Christmas in July Giveaway: The Widow’s Christmas Surprise Week #3

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

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

BLURB:

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

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

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

EXCERPT:

“I see it came back to you,” he steered them down the center of the pond toward the bulrushes at the end, then turned to head back up the far side.

“It did–this is so marvelous–I did not realize how much I had missed it until I started to skate.” Maria’s excitement was infectious. He’d not thought of skating since last year, but now the thrill of the speed—almost like flying—seemed one of the most exhilarating things he’d ever done. “Take my hands like this.”

He clasped her hands, left in left and right in right, until they faced one another, then he began to spin them around, faster and faster until the world sped by at a dizzying pace.

Maria leaned her head back, laughing up to the cloudless sky, her face more beautiful than he’d ever seen it.

He slowed them down until they stood facing one another, panting. “I love you.” Hugh managed to get the words out before he sank his mouth onto hers.

The kiss was quick—they were still both gasping for breath—then a gulp of air, then he kissed her again. Longer this time, pressing against her even as he wrapped his arms around her and drew her to him. Another breath and he settled in for a lengthy kiss that he deepened, delving through her lips, into her mouth, tasting all the entrancing flavors that were uniquely her. God, he would never get enough.

Slowly, he came back to his senses and broke the kiss, albeit reluctantly. Maria nestled her head on his chest, as though it was the most natural thing in the world to do on the middle of a frozen pond.

“Do you still want me to leave?”

 

WEEK #2 GIVEAWAY WINNER

SUE WAAGNER

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

GIVEAWAY:

This week to be entered in the giveaway, comment below telling me what your favorite Christmas cookie is–sugar cookies, butter cookies, peanut blossoms, thumbprints, gingerbread men/women…

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

Christmas Novellas by Jenna Jaxon

 

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 07/18/21 ~ Almost a Countess ~ A Personable Young Man

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

Because it releases in just 10 days, this week I’m switching back to Almost a Countess, book 2 of my Captivating Countesses series.

 

BLURB:

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

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

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

 

EXCERPT:

Dora sighed, her cheek resting on the still soaked shoulder of the man’s jacket. She’d likely behaved very foolishly taking him back to the house. Undoubtedly, the soldiers would appear looking for him either this evening or in the morning at the latest. What she would tell them she had no idea. Would she simply turn the man over to them or continue to give him sanctuary? Perhaps if she knew what crime he’d committed it would help her decide– surely such a personable young man couldn’t have perpetrated a heinous crime.

A shiver of fear raced down her back and she straightened, loosening her grip on the man’s waist–not that she could actually get away from him at this juncture. Still, she could learn something about him. “I’m afraid I neglected to ask your name earlier, sir.” It only seemed polite to ask his name before inquiring what he’d done.

And a little more for good measure…

The stranger’s silence irked her to no end. “Can I have your name please, sir?”

Still no answer and Dora’s patience began to fray. She poked his shoulder. “Didn’t you hear me, sir?”

Suddenly, the man’s head lolled backwards, almost butting her in the head. Dear God, had he fainted? Or was he dead?

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

And all of my Christmas novellas are on sale this month for just .99 each, as part of my Christmas in July promotion. If you’d like to grab a copy, click on the covers below!

I’m also giving away signed copies of my Christmas novel The Widow’s Christmas Surprise on Mondays in July. If you’d like to enter to win one, click here.

 

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

Christmas Novellas

by

Jenna Jaxon

Christmas in July ~ Sweet Christmas Romance

You may have heard that my sweet Christmas romances are on sale this month for .99 each. What you may not have heard is that another group of authors who write sweet romances have done the same thing. (Great minds think alike, right?)

I’ve been promoting their books as well as my own this week, so if you’re in the mood for more sweet Yuletide tales, look no further than this promo. All of these books are discounted through Saturday, July 17 priced at either .99 or FREE! You can’t beat that, can you?

So if you’re craving more Christmas in July, take a look at these other romances that will warm the cockles of your heart and help you beat the heat.

Have a very Merry Christmas in July!

CHRISTMAS NOVELLAS BY JENNA JAXON

Christmas in July Giveaway: The Widow’s Christmas Surprise Week #2

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

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

BLURB:

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

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

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

EXCERPT:

He pushed aside some frozen vegetation, creating a path to the ice. “Hold my hand.”

She gripped it tightly and followed him to the edge.

“Wait here and let me sound out the ice. It’s been so cold recently I don’t think it has thinned, but best be safe.”

Maria nodded gravely, her brows drawn inward. “Do be careful.”

He set his skates on the smooth ice and pushed off.

Each year it came back to him, as if he skated every day of his life. Cautiously, he struck out for the center of the pond, watching for slushy spots or cloudy patches of ice. That meant it wasn’t frozen hard enough. But everywhere he looked the ice was clear. No air bubbles, no cracks, just solid, clear ice. Perfect. “I think it’s good,” he called, turning toward the bank. “Come on out.” He waved to her even as he started back.

Maria set her skates on the surface and pushed off. She wobbled for a moment, her arms flailing as she fought for balance.

Hugh hurried toward her, then something seemed to change.

Suddenly, she remembered her balance and her strokes became strong and even.  She threw back her head and laughed, then struck out to meet him. Grabbing his hands, she assumed the skater’s position, right hand over left, and their feet began to glide in unison.

 

WEEK #1 GIVEAWAY WINNER

ALICE CASTLE

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

GIVEAWAY:

This week to be entered in the giveaway, comment below telling me what your favorite Christmas drink is–wassail, mulled cider, hot chocolate, egg nog…

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

Christmas Novellas by Jenna Jaxon

 

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 07/11/21 ~ It Happened at Christmas ~ A Devilish Idea

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

This week I’m switching to another of my  Christmas novellas, It Happened at Christmas. It’s the first of a pair of Christmas tales sent in Bath, England and featuring heroes who are two long-time friends.

BLURB:

‘Tis the season to be scandalous…

Exiled to Bath for Christmas, Miss Portia Willingham writes to her uncle to cheer her up. The letter lands in the lap of a stranger, Nicholas, Lord Daventry, who travels to Bath in hopes of meeting the spirited young woman he only knows by the name of “Pence.” But protocol demands they be introduced, and as they don’t know each other by sight, and Portia is prohibited from attending the dances at the Assembly Rooms, they must find a more ingenious way of turning their forbidden correspondence into a Christmas romance neither one will ever forget.

In this snippet, Nicholas, Lord Daventry has received a letter from a young lady butnot intended for him. It intrigues him, leading to a possibly rash decision.

EXCERPT:

His decision to pursue this madcap scheme, however, could indeed start him on a road at the end of which lay a leg-shackle–just as the lady said she desired.

And yet something about the author of that letter had captivated him, something about the slightly wicked nature of such a correspondence called to him like a siren’s song. Unable to help himself, he picked up the pen and drew another sheet toward him.

To the young lady signing herself as Pence,

I am sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings, but I regret to inform you that your Uncle Demon has not received your letter. I’m the current resident at the address I assume your uncle just vacated, but he left no direction to indicate where he may be reached, so I cannot send your letter on to him.

That was actually all he needed to write, in addition to a closing, to let the lady know her letter had not reached its destination and move on.

Nick stared at the lines he’d written then grasped the paper, rubbing his fingers against the smooth, creamy page. No, you don’t want to do that, said the devilish imp on his shoulder, wouldn’t you rather have some fun with her instead?

He laid the letter back on the desk and picked up his pen again.

And a little more for good measure…

In passing, I must remark that, having read your letter in an effort to learn something about where to send it on, you should be careful to whom you speak and when and where. If you are to have any career as a gossip, you must learn the basic maneuvers to keep your identity hidden, lest you end up again exposed and chastised.

Should you wish me to, I can give you instructions—having done my share of gossiping in the not-too-distant past—that may make your future endeavors more fun and less punitive.

In closing, may I wish you a pleasant stay in Bath and give you my best wishes for a happy Christmastide.

Your obedient servant,

Devil

The signature surprised Nick, even as he wrote it, although it made sense. His devilish side had prompted him to write, after all. At any rate, something cautioned him not to reveal his true identity. If indeed this letter compromised the lady, it would be a deal harder for her aunt or parents to find him and easier for him to deny writing it if his name was not presented in black and white for everyone to see. Even if Pence would, most likely, simply toss the letter in the fireplace and no one would be the wiser.

All of my Christmas novellas are on sale this month for just .99 each, as part of my Christmas in July promotion. If you’d like to grab a copy, click on the covers below!

I’m also giving away signed copies of my Christmas novel The Widow’s Christmas Surprise on Mondays in July. If you’d like to enter to win one, click here.

 

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

Christmas Novellas

by

Jenna Jaxon

Winner! Release Day for Only Seduction Will Do

WE HAVE A WINNER!

I’m really sorry this post is late, however, I’m down at the beach and the condo complex where we own the week has had wretched internet this past week. I’m on my phone’s hot spot right now, but that wouldn’t work until today.

Anyway, I’ve drawn the winner of the $20 Amazon Gift Card and it is

SUE WAAGNER

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I’ll be contacting Sue shortly via email.

Thank you to everyone who came by to help me celebrate the release of Only Seduction Will Do! If you’d like to grab a copy before the price goes up to $3.99 on July 17, here’s the link to it at the pre-order price of $2.99.

 

My next release party is coming up in just a couple of weeks! Almost a Countess releases on July 28th!! There will be a bit more of a party for this brand new book, so stay tuned to see what games and prizes are going to be going on.

Come ready to party on June 28th!

Christmas in July: The Widow’s Christmas Surprise

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

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

BLURB:

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

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

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

EXCERPT:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GIVEAWAY:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

Christmas Novellas by Jenna Jaxon

 

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

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

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

BLURB:

Christmas magic under the mistletoe…

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

Lady Sylvia, however, has other plans.

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

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

EXCERPT:

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

“It is no longer free, my lord.”

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

“Now that you have claimed it.”

His smile now genuine, Roger exhaled silently.

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

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

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

And a little more for good measure…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christmas Novellas

by

Jenna Jaxon

Release Day! Only Seduction Will Do

It’s RELEASE DAY for

ONLY SEDUCTION WILL DO!!

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

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

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

BLURB:

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

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

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

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

EXCERPT:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Then why—”

“He is married.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you so much for coming by to help me celebrate

Only Seduction Will Do‘s birthday!

THE HOUSE OF PLEASURE SERIES

 

 

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

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

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

Only Seduction Will Do releases Wednesday, June 30!

BLURB:

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

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

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

 

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

EXCERPT:

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

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

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

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

And a little more for good measure…

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

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

Still, something held him back.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The House of Pleasure series

by Jenna Jaxon