Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

I am finally back after a month of absence–and what a month it’s been! Back in October I was involved in rebooting our production of A Streetcar Named Desire with rehearsals every day, then I headed up to Massachusetts for the Fall in Love New England reader event–which was wonderful to finally attend after two other attempts that were not successful. I drove up and back (in one day (Sunday) on the return trip) then turned around and two days later flew to San Diego for the Historical Romance Retreat which was the most fabulous time! I feel like I’d had a Season in five days with all the parties and workshops and changing clothes for each event (I know now why Regency ladies had to have a maid!).

Me at the Grand Masked Ball

It truly was the best time I’ve ever had at a conference and I’m signing up for next year as soon as the reservations open.

But now I’m back showing off book 3 of The Welwyn Marriage Wager series, Yule Be Mine, which is now on pre-order on Amazon!

BLURB:

‘Tis the season for love—no matter how much mistletoe it takes!

It’s Christmas time and Ulysses “Yule” Quartermain is unenthusiastically looking for a bride when Penelope St. Clare, the little sister of his boyhood friend, makes an appearance at a Christmas party. But it’s been ten years since he’s seen her. Penelope is no longer a child but a ravishing beauty, who’s turning heads everywhere she goes. And much to his discomfort, Yule is not immune to the charms of the little girl next door. But he’s working on it.

Penelope has wanted to marry Ulysses Quartermain for most of her life. Now she’s on the brink of her come out Season–a desirable young lady with wit and determination–and her happy ever after is within her grasp. If only she can make Yule see that she’s grown up and would make him the perfect wife, it’ll be the best present she’ll ever get.

Still, Penelope is not leaving anything to chance. Utilizing every ball of mistletoe she can find, she teases and tantalizes Yule, daring him to kiss her in hopes of breaking down his staunch resolve. As Christmas Day approaches, Penelope sets a final desperate plan in motion. Before the holiday is over, Yule will know just how much of a woman she truly is!

 

In this excerpt, Ulysses “Yule” Quartermain is at a house party with Penelope, who was his childhood friend who moved away when she was seven. Now she’s all grown up and determined to make Yule see that. She’s managed to attach herself to Yule as they go out into the woods to gather greenery for the house party. Enjoy!

EXCERPT:

“So your family will be in London for Christmas?”

“Yes, through the New Year, then we will move back home until spring when we will return for my and Charlotte’s Season.” Penelope tried to heft the heavy basket but had to settle for dragging it on the ground.

“Let me have that.” Yule grabbed the handle and lifted it easily. “We don’t want to dump it out on the way back.”

Penelope stood with her hands on her hips, arms akimbo, giving him a perturbed look. “I could have managed, you know.”

Yule grinned at her. “I know. But that’s what you have me along for.”

And a little more for good measure. . . 

She uttered a disparaging sound that was totally charming, then joined him on the trudge back to the clearing. “Boys always think they know best, but so seldom do.”

Chuckling, Yule glanced down at her. “And where in all your years did you acquire that piece of wisdom?”

“From observing the boys I knew in Ireland growing up. None of them gave me credit for having any sense either.” She wrinkled her nose. “I had hoped things would be different now.”

“Oh, I think you have sense, Penelope, just not the brawn it takes to carry this heavy load.”

“I could have figured out how to do it, Yule.”

“But you needn’t bother when I had the solution right here.” He raised the arm carrying the basket. “You could spend your time better occupied.”

“Doing what?” She looked up at him, puzzled.

“Figuring out how to avoid getting kissed under the mistletoe during the game.” He laughed. It ought to be fun watching her dodge and weave to avoid capture.

“Who said I wanted to avoid it?”

Yule Be Mine is available for pre-order on Amazon for .99 . It releases a month from today, on December 5!

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There are some fantastic snippets to be read.

The Welwyn Marriage Wager series