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.
Ha! I wonder if he knew what he was getting into.
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I notice that on the cover, you got top billing. Congratulations!
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Thanks, Ed. But I must tell you, it’s because we’re listed from sweetest to steamiest! Usually I’d be at the bottom! LOL
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Love the last line. Interesting euphemism.
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I know! I’ve always thought it was an interesting phrase for throwing up. LOL
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I don’t think this is a wager Will can lose . . . unless he finds someone else up to the challenge. I suspect he’s not trying all that hard.
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He’s absolutely trying to keep from having to eat that pie! He’s got to come up with some candidates and fast, but he’s not volunteering in the least. Not yet, anyway. LOL
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Love this interaction. Great snippet. Congrats on the new anthology release.
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Thank you so much, Jess!
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I love their dialogue! I also have a feeling he’s thinking of himself as the husband.
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LOL He really doesn’t, Carrie-Anne. He’s letting his tongue get him into too much trouble. Now he has to find a way to win the wager. But he has no intention of putting himself forward as a candidate.
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Interesting bet! Clearly the stakes are high for him, with his aversion to mincemeat…enjoyed the excerpt. I love a good Regency Christmas tale.
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His mouth actually ran away with him a bit. His next move is to go to his club and try to recruit likely candidates! LOL
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I do believe Will has himself in mind. Charming snip.
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Actually, Charmaine, he doesn’t! He’s just trying to help, and maybe brag a little about his ability to match her up. LOL
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Quite the wager for Will. I have a feeling he already has someone in mind. 😉
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Not exactly. He actually made the offer a little rashly. 🙂
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