Interview with Gina Danna and The Wicked North

Posted on December 16, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Today I’m interviewing fellow historical romance author Gina Danna about her Civil War romance The Wicked North.

Gina Danna, Historical Romance Author

First of all, tell us a little bit about your new release. This is a story about my favorite time period – the American Civil War (officially called The War of the Rebellion)

I am a BIG fan of the Civil War period. It was one of my specialties when I was in undergrad school. I grew up across from the Crater National Battlefield in Petersburg, VA, so it’s kind of steeped into me. 🙂

What was your inspiration for this story? My love of that period. So defining in who we are as a nation.

I am a fanatic about my character names. Are the character names special in any way? Emma, the heroine, her family name and various names are my family’s names, through my mother’s side. My maternal family dates back here in the “New World” in the 1600s.

What was your process for writing this book? Is this different or the same as other books you’ve written? This book was somewhat outlined – vaguely outlined really. The difference was it took me longer to write because, as much as I myself demand historical accuracy, I knew this period and the people who study it, would pick up anything, even minute, that was wrong so had to be correct down to the ‘t’.

This is so true in so many periods. Regency readers demand that degree of accuracy as well.

Do you have plans for a sequel to this book? Am currently writing book 2, with the beginning of book 3 written and book 4 stirring in my muse…

Who was the first romance author and book you read? Kathleen Woodiwiss – The Flame and The Flower.

Mine was her The Wolf and the Dove!

If you could have one wish granted just for you (not world peace, LOL), what would you wish for? That animal abuse/enthusiasm was eliminated and abusers convicted to true sentences.

Amen to that!

Now, the Lightning Round:

What is your favorite amusement park ride? Rollercoaster

Tea or coffee? Coffee in am, tea pm

French manicure or color (and if color, what color)? French Manicure

Beach or mountains? Beach!!!!!

Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate!!!

Boxers, briefs or commando? Boxers

Blond, brunette or redhead? (preferred men’s hair color) Brunette

Would you rather skydive or scuba dive? Neither

Would you rather vacation in Hawaii, Vegas or London? London!

What’s the one thing you would never do? Ski!

Well done, Gina! You survived the Lightning Round! LOL Now that’s hurry on to your Civil War romance, The Wicked North. And I love that cover! Absolutely gorgeous!

The Wicked North

(Book 1, Hearts Touched by Fire)

Bound by duty and honor to wear the Union blue, a Southern-born West Point officer fights his own desires and the need to protect the woman he abandoned, he disobeys his orders to find her, as the Army of the Potomac marches toward her family’s home near Richmond.

She has the guts and willpower to protect her home from the hated Yankee aggressors, but when that traitor to the South appears at her door, she’s torn between wanting to shoot him and to be held in his arms again. Can she forgive him for their past indiscretion or does she turn him in to be executed, a traitor to both sides?

In the summer of 1862, her family’s plantation becomes the personal battle ground between them as deceit, betrayal and passion ignite the flames of love and hate that burn brighter than the roar of the guns and rivers of blood surrounding them.

An Excerpt:

Find out where your enemy is. Get at him as soon as you can, and strike him as hard as you can. And keep moving on!

~General U.S. Grant~

Virginia, June 1862

Emma Silvers was not afraid to shoot Yankees.

She leveled the .57 caliber Enfield rifle at the line of blue coats standing before her porch at Rose Hill that evening. She counted ten men, fully armed and wielding torches. They reeked of wet wool, sweat and gun powder–a noxious mixture combined with the scent of pink roses surrounding the house. Bile rose in her throat. She swallowed hard.

The officer took a step forward. In the dim light, she couldn’t discern his face, though she saw him flinch as she pointed the muzzle at him.

“I want you off my land, now,” she demanded, her voice remarkably even despite her pounding heart. At twenty-two years and virtually alone, she knew one able-bodied man could easily overwhelm her. With no able men and few slaves remaining, she only had bravado left.

“Now, ma’am,” the Union officer began. He spoke like a gentleman, but, dressed in blue, he was an imposter as far as she was concerned.

Jeremiah, just behind her right shoulder, cocked the hammer on his rifle—a welcome sound to her ears. Good boy, Emma thought. If the Yankees didn’t believe she was a threat, she hoped the armed slave boy next to her got the message across. She wasn’t allowing any soldiers on her property again.

The rifle felt heavier by the minute, making her muscles ache, and she feared she’d drop it. The weapon was foreign to her hands, but as the war raged closer to her home, she learned to use it. She wasn’t very good at it, but, as close as the Yankees were, she was bound to hit one of them. She didn’t want to pull the trigger. The gun’s recoil would knock her off her feet, throwing her aim off. With so few bullets left, she’d hate to lose the shot.

The light streamed through the open front door across the officer as he stepped onto the porch. She saw his face and the nose of the gun slipped. Jack Fontaine, that good-for-nothing traitor! How dare he come here, especially after what had happened last summer? Rage took control and gave her the added strength to pull the muzzle up to his chest as she cocked the trigger.

“Emma, please,” he said softly. He looked at her the same way he had that night months ago, his green eyes glowing like emeralds in the light. She remembered those eyes, those mesmerizing emerald eyes. They were all hers the night she had lost her heart to him. The night he had betrayed her. Her anger flared. No. Not this time. Not again, she vowed. Gritting her teeth, Emma narrowed her gaze.

“Get away from me, Jack, or I swear to God, I’ll blow a hole through you and send you straight to hell!”

Inside the house, a babe wailed. Emma instinctively turned. Jack reached for her and she panicked, squeezing the trigger. The rifle exploded, throwing her backwards, pain shooting into her shoulder. But instead of falling, she found herself in Jack’s arms as they wrapped around her, shielding her back from the impact of the wooden floor.

The patrol stormed onto the porch and into the house. Lying in his embrace, his body shielding hers as his troops marched past them, Emma couldn’t breathe. Her eyes were wide open. She felt the heat of him around her. The scent of him invaded her senses. Warm, masculine, and spicy rolled into one. She fought the heat in her belly, but it was hard as his eyes locked onto hers, his lips only inches away.

She closed her eyes. Behind her, the wailing continued, and she heard the thud of soldiers’ boots inside. Her jaw tightened as she glared at him. “Get off me, Jack.”

The Wicked North is available at the following retailers:

Kindle – http://bit.ly/1Pon7vu

Amazon (Print) – http://bit.ly/28WjPRY

iBooks – http://apple.co/28YOVIS

Nook – http://bit.ly/2993TOj

Barnes & Noble (Print) – http://bit.ly/299ALbo

Kobo – http://bit.ly/29g6iVS

Posted in About the Author, Guest Posts, Historical Romance, New Release, on Victorian Romance, Promotion | Tagged American romance, Civil War romance, Gina Danna, historical romance, The Wicked North | 13 Comments

Christmas Gifts for the Romance Writer

Posted on December 15, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

I did this same post a few years ago, but as I was making out my Christmas list for my family, I thought I’d re-visit it the idea and see what new goodies might be out there, both practical and simply for fun items.

#12 ~ Writer Mugs

Always popular, give your romance writer a gift she will enjoy every morning with her first cup of tea or coffee. There are tons of writer related sayings and at Cafe Press, you can get these mugs as a regular mug, a large mug, or a stainless steel travel mug. The one for the Historical Romance Writer has gone on my Christmas list. Prices start at $14.99.

#11 ~ Starbucks Gift Cards

Something to put in those Writers mugs!

#10 ~ Posters

For inspiration. There are lots of these out on the internet. These are just two I really liked. There’s even one company that will make one with your own inspirational quote.

#9 ~ Totes

We all love totes to haul our junk around in, so what better way to re-affirm your writer’s sense of pride. Not only romance writers in general, but one specific to Paranormal Romance Writers.

#8 ~ Writing Accessories

These include journals, writing implements, stationary, cards, quills. Everything your Romance Writer would love to have to make her feel special.

#7 ~ Laptop Bed Tray

To go with those writing accessories and your computer. For those mornings when you want to write, but not get out of bed. And if a certificate for breakfast in bed accompanied this item, your writer would be in hog heaven! (I sure know I would!)

#6 ~ Writer Themed Jewelry

Necklaces, earrings, bracelets, keychains. Any kind of jewelry it seems can be found with a writerly theme. I’d love to have some of these.

#5 ~ Custom Mini Book Necklace

A very special piece of jewelry for your Romance writer. I found a seller on Etsy (FromMeTuYou) who will make a custom mini book charm as a necklace, so if your Romance writer has a published book with a cover, you can send them a picture of that cover and make it into something she will treasure forever.

#4 ~ Writer Themed T-Shirts

These are all over the place, specific to writers in general and to romance writers specifically in some cases. I also love the ones from Lithograph that have 75,000 words of your favorite novel on them with a design. They have a huge variety, including my fave Outlander and the historical romance writer’s icon: Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

Outlander T-Shirt

Romance novelists do it between the sheets

Top 10 Reasons to Write Romance

#3 ~ Promotional Package

A couple of years ago a writer friend of mine gifted me with a promotional package with one of the companies she had done promotion with, A Girl and Her Kindle. I thought this was a fantastic idea, because every writer needs to do promotion, which takes both time and money. This is truly the gift that will delight your writer, almost as much as #2.

#2 ~ A Book Review

If you want to gift an author with something they will love, a review of one of their books will be a delight. Gift one of their books to one of your friends and ask them to leave a brief review. Encourage everyone you know to leave reviews for all authors. It will give them a very happy holiday

#1 ~ A Writer’s Retreat

This is the number one item on my Christmas list, a 3-day writing retreat at a bed and breakfast that caters to writers up in the mountains of Virginia. Despite the time it would take to travel to this retreat, three days of uninterrupted writing time would make it well worth the drive. Really any place where I would not have to cook, clean, or answer the phone, and only have to focus on my writing, would be the best Christmas present ever. After the stress of the holidays and family time that takes you away from writing, writers are ready to get back to work. Give the gift of a solitary sojourn, even to a local hotel, where your writer can once more concentrate on what she loves to do best: write.

I hope this gave you some ideas for your gift giving this year…and for your Christmas lists, authors! Hope Santa brings you lots of these goodies!

Do you have other suggestions for gifts for authors? Authors, do you have a gift you’d like to find under your tree this Christmas?

As my present to one random commenter, I’ll be giving away a copy of my new Christmas novella,

Seduction at the Christmas Court.

Posted in Giveaways, Holiday Posts, Writer's Life | Tagged Christmas gifts for writers, Gifts for the Romance Writer, Jenna Jaxon, romance writer gifts, writer's mugs, writer's t-shirts, writing desk | 10 Comments

Jenna Jaxon’s 12 Books of Christmas Giveaway Winners!

Posted on December 13, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Yesterday we had a great time with all the wonderful readers who dropped in to check out the 12 Books authors! Lots of people looking for new authors and I certainly hope you found some.

Now, without further ado, here are the winners of the 2016 12 Book of Christmas:

Grand Prize Winner of all 12 Books

Debby 236

*throws holly*

And the winners of the individual authors’ giveaways:

Jenna Jaxon’s A Kiss Beneath the Mistletoe in the Lovin’Christmas anthology

Rachael Clemmons

Marie Higgins’ Dreaming of You

Leeanna C

Teresa Cypher’s Raff’s Christmas Miracle in the Let It Snow! anthology

Marilyn

Joan

Peggy Clayton

Beppie Harrison’s The Divided Heart

Jo Ann Hunter

Ella Quinn’s Miss Featherton’s Christmas Prince

Pat

Al winners will be contacted via email by the author whose book you won. The grand prize winner will be contacted by all authors.

My great thanks to my 12 Books of Christmas authors

You Rock Around the Christmas Tree, Ladies!

D’ANN LINDUN ~ A BLACK MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS

DONNA HATCH~A WINTER’S KNIGHT

PATRICIA GREEN~CHARITY AND THE PREACHER

SARAH BALLANCE~THE 48-HOUR HOOK-UP

MELISSA KEIR~A CHRISTMAS ACCIDENT

TERESA CYPHER~LET IT SNOW!

MARIE HIGGINS~HER OWN FAIRY GODMOTHER

BEPPIE HARRISON~TWO RINGS FOR CHRISTMAS

RUTH A. CASIE~I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

MARY MORGAN~A MAGICAL HIGHLAND SOLSTICE

ELLA QUINN~MADELINE’S CHRISTMAS WISH

Here’s wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season!

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Jenna Jaxon’s 12 Books of Christmas Giveaway

Posted on December 12, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

December 12 seems a magical date to me. It conjures up images good things to come, like Twelfth Night and The Twelve Days of Christmas. So I wanted to bring everyone my special post again this year.

This is my third (sort of) annual 12 Books of Christmas post (I had to skip a few years) but I’m back now and this year I’ve got some more fantastic Christmas books for you to consider from a dozen award-winning and best-selling authors!

So pour yourself a cup of eggnog, or cocoa, or Starbucks Gingerbread Latte (my personal favorite), grab some Christmas cookies, and settle down for some Christmas Cheer.

And here’s an even bigger Christmas present for you: Make a comment at the end of the post and one lucky commenter will win ALL TWELVE BOOKS listed here! Some of the authors are also offering additional giveaways, so more than one person’s Christmas wish may come true!

1. Seduction at the Christmas Court by Jenna Jaxon

Alyse and Geoffrey, Lord and Lady Longford, have journeyed to the 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 the 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 an old friendship. But how long will he take “No” for an answer?

Seduction at the Christmas Court is available at Amazon, Smashwords, and B & N.

I’m also giving to another lucky commenter, a copy of my Regency Christmas novella, A Kiss Beneath the Mistletoe now in the Christmas anthology Lovin’ Christmas–Believe in the Season.

2. A Black Mountain Christmas by D’Ann Lindun

Noelle Jackson would rather find coal in her stocking than spend Christmas in Black Mountain, Colorado. But her best friend’s wedding means putting aside her reluctance. What she doesn’t count on is falling hard for a sexy cowboy who changes her mind about love.

When an angel driving a red Mustang runs Nick Hadley’s sleigh off the road, his first reaction is indignation. His second is awe. The beautiful woman makes him forget his past and look straight into the future. If he takes a chance on love, she will change his life forever.

Available at Amazon Buy Link:

3. Charity and the Preacher by Patricia Green

The new preacher in Virtue is in love with the town’s most charitable person. But Charity has a terrible secret keeping them apart.

Secrets run deep in the town of Virtue, Arizona Territory. And Charity Bucknell, second eldest of the Bucknell sisters, has her own horrible secret as well. Instead of risking shame and the torment of being shunned, Charity throws herself into charitable causes, most of which are based in the town’s church. Although no one on the outside can see her secret burden, she knows it’s there, and knowing it, she believes it makes her unmarriageable and beyond redemption.

Pastor Paul Cambridge is given the ministry of Virtue and takes his responsibilities and calling seriously. When he meets his church assistant, Charity, he is instantly taken with her. However, he has secrets of his own. Secrets keeping him from telling the truth about himself, even to the woman he loves.

Charity resists Paul’s attention, though she’d like nothing more than to accept the handsome preacher’s proposal. Every kiss and touch they share brings them closer together, though their inner fears keep them apart. Can Charity and Paul risk telling each other the secrets that shame and control them, or will they admit the truth and build a life together based on honesty and respect?

Note: This book contains the spanking of adult women and one erotic encounter. If these things offend you, please do not buy this book.

Charity and the Preacher releases on December 22, 2016.

4. A Winter’s Knight by Donna Hatch

A young lady’s fascination with a murdering earl and his dark castle lands her in the heart of an ancient and terrible secret. It will take more than a Christmas kiss underneath the mistletoe to break the curse and find a happily ever after.

Available at Amazon.

**5. The 48-Hour Hookup by Sarah Ballance**

Who knew a sweaty photo would be good for business?

Now unwanted booty calls are coming in as fast as work orders, and Liam Chase needs to get away. Cue a job upstate. His new client is hot as hell, but he left NYC to escape attention, not to hook up with the city’s “Runaway Bride”.

With three disastrous relationships under her belt, it’s clear Claire Stevens’s judgment sucks. And what she’s feeling for America’s newest sex god? Obviously another hormone-fueled mistake.

But when she accidentally fells a tree on his truck, leaving them stranded in a winter storm with a chocolate-snatching raccoon, there’s something to be said for body heat.

Too bad neither can trust their explosive chemistry…

Sarah is also giving away a signed paperback copy of The 48-Hour Hookup (ships INT but she reserves the right to substitute a $15 gift card from Amazon.com for INT addresses)

Buy links and read the entire first chapter for free @ http://entangledpublishing.com/the-48-hour-hookup/

6. A Christmas Accident by Melissa Keir

Expecting her first child, Sherri Wilder Davison wants nothing more than to spend time

with her father over the holidays, but fate has a way of changing her best-laid plans.

Adam Davison is willing to do anything to make his pregnant wife happy. He will face hell to have her home for the holidays.

For Sherri and Adam, the holidays are a time of celebration and love, but this Christmas will be unlike any they have ever faced.

When a horrible blizzard causes an automobile accident that puts the lives of those Sherri loves on the line, can a Christmas miracle save them?

Available at Amazon and iTunes.

7. Raff’s Christmas Miracle by Teresa Cypher

Raff’s Christmas Miracle in the Let It Snow! Christmas Anthology

Raff, retired and alone, befriends Mandy-a single mother of two who lives down the road from him. The young woman reminds him of Angie, his high school sweetheart and the only girl he ever loved. He and Angie had planned to spend their lives together, but many years before, on the Christmas they announced they were getting married; her father whisked her away to find a good man, the “right” man.

Three months before Christmas, when the rat-infested mobile home Angie rents burns to the ground, he offers to let them stay with him in his big, old farmhouse.

Their short stay turns into a longer one, and Raff discovers that he likes having children in the house, and he likes Mandy’s company. She’s alone in the world, and he wants to help her and her kids get back on their feet.

As the holidays approach, while Mandy finds her birth mother and then has to choose whether to meet her or not, Raff is forced to face his memories of the Christmas long ago when Angie broke it off with one phone call, and then she moved away.

Is there still room in his heart for the one true Christmas miracle? The miracle of love.

Teresa is giving away three copies of Let it Snow! in addition to the Grand Prize.

Let it Snow! is available on Smashwords, Kindle, and in Paperback .

8. Her Own Fairy Godmother by Marie Higgins

Cynthia Randall’s neighbor is all wrong for her. Rich and handsome, Damien Giovanni’s love ’em and leave ’em lifestyle isn’t a fit for her. Cyndi wants it all—the love, the romance, the white picket fence, and someday children. When the new Channel Nine Anchorman shows up at her station, Cyndi sets her sights on her old high school crush, Maxwell Harrington. Of course, he doesn’t remember her, but thanks to the Internet, Cyndi is armed and ready to make him her boyfriend—an easy no-fail method “Ten Ways to Win a Man”.

Damien knows Max plays fast and loose, and Damien refuses to let Cyndi’s heart be broken again. He offers to help her—to be her own fairy godmother. Although her boss and two co-workers make her feel like Cinderella at times, he’d going to get closer to Cyndi and show her the wonderful woman he knows she is…and yes, he wants to win her heart.

But which man will Cyndi want? It’s easy to lose track of who’s wrong or right.

Available on Kindle and in paperback .

Marie will also be giving away another one of her Christmas stories, Dreaming of You.

**9. Two Rings for Christmas by Beppie Harrison**

This lovely Christmas book takes place in Donegal, the beautiful but stony county at the farthest northwest corner of Ireland, two hundred years ago. It’s the story of a young Irishman, Fergus, unable to find work in Donegal, who immigrates to Boston to make some money so he can return and marry his true love, Jenny. Three long years he works, until he can pay for his passage back, has some coins in his pocket, and has bought a golden ring for Jenny. But when he comes home to Donegal for Christmas, is Jenny still waiting?

Available at Amazon and iTunes.

**10. I’ll Be Home For Christmas by Ruth A. Casie**

I’ll Be Home For Christmas is in the Timeless Moments ~ The Final Chapter Christmas Anthology

In the quaint seaside town of Havenport, Rhode Island, five couples find their happily ever afters with a little help from the romance section of The Final Chapter bookstore.

I’ll Be Home for Christmas
What does a best-selling romance author do when she’s lost her muse? Maybe a handsome stranger holds the key. Or maybe he’s her worst nightmare.

Available at Amazon.

**11. A Magical Highland Solstice by Mary Morgan**

Laird Cormac Murray has witnessed how love destroyed his own father after the death of his mother, and he vows to never take a wife. Yet, when he comes upon a bewildered lass traveling alone, he finds his heart will no longer listen to his mind. In the end, Cormac risks everything to claim the love of a woman not of his time.

Eve Brannigan loves helping others and baking. After winning a contest, she is stunned to learn that the Clan Murray has requested her assistance to cater to their guests during the holiday season. When a lost path in Scotland leads her to a handsome but gruff Highlander, Eve fights the temptation to allow love to enter her heart for the first time.

Can the Fae and the magic of the Yule season bring together two souls who have forsaken love? Or will tragedies from the past separate the lovers forever?

Available at Amazon.

**12. Madeline’s Christmas Wish by Ella Quinn**

A French spy, Georges, Marquis Cruzy-le-Châtel, has lived in England for years, sacrificing his life for his country—but not his heart. For he’s never been able to forget his childhood friend, Madeleine. And now, in her hour of need, he is there to rescue her. . .

The victim of a ruthless statesman, Madeleine, Comtesse du Beaune, has been abducted and sent to England to work in a brothel. Her greatest wish is to return home for Christmas, and her only hope of it is to marry Georges—though she will be his wife in name alone. Yet as they steal across the snowy countryside, Georges decides to woo her—with kisses that melt the winter’s frost and leave her longing for a holiday miracle. . .

Available at Amazon.

Ella is also giving away a copy of her other Christmas book, Miss Featherton’s Christmas Prince.

Merry Christmas from all the 12 Books of Christmas authors.

May your holidays grant you your own Happy Ever After!

Please don’t forget to leave a comment with your email address if you want to participate in the giveaways. It would be helpful also if you indicate which giveaways you would like to enter or if all, simply say all. Thank you again for visiting today. I hope you enjoyed our little stroll through the 12 Books of Christmas.

(Images courtesy Wikimedia Commons)

The 12 Books of Christmas Giveaway is now CLOSED!

Posted in Book Spotlights, Giveaways, Holiday Posts, On Holiday Stories, Promotion, Spotlights | Tagged 12 Books of Christmas, Beppie Harrison, book giveaway, Christmas romances, Christmas stories, contemporary romance, D'Ann Lindun, Donna Hatch, Ella Quinn, historical romance, Holiday romances, Jenna Jaxon, Marie Higgins, Mary Morgan, Melisa Keir, Patricia Green, reading romance, Ruth A. Casie, Sarah Ballance, Teresa Cypher | 63 Comments

Medieval Monday: Celebration! ~ Bambi Lynn’s Marek

Posted on December 12, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Celebration!

is our theme for this round of Medieval Monday!

Join us as we celebrate weddings, holidays, and all manner of medieval events!

This week’s excerpt is from

Bambi Lynn’s

Marek

Excerpt:

Marek’s family sat with them, although Bryn sat at one of the trestle tables, a better vantage point for grabbing the backside of every passing serving girl. As she looked around the great hall, Kitty thought every villager in Stonebridge must be in attendance. Many had never been to a feast as grand as this.

There was no corn or sweet potatoes, but Vale and Bryn had managed to hunt down a flock of birds remarkably like turkeys. There was no end to the bread stuffing, gravy, even stewed cranberries. Kitty herself had been guiding the cooks for a week to prepare enough food for everyone. They had even baked over one hundred pumpkin pies for dessert.

“My lady,” Bryn called from the floor below. “Tell me again the name you have given this feast.”

“Thanksgiving,” Kitty shouted back to him. “While you’re eating, you have to go around the table and tell about something you’re thankful for.”

Marek reached over and squeezed her hand.

Thane, who sat next to Bria, leaned behind his niece to speak to her. “Sister,” he said with a lowered voice only she could hear. “I have been forced to contend with talk of you among many of the villagers. It is not wise for you to suddenly appear out of a fire. I can only do so much to protect you. I beg you not do it again.”

Kitty smiled at him. “I promise.” She reached beneath the table and pulled out one of the carpet bags she’d brought with her. “I have something for you.”

When she handed him the portable Play Station, he looked at her like she might indeed be from the devil. Kitty smiled. “It’s a game. Watch.” She pushed the little machine beneath the table and away from prying eyes.

Thane nearly dropped the PSP when it lit up. “Shh. You’ll have to keep it secret. This is an easy game called PacMan. You have to move him through the path and eat as many of these little dots as possible. But don’t get caught.”

Kitty left Thane to the wonder of electronic video games and moved to sit next to Remi. He looked at her skeptically, but over the last few days, his animosity towards her had dimmed some. She reached into her bag and pulled out a portable DVD player. She had already loaded the Robin Hood movie.

Remi barely breathed as the credits started. “Don’t watch it now. If you’re caught, we might all be burned at the stake. But pay particular attention to the parts about Prince John.”

She caught Bryn’s attention as he was in between wenches and motioned for him to join her. She pulled a handful of Legos from her bag and spread them out on the table, hoping no one nearby was paying them any attention. “Look…you can snap them together, pull them apart. I have a whole box of them for you in my room. They come in all sizes and colors and you can build anything out of them.”

Adin and Vale were enveloped in ladies, so Kitty decided their gifts could wait. Vale would not need his bullet-proof vest for several months yet. Adin would have years to perfect his technique with help from the pristine copy of The Karma Sutra she’d gotten him.

By midnight, Bria had crawled into Thane’s lap and fallen asleep. Kitty would have to give her the Barbie doll later. Vanesa, however, was having the time of her life. She leaned forward to peer around the massive form of her stepfather. “Mom!” When Kitty looked across at her, Vanesa held up her goblet of weak ale. “Huzzah!” They both laughed as Kitty toasted with her. “This is so much better than the Renaissance Festival.”

“What is this ‘renaissance’?” Marek asked.

Kitty smiled and shook her head. “Come carry Bria up to bed. I have a gift for you.”

Blurb:

Boring accountant, Kitty Petty, struggles to get through each day one at a time since the brutal murder of her husband. She spends every free moment caring for her young daughter, until the night she wakes to find her bed on fire.

Kitty doesn’t know how she got to the year 1196, much less how to get back. But if she doesn’t, her daughter will be institutionalized. Having failed to save her child from the clutches of a madman. Kitty vows to protect her future. But going back to her time means risking her own life and separating her from the knight she has grown to love.

Marek Stone wants to protect his wife from the people of Stonebridge. Katherine has been declared a demon after her miraculous rise from the funeral pyre, and the villagers want justice.

Kitty doesn’t know how she got to the year 1196, much less how to get back. But she must if she has any hope of saving her daughter. However, the knight who loves her will do anything to make her stay.

Buy Link:

Available at Amazon

Posted in Medieval Monday, Medieval Romance, Promotion | Tagged Bambi Lynn, Celebration theme, historical romance, Marek, Medieval Monday, medieval romance | Leave a comment

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 12/11/16 Seduction at the Christmas Court: The Mummer’s Play

Posted on December 11, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Mea culpa, mea culpa for last week. I really tried to get to everyone’s blog who visited me, but between two books going live unexpectedly on the same day, I just couldn’t catch up. I’ll be by to visit all those I didn’t get to last week and read both last week’s and this week’s snippets. Looking forward to it!

Now for another snippet from my new medieval Christmas story, Seduction at the Christmas Court. This book continues the story begun in Time Enough to Love and its hero Lord Geoffrey Longford and heroine Lady Alyse de Courcy, now Lady Longford. This snippet highlights one of the customs of the medieval Christmas–the mummer’s play.

Seduction at the Christmas Court is available on Amazon now!

The book begins in December 1349, about seven months after the end of Time Enough to Love.

There were lots of Christmas traditions in medieval times, one of which was the mummer’s play. A traveling troupe of players would come to the noble houses at Christmas to put on a play and hopefully gain money or food for the enacting of it. The play always revolved around St. George and a group of outlandish knights. I’ll leave the rest to my snippet.

The mummer playing St. George took the center spot in the Great Hall and began a sing-song rhyme that soon had the court laughing at its nonsense. A stream of knights—played in turn by the other mummers—approached, made their rhyming challenge, and were quickly slain by St. George, whose wielding of his sword became swifter and swifter. He slayed the knights in such short order that by the time he faced the final knight, he did no more than look at the Turkish knight than the man fell down, his toes jingling softly as he landed on the soft rushes covering the floor.

A burst of laughter and applause followed that performance as the quack Doctor shuffled forward, his “magic potion” in a large bottle, gripped in his hand.

Thoroughly engrossed, Alyse laughed and clapped her hands. She held her breath and leaned forward as the Doctor poured the potion down the throats of the slain knights, spoke his own rhyme over them, and one by one, they began to twitch and dance, the rush-strewn floor seeming to come alive as they did. The room resounded with merriment as all seven knights revived.

Blurb:

Lord and Lady Longford journey to the 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 the 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 an old friendship. But how long will he take “No” for an answer?

Books in the Time Enough to Love series:

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

Posted in Historical Romance, Medieval Romance, On Time Enough to Love, On Weekend Writing Warriors, Promotion, Seduction at the Christmas Court, Weekend Writing Warriors | Tagged Christmas novella, historical romance novella, holiday story, Jenna Jaxon, medieval romance, mummer's play, Seduction at the Christmas Court, Time Enough to Love series, Weekend Writing Warriors | 25 Comments

Lovin’ Christmas Boxed Set

Posted on December 9, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

I actually had two releases this week:

Seduction at the Christmas Court and this boxed set,

Lovin’ Christmas–Believe in the Season!

Seven best-selling and award-winning authors have put together a wonderful smorgasbord of Christmas romance stories:

SEVEN STORIES TO WARM YOUR HEART AND HAVE YOU FALLING IN LOVE AGAIN…

A SEAL for Christmas by Jennifer Lowery
Navy SEAL Donovan Demarco is looking to spend a quiet family Christmas, but an accident puts Cloe Carter’s life in danger and he is honor-bound to protect her. Will the threat against them tear them apart or will this holiday season mend their broken hearts?

This Christmas by K.S. Thomas
When college freshmen Anna decides to bring her roommate Danielle home for Christmas, it only leads to awkward moments, misunderstandings and surprise encounters under the mistletoe…with Anna’s very handsome, very single, very best friend – Lindsay.
The Holidays are sure to be interesting as Anna figures out just what exactly it is she wants ‘This Christmas’.

A Christmas Accident by Melissa Keir
For Sherri and Adam, the holidays are a time of celebration and love, but this Christmas will be unlike any they have ever faced.
When a horrible blizzard causes an automobile accident that puts the lives of those Sherri loves on the line, can a Christmas miracle save them?

Coal in her Stocking by RaeAnne Hadley
Jack and Rena are devoted to their family but are slowly slipping away from each other. Will a life decision tear their family apart before Christmas? Will Rena get her Christmas wish or will she find coal in her stocking?

A Kiss Beneath the Mistletoe by Jenna Jaxon
At eighteen, Jenny Crowley finds her life a shambles and herself betrothed to Alexander Isley, the boy next door. When Jenny refuses to marry Alec, her aunt offers to whisk her away to a Christmas house party to meet an alternative match. Alec follows Jenny to the house party in hopes of convincing her of his love in time to save her from being ruined under the mistletoe.

All I Want for Christmas by Deb Julienne
Rafe Donnelly hates everything to do with the holidays. Ali Sanders is a single mother, juggling two jobs and missing most of her son’s childhood. Who knew a little boy’s Santa wish could change so many lives?

A Black Mountain Christmas by D’Ann Lindun
Noelle Jackson would rather find coal in her stocking than spend Christmas in Black Mountain, Colorado, but her best friend’s wedding means putting aside her reluctance. When an angel driving a red Mustang runs Nick Hadley’s sleigh off the road, his first reaction is indignation. His second is awe. If he takes a chance on love, she will change his life forever.

This set is available at Amazon, both for purchase and through Kindle Unlimited.

Hope this makes your Christmas extra merry and bright!

Posted in A Kiss Beneath the Mistletoe, Lovin' Christmas, Promotion | Tagged Christmas boxed romance set, Christmas romances, D'Ann Lindun, Deb Julienne, Holiday romances, Jenna Jaxon, Jennifer Lowrey, K.S. Thomas, Lovin' Christmas, Melissa Keir, RaeAnne Hadley | 1 Comment

Release Day for Seduction at the Christmas Court!

Posted on December 6, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

At long last, my medieval Christmas novella, Seduction at the Christmas Court has released!

This novella continues the story of Alyse and Geoffrey, the heroine and hero from the Time Enough to Love series.

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:

“This entertainment will be tedious. I would much rather retire for a good night’s bedding right now,” he whispered, the puff of his breath tickling her ear and sending prickles of excitement down her neck.

She laced their fingers together. “’Twill be finished ‘ere long, my love. Then you can wield your weapon with a vigor yon knights cannot.”

He laughed and drank deeply. “Aye, sweet Alyse. My skill with both weapons outshines any other knight.”

“As you will not want me to be judge of that, I think, I will demur to your claim, although I will test your skills again with the one blade ‘ere the night is done.”

At Geoffrey’s bark of laughter—so loud it turned heads on the dais their way—Alyse settled back to watch the mummers, her cheeks burning, but a pleasant anticipation building within as well.

A burst of laughter and applause followed that performance as the quack Doctor shuffled forward, his “magic potion” in a large bottle, gripped in his hand.

Loud applause burst out from the courtiers, many of whom threw gold and silver coins onto the floor. Geoffrey tossed a gold florin to the Turkish knight. “For my lady’s pleasure,” he called.

The man nimbly caught the coin and made a deep bow. “Thank you, my lord.”

With a lecherous grin, Geoffrey grasped Alyse’s arm and urged her to rise. “And now allow me to attend to my lady’s pleasure as well.”

Seduction at the Christmas Court is now available at

Amazon and Smashwords.

Celebration Giveaway!!

To celebrate my new release, I’m giving away one free copy of Seduction at the Christmas Court and one free copy of Lovin’ Christmas–Believe in the Season, a Christmas box set of seven Christmas tales from best-selling and award-winning authors. It includes my Regency Christmas novella A Kiss Beneath the Mistletoe.

To enter all you need to do is leave a comment below.

Beginning in January 2017, my newsletter will release once a month and each month all subscribers will be entered in a random drawing for a $5.00 gift card. When my subscriber list reaches 100, the gift card amount will increase to $10.00 each month.

Thanks so much for coming by to help me celebrate my eleventh historical publication!

Posted in Historical Romance, Holiday Posts, Medieval Romance, New Release, On Time Enough to Love, Promotion, Seduction at the Christmas Court | Tagged Christmas romance, court intrigue, holiday intrigue, Holiday romance, holiday seduction, Jenna Jaxon, Medieval Christmas story, medieval romance, mummers, Seduction at the Christmas Court | 7 Comments

Medieval Monday: Celebration! ~ Ruth A. Casie’s The Druid Knight Tales

Posted on December 5, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Celebration!

is our theme for this round of Medieval Monday!

Join us as we celebrate weddings, holidays, and all manner of medieval events!

This week’s excerpt is from

Ruth A. Casie’s

The Druid Knight Tales

Excerpt:

She woke before sunrise refreshed by a good night’s sleep. After her morning routine she picked up her staff and joined the others at the standing stones. Today, the shortest day of the year, they would welcome the day and celebrate the sacred marriage between Father Sky and Mother Earth. She waited while Doward finished cleansing and purifying the area for the Grand Master.

Ellyn and the people from all the clans proceeded through the outer circle to the Cove and its three standing stones. Doward came up to her. “Another year. They seem to hurry by.”

A wave of unease washed over her. She hardly made out what Doward said. She was too busy trying to control her rising apprehension.

The clans formed a large circle around the stones and waited. The Grand Master walked down the wide avenue and took his place. He stood beside her. She had imagined his tall, commanding presence quite correctly.

Everyone in the large circle faced east and waited for the sun to peek over the horizon. Slowly sunlight crept up and bathed the central Cove stone with its first rays of light.

“Hail and welcome,” declared Max.

“Hail and welcome,” the clans around him responded.

In unison they faced the center of the large circle.

“Hail this new day and year. We remember those who have left us. And we welcome those who have joined us by marriage, birth, or simply by choice.” He nodded toward Ellyn. “Ellyn of Brodgar, we welcome you into Fendrel’s clan.”

“Thank you, Grand Master.” Ellyn’s voice carried loud and clear. She faced Fendrel. “Thank you for making a place for me at your hearth.”

The first part of the morning ritual completed, the circle broke. She followed Max and the others as they made their way to the great oak in the nearby grove.

“Are you familiar with this part of the ritual?” Doward asked.

“Yes. The Grand Master will enter the Otherworld and meet with the Ancestors.”

“There is more to the ritual,” Doward said. “To ensure a good year and banish evil, when the Grand Master returns with the message from the Ancestors, the women will cut down and collect springs of mistletoe from the sacred oak tree. The Grand Master will give the sprigs to the families in the clan for them to hang in their house.”

Everyone gathered around the ancient oak. Once again she and Doward stood in the great circle next to the Grand Master.

Max waited for quiet before he faced the east and raised his arms. “Hail, Guardians of the East. I summon the power of air.” His voice echoed through the grove.

“By the air in her breath, be with us now,” the congregation replied.

He turned to the south. “Hail, Guardians of the South. I summon the power of fire.”

“By the fire in her spirit, be with us now,” came the reply.

He faced the west. “Hail, Guardians of the West. I summon the power of water.”

“By the waters of her womb, be with us now.”

Turning north he said, “Hail, Guardians of the North. I summon the power of earth.”

“By the earth that is her body, be with us now.” Every eye turned to Max when he faced the ancient oak, mistletoe hanging in great bunches from its mighty branches.

“As above, so below.

As within, so without.

Four stars in this place be

To open the door to the Ancestors to me.”

The cold air chilled even more and the sky turned an array of colors. Every muscle in Ellyn’s body tensed. This was magick she was not supposed to see. She must be too close to the Grand Master. She struggled to move away but was fixed to the spot. Slowly the world began to spin. She took a few deep breaths to steady herself, planted her staff deep into the ground, and held on. She peered through a hazy filter and witnessed Doward’s nod. She studied his lips silently mouthing, Safe journey.

Blurb:

Maximilian, the druid Grand Master, was given a year to find his soul mate. On the final day, the sacred mistletoe has shriveled and died—proclaiming his failure. He must do what no other Grand Master has done before and journey to meet with the Ancestors formally relinquish his title.

Ellyn of Brodgar has the gift of healing. But each use of her magick, through a kiss, depletes her energy and brings her closer to death. Time is running out as she searches for a way to continue saving lives—especially her own.

Max and Ellyn are tossed into the Otherworld together—a place filled with magick and wonder, it’s also fraught with danger, traps, and death. They have only until the third sunset to find the Ancestors, or be lost to the world forever. The domineering druid must work with the stubborn healer, not only for survival, but for the promise of the future—a future together.

Included an epilogue fifteen years later. See how the man destined for Max and Ellyn’s daughter takes the first steps in becoming a druid knight.

Arik, son of Fendrel and Dimia, prepares for training with his adopted brother, Bran, setting into motion a ripple effect that will carry love, betrayal, and death across the centuries.

Buy Link:

http://bit.ly/DruidKnightTales

Posted in Medieval Monday, Medieval Romance, Promotion | Tagged Celebration theme, historical romance, Medieval Monday, medieval romance, Ruth A. Casie, The Druid Knight Tales | 5 Comments

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 12/4/16 Seduction at the Christmas Court: The Boar Hunt

Posted on December 4, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

More snippets from my new medieval Christmas story, Seduction at the Christmas Court. This book continues the story begun in Time Enough to Love and its hero Lord Geoffrey Longford and heroine Lady Alyse de Courcy, now Lady Longford.

New cover revealed!

Weekend Warriors, I finally get to show off the real cover for Seduction at the Christmas Court!

The book begins in December 1349, about seven months after the end of Time Enough to Love.

Hunting was a favorite pastime in medieval England. In this snippet, Geoffrey and the other courtiers are hunting boar for Christmas dinner.

*Note: This excerpt is creatively punctuated to conform to the rules of WWW.

Photograph by Richard Bartz, Munich

The gray dog continued stalking to the left of its quarry, growling deep in its chest all the while. Geoffrey countered to the right, stepping carefully over the thick branches that littered the ground. One misstep and he could go down. The enraged boar would be on him before he could lift his dagger.

Almost in position, Geoffrey glanced at the stationary black dog, still baying like a banshee, signaled it to stay, then shouted, “Catch!”

As the gray dog leaped forward, a mighty roar erupted from the thicket behind Geoffrey.

Guy de Valere burst through the branches, dagger drawn. He stopped, stared at Geoffrey with a look of astonishment on his face then wrenched his attention back to the raging animal before him. It let out a great squeal and rushed toward them, absolute hatred in its small, round, black eyes.

Blurb: