some with garments torn or bloody.

Alyse clenched her teeth and followed her sister into a long room that reeked of the astringent smell of vinegar and the coppery scent of blood. She winced and squeezed Pippa’s hand, but one look at her sister’s white face and she pulled her back out of the room.

“Pippa,” she clasped both her hands and gave her a shake, “’tis no worse than helping with my childbirth so take a deep breath and follow me.”

A tinge of color crept back into her face as her sister nodded.

For more Medieval Monday snippets, click here. And be sure to return for the next installment of Seduction at the Christmas Court or grab a copy on Amazon, Smashwords, or Barnes & Noble now!

Time Enough to Love Series

(Available on Amazon, and Free on Kindle Unlimited.)

Posted in Jenna Jaxon, Medieval Monday, Medieval Mondays, On Time Enough to Love, Seduction at the Christmas Court | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Happy Halloween Wednesday!

Happy Halloween Wednesday!

Because Halloween is my favorite holiday, I’m posting each day this week with some fun tidbits about my Halloween experiences and some giveaways each day to celebrate.

Today’s post is about Halloween themed treats.

Cemetery Cake

Every year when my girls were growing up, we held a Halloween party for them. I’d decorate the house, make a vat of lime sherbet punch in a tall black pot, and bake all kinds of spooky treats for the kids. I ate the treats too, of course, but the most fun for me was discovering the spookiest looking treats to make. Using my creativity for Halloween has always made me happy.

Here are some of the treats I’ve made over the years:

Peanut Butter Cookie Broomsticks

Donut Hole Eyeballs

Monster Mouths

 

 

 

 

 

 

Worms in Dirt

Mummy Hot Dogs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What’s your favorite Halloween treat to make (or eat!)?

One randomly chosen commenter on this post will win a $5.00 gift card to Starbucks.

 

Also this week I’m part of the Historical Romance Halloween Trick or Treat Hop. If you’d like to join, click HERE. Grand prize is a $150 gift card!

EAT, DRINK AND BE SCARY!

Posted in Giveaways, Halloween, Holiday Posts | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Happy Halloween Tuesday!

Happy Halloween Tuesday!

Because Halloween is my favorite holiday, I’m posting each day this week with some fun tidbits about my Halloween experiences and some giveaways each day to celebrate.

Today’s post is about Halloween costumes.

The very first costume I remember wearing was a witch costume. The memory I have was of me ironing (toy iron) the golden orange crepe skirt to the costume on my toy ironing board.

The next memory I have was of me at age 6 wearing a Tweetie Bird costume. The big issue that year was that the week before Halloween I’d fallen from a chair and busted my head open. My mother was concerned, for some reason, about me wearing a mask over the bandage. I also remember, when I fell, all I would say was “Am I going to be all right for Halloween?” I told you, it’s always been my favorite holiday.

I’m pretty sure this is the costume I wore at age 6.

Since then I’ve dressed as a pirate, a cat, a variety of witches, and a lamp.

This year my daughter’s dog Severus takes the prize for cute costume in the family.

What’s your favorite costume that you’ve been over the years?

One randomly chosen commenter on this post will win a $5.00 gift card to Starbucks.

Also this week I’m part of the Historical Romance Halloween Trick or Treat Hop. If you’d like to join, click HERE. Grand prize is a $150 gift card!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

EAT, DRINK AND BE SCARY!

 

Posted in Giveaways, Halloween, Holiday Posts | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Historical Romance Trick-or-Treat Hop!

Welcome to Jenna Jaxon’s Halloween Blog for the Trick or Treat Hop!

Welcome, everyone to my blog! I’m Jenna Jaxon and my favorite holiday is Halloween, so I’ve gotten together a couple of goodies for you as you Trick or Treat around the hop.

First, I’m holding a giveaway of a $5.00 Starbucks gift card (grab that Pumpkin Spice Latte while you can!). All you need to do is comment on this blog about your favorite Halloween costume you’ve ever worn and you’ll be entered. I’ll draw a random winner on Halloween (at the witching hour).

While you’re here, you might want to check out my books and sign up for my monthly newsletter (click HERE) that highlights sales, giveaways, and review/ARC opportunities.

Also, this month, to celebrate Halloween, I’m offering my Regency ghost story romance, Hearts at All Hallows’ Eve, FREE on Smashwords, B & N, and Kobo. Just click these links and download!

As I said, Halloween is my fave holiday, so I always make lots of different treats for me and my family and friends. One year it was these ghostly hands instead of treat bags.

 

This year we’re giving out regular treat bags, which will include a super new Hershey treat and my Trick-or-Treat Hop Candy:

VAMPIRE KISSES

These have got to be my new favorite candy!

I hope everyone has a fantastic Hop and a fabulous Halloween!

To return to the main page of the hop, click HERE.

Remember to collect all the candy in order to be entered to win the Grand Prize of a $150 gift card!

Posted in Facebook Party, Giveaways, Halloween, Halloween Trick or Treat, Hearts at All Hallows' Eve, Holiday Posts | Tagged , , , , | 14 Comments

Medieval Monday ~ Seduction at the Christmas Court ~ “You Must Hurry”

Good Morning! Welcome to the Fall/Winter Medieval Monday blog hop! We’re doing the hop somewhat differently this time around. There will be a link below to the Medieval Romance Lovers Facebook page that has links to all the other authors who are participating this time around. So after you read my excerpt, click the link and go have fun with our medieval romance snippets.  They can also be found via #MedMonFall2020 .

Our theme for the fall is Nature and I’ll be sharing a segment from my medieval Christmas novella Seduction at the Christmas Court. The scene begins with a boar hunt some days before Christmas in 1349. Geoffrey, Lord Longford and his wife Alyse have been summoned to the King’s Christmas court and this is the King’s favorite sport.

Available on Amazon, Smashwords, and Barnes & Noble.

BLURB:

Alyse and Geoffrey, Lord and Lady Longford, have journeyed to the glittering Christmas Court of King Edward III in the year 1349 to wait upon the king and take part in some Yuletide merriment. However, when Geoffrey is suddenly called into the king’s service again, Alyse must remain at court, attending the queen and persuading her rebellious sister to accept an unwanted betrothal. When rumors of Geoffrey’s death arise, Alyse fends off an old suitor who wants to renew their friendship. But how long will he take “No” for an answer?

EXCERPT FOR WEEK #6:

(The action has shifted from the woods to Alyse in the castle when she receives an urgent summons.)

“Lord Longford’s page, milady.”

Geoffrey’s page?

“Hurry, for mercy’s sake, there’s no time to lose as Milord bid me fetch you to the surgery.”

“The surgery?” The air whooshed out of Alyse’s lungs, and she staggered back.

A strong hand grasped her arm, steadying her–Pippa had come up behind her. “Tell us what has happened, boy.”

“On the hunt, a boar attacked milord and another knight–they are in the surgery, but the surgeon still attends the king and cannot be found–Milord says you must hurry.” With that, the lad dipped a bow and shot away down the corridor.

For more Medieval Monday snippets, click here. And be sure to return for the next installment of Seduction at the Christmas Court or grab a copy on Amazon, Smashwords, or Barnes & Noble now!

Time Enough to Love Series

(Available on Amazon, and Free on Kindle Unlimited.)

Posted in Jenna Jaxon, Medieval Monday, Medieval Mondays, On Time Enough to Love, Seduction at the Christmas Court | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 10/25/20 Hearts at All Hallows’ Eve ~ Unmasking

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors!

This month I’m highlighting my Handful of Hearts series by putting each of four of the novellas on sale, one each week in October and offering a ghostly Regency romance short story, Hearts at All Hallow’s Eve, in the same series for FREE on Smashwords and B & N (On Amazon it’s .99) thru October 31.

For Halloween this coming Saturday, this week’s featured book from Handful of Hearts is my Regency ghost story, Hearts at All Hallows’ Eve.

Here’s the blurb:

BLURB:

When Miss Cecilia Powell attends her very first masquerade on All Hallows’ Eve, she’s thrilled when a mysterious reveler pays court to her. As their encounter continues, Cecilia is charmed, then smitten with this masked stranger, even though she senses something odd about him. Is he truly the man of her dreams, or will Cecilia find her dream a true nightmare?

Masquerade Ball by Rowlandson

EXCERPT:

Skillfully, he led her around the ballroom floor, and she was so light on her feet she scarcely touched the boards. Only one other man had ever danced so beautifully–he was gone, but could this be his brother, perhaps?

Laughing up into his face as he spun them around, Cecilia bubbled with joy at her discovery–he knew her; now she knew him.

“You dance divinely, sir, so well, in fact, I believe I have determined who you are behind that gleaming mask.” Tilting her chin flirtatiously, she studied his full-lipped mouth through shuttered eyes.

“Do you indeed,” his quick laugh made her heart stop, “somehow, I think not, however, as the clock is about to strike midnight, you will certainly see shortly if you are correct.”

The waltz ended, and her partner led her to the side of the dance floor, to a somewhat secluded corner away from the chattering, excited crowd.

“Are you ready to unmask, Astraea?” he asked, his eyes eager.

Domino and Mask–Photo By gnuckx

 

Smiling so broadly she worried he might take her for a lunatic, Cecilia nodded, dancing on her toes in anticipation and said, “I am, my lord.”

 

And now to finish the scene :

“So, you do have a hint of who I am.” Dark eyebrows quirked up over the edge of his mask.

“Indeed, I do, for your dancing gave you away.” She giggled again, nervous as the clock began to strike. “I believe I met and danced with your brother at Lady Hamilton’s ball in May. You whirl your partner in just the same breathtaking way he did.” Some of the lightness left her. “I was very distressed when I heard he had—”

“Drowned?” The clock almost smothered his voice as it continued to chime the midnight hour.

“Yes. May I extend my belated condolences to you?” He must be grieving still, for his lips had tightened.

“I accept them with heartfelt gratitude, however, I fear you are mistaken.”

“Mistaken?” Was he not the new Lord Seaton after all?

“Yes. You see, I had no brothers.”

 

Hearts at All Hallows’ Eve is available for .99 on Amazon, and on Smashwords, Kobo, and Apple for FREE.

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

Posted in A Handful of Hearts, Blog Hops, Halloween, Halloween stories, Hearts at All Hallows' Eve, Historical Romance, Holiday Posts, Promotion, Weekend Writing Warriors | Tagged , , , , , , | 15 Comments

Medieval Monday ~ Seduction at the Christmas Court ~ The Summons

Good Morning! Welcome to the Fall/Winter Medieval Monday blog hop! We’re doing the hop somewhat differently this time around. There will be a link below to the Medieval Romance Lovers Facebook page that has links to all the other authors who are participating this time around. So after you read my excerpt, click the link and go have fun with our medieval romance snippets.  They can also be found via #MedMonFall2020 .

Our theme for the fall is Nature and I’ll be sharing a segment from my medieval Christmas novella Seduction at the Christmas Court. The scene begins with a boar hunt some days before Christmas in 1349. Geoffrey, Lord Longford and his wife Alyse have been summoned to the King’s Christmas court and this is the King’s favorite sport.

Available on Amazon, Smashwords, and Barnes & Noble.

BLURB:

Alyse and Geoffrey, Lord and Lady Longford, have journeyed to the glittering Christmas Court of King Edward III in the year 1349 to wait upon the king and take part in some Yuletide merriment. However, when Geoffrey is suddenly called into the king’s service again, Alyse must remain at court, attending the queen and persuading her rebellious sister to accept an unwanted betrothal. When rumors of Geoffrey’s death arise, Alyse fends off an old suitor who wants to renew their friendship. But how long will he take “No” for an answer?

EXCERPT FOR WEEK #5:

(The action this week shifts from the woods to Alyse in the castle when she receives an urgent summons.)

Furious knocking erupted at the door, making all the ladies jump.

Dropping her work, Alyse straightened, suddenly sober–such frantic rapping could not bode well, although mayhap His Majesty had returned from the hunt and wished to display his kill before the queen. The hollow booming sent a chill down her body.

The queen nodded to Lady Tamworth who opened the door to a skinny, red-faced boy hopping from one foot to the other, peering into the room with wild eyes. “Is Lady Longford here?”

Bounding up, all frivolity forgotten, Alyse sent a stricken took to the queen, who gave a quick nod, then she sped to the door saying, “I am Lady Longford.”

The disheveled appearance of the lad, no more than twelve, had her heart thrumming like the strings of a plucked lute.

“Your husband bids you come now, lady,” the boy’s eyes showed white all around the deep brown centers, “he said your sister must come too, for pity’s sake.”

“Who are you?” Alyse demanded, gripping the lad’s shoulder, fear in her heart for the boy seemed frightened out of his wits.

For more Medieval Monday snippets, click here. And be sure to return for the next installment of Seduction at the Christmas Court or grab a copy on Amazon, Smashwords, or Barnes & Noble now!

Time Enough to Love Series

(Available on Amazon, and Free on Kindle Unlimited.)

Posted in Jenna Jaxon, Medieval Monday, Medieval Mondays, On Time Enough to Love, Seduction at the Christmas Court | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 10/18/20 Heart of Delight: A Lovely Thank You

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors!

This month I’m highlighting my Handful of Hearts series by putting each of four of the novellas on sale, one each week in October and offering a ghostly Regency romance short story, Hearts at All Hallow’s Eve, in the same series for FREE on Smashwords and B & N (On Amazon it’s .99) thru October 31.

This week’s featured book from Handful of Hearts is Heart of Delight.

 

Here’s the blurb:

BLURB:

He’ll do anything to be her heart’s delight—except tell the truth.

Gabriella d’Adventure is on a mission. She has come to England as a lady’s maid in pursuit of the Duke of Rother. When she meets Horace Carpenter, valet to a marquess, she is delighted to enlist his aid in gaining her heart’s desire: a meeting with the duke. But will her growing feelings for the handsome valet interfere with her plans for the duke?

The eccentric Marquess of Halford, Hal to his friends, is tired of the demands of Society, especially his father’s decree that he marry this Season. When a breathtaking young woman intrudes on his solitude, he is captivated and introduces himself as his valet in hopes of learning more about her. Despite his fear about the true motive behind Gabriella’s quest to meet the Duke of Rother, Hal agrees to help her gain an audience with him, all the while praying his deception won’t ruin his chances of winning her love.

Gabriella has just met Horace, a valet to an English marquess who promises to help her meet the Duke of Rother. We are in Gabriella’s POV.

EXCERPT:

“Is there any other English duke so attractive, so splendid, so noble?”

“I grant you, the duke is a fine specimen of an English nobleman,” Monsieur Carpenter’s face had paled, “however, this may prove more difficult than I first believed.”

“Will you help me, monsieur?” Artifice had gone and Gabriella spoke from her heart.

He closed his eyes and nodded. “I will speak to my master about it–if anyone can arrange it, he can.” A long pause, and the valet opened his deep brown eyes and sighed.

“Oh, monsieur, merci, merci,” she said, and flung her arms around him. At last she would meet the Duke of Rother.

Monsieur Carpenter, instead of letting her go, pulled her closer.

And now to finish the scene :

She tried to push back, but he enfolded her in his arms, drew her toward his warm body. Then his mouth met hers. His soft, insistent lips sent a thrill through her she’d not experienced before. Relaxing against him, she gave herself over to pure pleasure as their mouths dissolved into one another. A delightful heat sizzled in her veins. She should not have been enjoying this, yet the tingles he caused to skitter up and down her spine could not be denied.

At last, he broke the kiss and stepped back. “That was the loveliest thank you I have ever received.”

Gabriella came slowly back to the balcony, the music, and thanked God for the dimness of the candles, half burned out in their sconces on the wall. Heat seared her cheeks, and she danced back from this stranger. “I beg your pardon, Monsieur Carpenter. You made me forget myself.”

“You can forget yourself with me any time you like, Mademoiselle d’Aventure.”

Heart of Delight is available on Amazon, Smashwords, Kobo, and Apple for .99.

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

Posted in A Handful of Hearts, Blog Hops, Heart of Delight, Historical Romance, Promotion, Weekend Writing Warriors | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments