Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 10/21/18 A Lord for Christmas: A Match Made at Christmas

 

I’m switching gears again this week to another Christmas novella that’s releasing on November 1 in the Regency boxed set A Lord for Christmas along with Collette Cameron, Ella Quinn, and Lauren Smith. My contribution to the set is the novella A Match Made at Christmas which is my snippet below.

 

Lady Sophia Constantine has made a dreadful mistake. She’s finished her third Season and has refused every offer, hoping for a love match. However, she forgot that she promised if she was still unmarried at the end of her third Season, she’d allow her grandmother to choose a husband for her.

Now Sophia has four days at a Christmas house party to discover who her betrothed is or find and fall in love with another gentleman.

In this snippet Sophia meets Lord Ashurst for the first time.

(Creative punctuation utilized to conform to WWW rules and snippet may therefore be slightly different from published version.)

With a broad smile, Lord Ashurst took her in completely, his penetrating gaze roaming from the top of her jewel-studded hair to the bottoms of her tiny pink, flowered slippers. For a moment all she could see were his green eyes gleaming like gems, holding her spellbound, then she became aware of his smile, by far the most sensual thing she’d ever seen. His lips curled up only on one end; the other stayed straight and firm even as he stared directly into her. 

“May I be bold, my lady, and be the first to claim a dance after dinner? I find it prudent to always ask well in advance.”

“How do you know there will be dancing, my lord?” Sophia asked as she cast her demure gaze to the floor, her toes curling of their own accord in her little pink slippers. “Even I do not know what my grandmother has planned.”

“Then I live in the hopes of dancing with you later this evening, Lady Sophia,” he stared once more into her eyes and lowered his voice, “or another time and place.”

 

BLURB:  

A promise is a promise…

Unable to find a husband to her liking in three years, Lady Sophia Constantine is appalled to discover she’s promised to allow her grandmother to choose the gentleman. Balking every step of the way, Sophia is compelled to attend a family Christmas party where the man she’s expected to marry will be revealed. But when Grandmamma is delayed in London, Sophia decides to take matters into her own hands to find a husband of her choosing.

Leonardo, Lord Ashurst, has returned to England after five years of mourning. Ready to begin the search for a new wife, he accepts an invitation to a neighbor’s Christmas party and is introduced to Lady Sophia, for whom he experiences an immediate attraction. With the lady’s betrothal on the brink of being announced, can Leo win her heart by posing as her betrothed or will his deception ruin any chance they have of a happily ever after?

 

A Lord for Christmas will release on November 1, 2018 and is now available on Amazon for pre-order!

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

 

Christmas Books by Jenna Jaxon

 

 

 

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Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 10/14/18 Heart of a Scoundrel–The Challenge

 

I’m back this week with another snippet from Heart of a Scoundrel, Book 4 in my Regency novella series Handful of Hearts, because it released this past Tuesday!

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

Richard, Lord Somersby has been told he’s to marry Lady Edith,  a young bluestocking he’s never met before in a marriage arranged by his father to gain valuable property. The rakish Richard is not enthusiastic about the arrangement–until his father offers to make the deal a bit sweeter by way of a wager that Richard can hardly resist to earn him a racing stable. His father wagers Richard he cannot break three young ladies’ hearts before his betrothal contracts are signed in about three weeks. With two down and one to go, Richard sets his sights on Miss Amanda Sharpe.

This week I’m skipping ahead to where Richard has taken Amanda to a darkened and secluded spot in Vauxhall Gardens, still bent on winning his wager.

(Creative punctuation utilized to conform to WWW rules and snippet may therefore be slightly different from published version.)

A walk down a secluded path at Vauxhall could spell ruin

He pulled her into his chest, wrapping his arms around her until every inch of her pressed against his hard body.

Trembling, she tipped her head back to stare into eyes dark as any demon’s.

“Are you afraid, Miss Sharpe?” he asked, his voice rasping in the still air.

“No, my lord,” she said, the strength in her reply surprising her; inside, she shook as badly as an aspen leaf.

“You should be,” he said and tightened his hold on her, sending shivers down her arms. “Many a young woman has been ruined thus at Vauxhall.”

“Do you intend to ruin me, my lord?” Where the challenge in her voice had come from, she had no idea; she hadn’t meant it to sound that way for he was a man who would want to take up such a challenge.

“Yes, by God, I do.” He buried his face in her neck, his mouth pressed eagerly against her bare flesh.

 

BLURB:  

Recent heiress, Miss Amanda Sharp, is out in Society for the first time and enjoying the social whirl, especially when she dances her first dance with the handsome Lord Somersby. She’s aware of his bad reputation with ladies, but she’s confident she can lead him down the aisle to the altar without raising a scandal. Headstrong, and determined to reform Lord Somersby, Amanda finds herself in danger of losing more than a hand of cards to the scandalous lord.

Richard, Lord Somersby, has another wager to win. He must woo and jilt three young ladies in a month’s time in order to win his racing stable before donning the leg shackle of marriage with a duke’s daughter. His third victim is Miss Amanda Sharpe, a refreshingly determined young woman who makes her interest in him well known. It should be child’s play for the villainous Richard to woo her, make her think he’s in love with her, then spurn her. A plan that might work if he can keep his mind on winning rather than on the lady’s entrancing form and fiery spirit.

Heart of a Scoundrel released this past week and is available on Amazon!

 

Books in The Handful of Hearts series:

 

 

 

 

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 10/07/18 Yuletide Happily Ever Afters–Married by Christmas

 

This week, instead of moving immediately to  my Halloween short story, Hearts at All Hallow’s Eve, Book 5 of Handful of Hearts, I’m giving you a peek at a new novella that’s just released in a Christmas boxed set, Yuletide Happily Ever Afters: A Merry Little Set of Regency Romances.

Married by Christmas

After two miserable Seasons, Miss Marianne Covington is determined not to have a third and enlists the help of longtime friend William Stanley to assist her.

This scene if from the beginning of the novella, where Will is about to make a wager.

(Creative punctuation utilized to conform to WWW rules and snippet may therefore be slightly different from published version.)

“If you give me leave, I’ll wager I can make the match by…by Christmas Day.”

Eyebrows raised, Marianne took his arm and let him lead her to her father’s London townhouse; the warmth of his arm penetrated the sleeves of her pelisse and gown. Will had always been such a wonderful friend, irritating and comforting by turns. At his boast, she giggled, “I’ve been scouring the ton for two years for the perfect man, and you think you can find one to suit me in four weeks?” The giggle turned to laughter. “I’d like to see you try.”

“Done, then,” his countenance had darkened, perhaps a tinge of red in his cheeks, “I will see you married by Christmas or…or I’ll—”

“Eat an entire mincemeat pie?”

Will stopped, one foot suspended above the top step, “I hate mincemeat pie!”

“I know,” Marianne giggled again and propelled them toward the door, “it will serve as a great incentive for you to find me a husband.”

“Rather,” he swallowed and turned pale, “I don’t know that I could eat an entire minced pie without casting up my accounts.”

BLURB:  

After two miserable Seasons, Miss Marianne Covington is determined not to have a third and enlists the help of longtime friend William Stanley to assist her. Will wagers he can find her a husband before Christmas. But when none of the suitors suit, he is ready to do something drastic for the woman who’s become more than just a friend.

Available at Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HVZ6D2W/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

 

Releasing Tuesday!

Heart of a Scoundrel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

Author Signing Today! At Portsmouth Cultural Arts District

Book Nook in  Little Shoppes on High is excited to announce that some of our 16 local authors will be signing their books as part of the celebration of our new Portsmouth Cultural Arts District. Representing the Literary Arts, our contribution will include a little romance, a little love, adventure & action, intrigue & mystery, the normal & the paranormal, as well as something for your young reader. Come meet your new favorite local author at Little Shoppes on High from 10 am – 4 pm!

It’s in downtown Portsmouth, on High Street.

I’ll be there, along with Laura Kitchell, T.B. Bond, Allie Marie, Malcolm Massey, and some 10 others signing and reading from our works. Please come by and say Hi!

Heart of A Scoundrel Releasing Tuesday!

At long last, the next installment of the Handful of Hearts series is ready to release!

Heart of a Scoundrel will release on Tuesday, October 9 on Amazon and Smashwords, and a few days later on Barnes & Noble, Apple, and Kobo!

BLURB:

Recent heiress, Miss Amanda Sharp, is out in Society for the first time and enjoying the social whirl, especially when she dances her first dance with the handsome Lord Somersby. She’s aware of his bad reputation with ladies, but she’s confident she can lead him down the aisle to the altar without raising a scandal. Headstrong, and determined to reform Lord Somersby, Amanda finds herself in danger of losing more than a hand of cards to the scandalous lord.

After several months of licking the wounds he received at a disastrous Christmas party, Richard, Lord Somersby, has another wager to win. He must woo and jilt three young ladies in a month’s time in order to win his racing stable before donning the leg shackle of marriage with a duke’s daughter. His third victim is Miss Amanda Sharpe, a refreshingly determined young woman who makes her interest in him well known. It should be child’s play for the villainous Richard to woo her, make her think he’s in love with her, then spurn her. A plan that might work if he can keep his mind on winning rather than on the lady’s entrancing form and fiery spirit.

EXCERPT:

“I would not want to keep you, my lord, but I wondered if you might… take me out for a breath of air? The room seems particularly warm after the dance.”

His eyes widened and an eager grin spread across his face. “A delightful idea, Miss Sharpe. You are correct, of course. The dancing has indeed heated the room indecently.” He steered them toward a set of French windows that led out to a small porch overlooking the back garden.

Cool air brushed Amanda’s hot cheeks and she drew in delicious breaths. “This is quite lovely, Lord Somersby.”

“As are you, Miss Sharpe.”

“Oh, thank you.” So much for cooling off. Her cheeks caught fire, and she plied her fan a bit too vigorously, but it did help assuage the burn. What topic of polite conversation might she employ to keep him here a few more minutes? Weather? Horses? He’d mentioned he was going to the card room. “I promise not to keep you from your game long. You enjoy the play, Lord Somersby?”

“I do, Miss Sharpe. Do you?”

Smiling at the mere thought of sitting down to a game of cards, Amanda ceased to fan herself and looked eagerly into his face. “I do as well, my lord. I play whenever I have the chance in Wellesbourne, infrequent though it is. I find developing a strategy for each hand particularly stimulating. I would play every day if I could.”

“It is a skill few young ladies take seriously, it seems. At least with those who have partnered me in the past.” He peered into her face. “You, however, would be different in that respect, I believe.”

“I assure you I would, my lord. My mother taught me the different card games, but my father instilled in me a desire to be the best.” How anyone would not work to sharpen their skills so they could win at cards had always confounded her. “Why play at all if not to win?”

“My sentiments exactly, Miss Sharpe.” His smile warmed, making her heart race. “I always play to win.” He took her hands, his heat seeping through her gloves. “I hope at some point during the Season, we will be able to play together.”

“It is a shame ladies are not allowed to engage in card games. At least not at such an entertainment as this. As I dearly love to play, Mrs. Doyle has arranged…” The most wonderful idea struck Amanda so suddenly she couldn’t speak. Of course, what a splendid opportunity! Gazing into Lord Somersby’s face, she struggled to form words once more. “If… If you would be so kind as to take me to Mrs. Doyle, I would be very grateful, my lord.”

“Your every wish, Miss Sharpe.” He led her back into the ballroom then steered them around various groups of guests, maneuvering them quickly to her chaperone.

“Mrs. Doyle, may I present Lord Somersby? Lady Hamilton introduced us earlier. My lord, Mrs. Doyle is my sponsor. I am residing with her during the Season.”

The lady curtseyed, the towering green egret feathers in her turban bobbing. Her sharp gaze took him in and her mouth pursed. “Good evening, my lord.”

“Mrs. Doyle, I am delighted.” Lord Somersby bowed crisply, a pleasant smile on his face.

“Mrs. Doyle, would it be possible to invite Lord Somersby to our evening of cards on Monday? He would be a splendid addition to our guest list, do you not think?” Amanda widened her eyes, hoping she looked sufficiently innocent. It was terribly gauche to ask such a thing while the gentleman stood right in front of her chaperone, for how then could she say no? Which, of course, was exactly why she’d done it.

“I believe we can find room for one more name on the guest list.” Mrs. Doyle’s voice sounded affable, but she cut her eyes at Amanda.

Oh, yes, there would be the devil to pay for this little social transgression. Not that she particularly cared.

Please join me here on Tuesday, October 9 at the release party for  Heart of a Scoundrel!

I’ll be giving away copies of the other books in the Handful of Hearts series, so you can perhaps binge read the series before you read Scoundrel. 🙂  See you then!

Books in the Handful of Hearts series:

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 09/30/18 Heart of a Scoundrel–A Little Social Transgression

 

This week is the last snippet from Heart of a Scoundrel, Book 4 in my Regency novella series Handful of Hearts, as it is still not quite ready for release. Just before release, I’ll give the final snippet. Next week, for October, I’ll move on to my Halloween short story, Hearts at All Hallow’s Eve, Book 5 of Handful of Hearts.

Richard, Lord Somersby has been told he’s to marry Lady Edith,  a young bluestocking he’s never met before in a marriage arranged by his father to gain valuable property. The rakish Richard is not enthusiastic about the arrangement–until his father offers to make the deal a bit sweeter by way of a wager that Richard can hardly resist to earn him a racing stable. His father wagers Richard he cannot break three young ladies’ hearts before his betrothal contracts are signed in about three weeks. With two down and one to go, Richard sets his sights on Miss Amanda Sharpe.

This week I’m skipping ahead to where Amanda has just introduced Richard to her sponser and chaperone, Mrs. Doyle. This should give you a little more insight into Amanda’s character. 🙂

(Creative punctuation utilized to conform to WWW rules and snippet may therefore be slightly different from published version.)

 

“Mrs. Doyle, I am delighted.” Lord Somersby bowed crisply, a pleasant smile on his face.

“Mrs. Doyle, would it be possible to invite Lord Somersby to our evening of cards on Monday? He would be a splendid addition to our guest list, do you not think?” Amanda widened her eyes, hoping she looked sufficiently innocent. It was terribly gauche to ask such a thing while the gentleman stood right in front of her chaperone, for how then could she say no? Which, of course, was exactly why she’d done it.

“I believe we can find room for one more name on the guest list.” Mrs. Doyle’s voice sounded affable, but she cut her eyes at Amanda.

Oh, yes, there would be the devil to pay for this little social transgression, not that she particularly cared.

BLURB:  

Recent heiress, Miss Amanda Sharp, is out in Society for the first time and enjoying the social whirl, especially when she dances her first dance with the handsome Lord Somersby. She’s aware of his bad reputation with ladies, but she’s confident she can lead him down the aisle to the altar without raising a scandal. Headstrong, and determined to reform Lord Somersby, Amanda finds herself in danger of losing more than a hand of cards to the scandalous lord.

Richard, Lord Somersby, has another wager to win. He must woo and jilt three young ladies in a month’s time in order to win his racing stable before donning the leg shackle of marriage with a duke’s daughter. His third victim is Miss Amanda Sharpe, a refreshingly determined young woman who makes her interest in him well known. It should be child’s play for the villainous Richard to woo her, make her think he’s in love with her, then spurn her. A plan that might work if he can keep his mind on winning rather than on the lady’s entrancing form and fiery spirit.

Stay tuned for information on the release of Heart of a Scoundrel.

 

Books in The Handful of Hearts series:

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 09/23/18 Heart of a Scoundrel–Why Play if Not to Win?

 

I am continuing on with Heart of a Scoundrel. It is Book 4 in my Regency novella series Handful of Hearts, where we once again meet Richard, Lord Somersby (a not very nice gentleman from the first book of the series Hearts Beneath the Mistletoe).

Richard, Lord Somersby has just been told he’s to marry Lady Edith,  a young bluestocking he’s never met before in a marriage arranged by his father to gain valuable property. The rakish Richard is not enthusiastic about the arrangement–until his father offers to make the deal a bit sweeter by way of a wager that Richard can hardly resist to earn him a racing stable. His father wagers Richard he cannot break three young ladies’ hearts before his betrothal contracts are signed in about three weeks.

This week I’m skipping ahead to a conversation between Richard and Miss Amanda Sharpe after they have danced. They are now conversing about playing cards, a passion they find they share.

(Creative punctuation utilized to conform to WWW rules and snippet may therefore be slightly different from published version.)

Smiling at the mere thought of sitting down to a game of cards, Amanda ceased to fan herself and looked eagerly into his face, saying “I do as well, my lord; I play whenever I have the chance in Wellesbourne, infrequent though it is. I find developing a strategy for each hand particularly stimulating. I would play every day if I could.”

“It is a skill few young ladies take seriously, it seems, at least with those who have partnered me in the past.” He peered into her face before stating, “You, however, would be different in that respect, I believe.”

“I assure you I would, my lord; my mother taught me the different card games, but my father instilled in me a desire to be the best.” How anyone would not work to sharpen their skills so they could win at cards had always confounded her. “Why play at all if not to win?”

“My sentiments exactly, Miss Sharpe,” he said, his smile warming, making her heart race. “I always play to win.” 

BLURB:  

Recent heiress, Miss Amanda Sharp, is out in Society for the first time and enjoying the social whirl, especially when she dances her first dance with the handsome Lord Somersby. She’s aware of his bad reputation with ladies, but she’s confident she can lead him down the aisle to the altar without raising a scandal. Headstrong, and determined to reform Lord Somersby, Amanda finds herself in danger of losing more than a hand of cards to the scandalous lord.

Richard, Lord Somersby, has another wager to win. He must woo and jilt three young ladies in a month’s time in order to win his racing stable before donning the leg shackle of marriage with a duke’s daughter. His third victim is Miss Amanda Sharpe, a refreshingly determined young woman who makes her interest in him well known. It should be child’s play for the villainous Richard to woo her, make her think he’s in love with her, then spurn her. A plan that might work if he can keep his mind on winning rather than on the lady’s entrancing form and fiery spirit.

Heart of a Scoundrel will release on Amazon in late September.

 

Books in The Handful of Hearts series:

 

 

 

 

 

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