The Van Gogh Experience

Yesterday my daughters and I trekked three hours north to Washington, DC to attend The Van Gogh Experience.

I have been an ardent fan of Vincent Van Gogh’s works from the time back in 1972 when, at the age of 16, I heard and fell in love with Don McLean’s haunting song Vincent. Since then, I have loved all of Van Gogh’s works, but especially The Starry Night. When I made my first trip to London in 1979 I went to the Tate Gallery and was thrilled to find a print of “The Starry Night.” I had it framed and it has hung in my living room for decades.

In 2021 my older daughter and I discovered The Van Gogh Immersive Experience in Washington, DC and went to it in November of that year. We were mezmerized by the experience and spent more than three hours going through the exhibits. I learned so much about the artist I’d never taken time to find out (including the fact that he was color blind!) that I developed a much better appreciation for the art I’d loved for so long.

A couple of weeks ago my daughter and I were talking about the experience and I remarked I’d love to go see the exhibit again. Next thing I knew my daughter had booked us tickets while my younger daughter was home for the holidays. So yesterday we went and the experience was every bit as awe-inspiring as it was two years ago.

Sitting in the immersion room and having so many of Van Gogh’s paintings wash over you, moving in brilliant color, surrounding you on all sides, is something everyone who loves his works should experience once in their lives. I could have sat there for hours just taking it all in.

Here are some of the images that surrounded us on our journey into the soul of Van Gogh.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are also a lover of Van Gogh or the post-Impressionist artists, I think you will enjoy and appreciate The Van Gogh Experience.

Do you like Van Gogh’s works? Have you been to one of the Van Gogh Experience exhibits? If so, what did you think?

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FREE Book Blast! Today Only!

Head over to the Romance Book Worms site today and download over 2,000 romance works in a variety of genres for free!

It’s today only, so hurry on over and shop to your heart’s content. My novella, Until I’m Safe in Your Arms, is there, so if you haven’t started The Welwyn Marriage Wager series, here’s your chance!

I’ve also got several books on sale for .99 until the end of the year, so you should check out my backlist on Amazon too. And all my indie books are now on KU–another way to read my works for free.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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Need More Books in Your Life?

Even though you may have gotten a ton of books as holiday gifts, there’s always room for more in your e-reader, right?

Here are two promotions I’m part of this month if you need even more titles on your TBR list:

Christmas Romance in History has a slew of Christmas titles for romance during the holidays. Just click the banner to grab some of these books.

 

And if you’re looking for regular historical or time travel romances check out these fabulous reads!

All of these books are available through December 31! So grab them while you can!

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Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 12/24/2023 ~ Yule Be Mine~ “What the Hell Have You Done?”

 

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE!

I’m back this week showing off book 3 of The Welwyn Marriage Wager series, Yule Be Mine, which released on December 5th and is now available 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!

 

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. And though she’s let her intentions toward him be known, he’s not having any of it!

This is the final excerpt of Yule Be Mine. I’ll be absent on New Year’s Eve, but will be back in the New Year with a new WIP to share.

Enjoy!

EXCERPT:

Mesmerized, Penelope peered at him, wondering if he was simply going to stand there holding her forever. Well, she wouldn’t mind that at all. Her gaze strayed upward, past his face to the lofty oaks above them—and the large green ball with waxy, white berries clinging to it directly above them.

Penelope found her footing and pushed upward, sliding her arms around Yule’s neck, and pressed her lips onto his, kissing him for the very first time.

Heat poured through her from her lips, down her arms, her back, her sides, all the way down her legs until her toes curled inside her half-boots. It was like she was electrified, with sparks shooting through her body and out her fingers and toes. Despite all these incredible feelings, she reveled in the fact his lips were soft, yet firm. And that he was incredibly gentle, despite everything they’d just gone through. Lord, but she never wanted this to end.

Yule broke the kiss and glared down at her. “What the hell have you done?”

 

Yule Be Mine has released and is available for purchase on Amazon

 

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

HAVE A SAFE AND MERRY HOLIDAY!

The Welwyn Marriage Wager series

Posted in Blog Hops, Historical Romance, On Weekend Writing Warriors, Promotion, Victorian romance, Weekend Writing Warriors, Welwyn Marriage Wager, Yule Be Mine | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 12/17/2023 ~ Yule Be Mine~ Take My Breath Away

 

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

I’m back this week showing off book 3 of The Welwyn Marriage Wager series, Yule Be Mine, which released on December 5th and is now available 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!

 

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. And though she’s let her intentions toward him be known, he’s not having any of it! Enjoy!

EXCERPT:

“Or what? You’ll chase me?” She made a face, sticking her tongue out at him just as she’d done all those years ago when he and Victor had forbidden her to tag along to the fishing pond one day. “You couldn’t catch me if you tried.”

Without warning, Yule lunged toward her.

Penelope shrieked, and threw herself backward, circling around the pathway, as the crowd cheered her on. She dodged and wove back and forth, laughing as he came close enough to brush her sleeve before she nimbly skipped out of his reach. This was more like it. She twisted around the stump of a tree, putting it between her and Yule, her gaze darting here and there, trying to find a path to freedom. The only one left her was down between the rows of oak trees. 

And a little more for good measure. . . 

She turned to flee toward her only hope of escape when her heel caught on a half-submerged root. With a cry she fell, her arms going out instinctively to keep her hoops from tangling, guiding them to collapse under her as she’d been taught since she’d first graduated to grown-up clothing more than three years ago.

Strong arms embraced her before she had sunk a foot. Yule grasped her, his hands easily spanning the circumference of her waist and lifted her with an ease that took her breath away. Everything about him took her breath—the touch of his hands on her body, the nearness of him pressed right against her, the faint scent of his citrus cologne—until her lungs burned for lack of air. The rest of her burned as well.

He turned her around until she faced him, staring into the dark blue, no almost black eyes as he studied her for several moments. The crowd had hushed until all she could hear were the beating of her heart and the whoosh of the wind through the trees.

 

Yule Be Mine has released and is available for purchase on Amazon

 

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

Posted in Blog Hops, Historical Romance, On Weekend Writing Warriors, Promotion, Victorian romance, Weekend Writing Warriors, Welwyn Marriage Wager, Yule Be Mine | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Winners for The 12 Books of Christmas Giveaway!

WINNERS FOR

THE 12 BOOKS OF CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY!

I want to thank everyone for coming by and leaving such wonderful comments about your Christmas memories and favorite things! I loved getting to read about your special thoughts on the holiday.

But now, without further ado, I present our Grand Prize Winner!

GRAND PRIZE WINNER:

CHARISSA CORBETT

I also have several of the authors’ giveaway winners to announce as well. Those not listed here today will be contacted directly by the authors.

Jenna Jaxon’s Giveaway Winners

Pam Imbler and Gabrielle Wilson

Alexa Aston’s Giveaway Winners

Pam Imbler and Marta Cervantes

C.H. Admirand’s Giveaway Winner

Nancy Martin

Winners for
Gina Conkle, Emily Royal, Marie Higgins, & Chasity Bowlin will be notified by the authors

Have a very Merry Christmas and a

Happy New Year

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Jenna Jaxon’s 12 Books of Christmas 2023!

December 12 has always seemed like a magical date to me. It conjures up images good things to come, like Twelfth Night and The Twelve Days of Christmas. So this year I wanted to bring back the special post I’ve done in the past ~ The 12 Books of Christmas Giveaway.

I haven’t held this giveaway for several years, but this year I decided it was time to bring it back with even more fantastic Christmas books for you to consider from a dozen award-winning and best-selling authors! And this year, ALL the authors are Dragonblade Publishing authors!

The giveaway is simple: go through this post, check out all 12 Christmas novels/novellas, and at the end leave a comment about Christmas–what you love about the holiday season, your favorite ornament, your favorite holiday movie or song or cookie or whatever you wish to share about Christmas. And that’s it. Your comment enters you to win ALL 12 CHRISTMAS ROMANCES!

It also enters you in any of the private giveaways  the authors are offering as well (that’s why you need to read each author’s offering–so you know what additional giveaways are available too).

At the end of December 12, all commenting will be closed and winners will be drawn. All giveaway winners will be posted on this blog on December 14th and winners will be contacted. (I will contact the Grand Prize winner and each author offering an additional giveaway will contact their winners.)

 

So pour yourself a cup of eggnog,  or cocoa, or Starbucks Gingerbread Latte (my personal favorite), grab a few Christmas cookies, and settle down for some Christmas Cheer as you check out these 12 historical Christmas romances!

1. Yule Be Mine by Jenna Jaxon

‘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!

Yule Be Mine is available on Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited.

In addition, I’m offering signed print copies of The Widow’s Christmas Surprise and $5.00 gift cards to two (2) commenters.

The Welwyn Marriage Wager series:

Until I’m Safe in Your Arms

The Baron’s Halo

Yule Be Mine

2. Ravising Regencies–Christmas Edition by Emily E K Murdoch 

Plunge into the fourth boxset of Regency romances in Emily Murdoch’s bestselling Ravishing Regencies series – Christmas edition! Each of these books has spice at its heart and a heart ready to lose, heroes in pain and heroines acting out of the ordinary. There are no ballrooms here… These collected stories promise hours and hours of steamy hot reading…

Kidnapped with a Knight
A man disowned by his family and a woman with absolutely no interest in him – and their kidnappers have left them all alone…

Christmas with a Czar
A man who claims to be a prince and a woman forced to play along – but the real secret must be revealed before Christmas Day…

Advent with an Archduke
A man who disappeared a year ago – and the woman forced to welcome a stranger at Christmas…

These books are steamy forced proximity Regency romances with happily ever afters, no cliffhangers, and are a series that can be read in any order. It’s time to get ravished…

The Ravishing Regencies boxset is available on  Amazon.

3. His Vow to Keep: A Regency Holiday Novella (Lords of Vice) by C. H. Admirand

He is her holly–her protector…
She is his ivy–his life eternal…
Apart they struggle…together they flourish.

Before the Battle of Trafalgar, Captain Coventry promised to look after his best friend’s wife and two-year-old son should anything happen to him. Coventry never anticipated that his friend would give the ultimate sacrifice for King and Country, or that he would be forever half a man from injuries he sustained in battle.

He has watched out for Miranda and her son for a decade, suppressing what he has come to feel for the beautiful widow because of his disfigurement. She has worked long and hard to make a life for her son accepting that she would never remarry.

Will the magic of Christmas open his mind to see past his injuries?
Will it give her the courage to change her mind about marriage?

Read Free in Kindle Unlimited!

The Lords of Vice
Mending the Duke’s Pride
Avoiding the Earl’s Lust
Tempering the Viscount’s Envy
Redirecting the Baron’s Greed
His Vow to Keep (Novella)

(Note: This story was first published as part of the Dragonblade Publishing Boxed set Star of Wonder, November 2021)

His Vow to Keep is available on Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited.

C. H Admirand is offering a $25 Amazon GC for those who leave a comment on the 12 Books of Christmas post on her FB Author Page 

https://www.facebook.com/CHAdmirandAuthor

 

4. Margins of Love by Sara Adrien

An off-limits courtship. Clandestine identities. When a misstep jeopardizes all they hold dear, can they dance into a happily ever after?

London, 1813. Feivel “Fave” Pearler wishes he could live life freely. Concealing his Jewish heritage from the aristocracy’s scorn, the elusive haute-couture jeweler prepares to enter an arranged marriage to ensure his legacy. But his carefully laid plans go awry when a beautiful debutante steals his attention… and a string of sweet kisses.

Rachel Newman prides herself on being a dutiful daughter. Yet with only one season before her father marries her off, she embraces a charming dalliance with a golden-boy bachelor. But after their hostile hostess catches them mid-caress, her improbable hope for a future together turns to heartbreak.

As Fave and his parents navigate a greedy blackmailer threatening to expose their hidden lineage, he fears he’ll never see the woman of his dreams again. And determined to honor her family’s sacrifice, Rachel strives to resign herself to following a loveless path.

Can they sidestep the whims of fate and gain a chance at forever?

In an innovative and sweeping story combining nostalgia with suspense, best-selling author Sara Adrien explores the little-known world of Jews hiding in plain sight among the British gentry. And as she deftly pulls you into a delightful landscape of vivid descriptions and heroic perseverance, you’ll be swept away by a passionately thrilling adventure.

Margins of Love is the sizzling first book in the Infiltrating the Ton Regency romance series. If you like unique and intelligent characters, deliciously sexy scenes, and well-researched history, then you’ll adore Sara Adrien’s tender tear-jerker.

Buy Margins of Love for a sprinkling of high society matchmaking today!

Margins of Love is available on Amazon and from Sara’s website.

 

5. Dashing Through the Snow by Sandra Sookoo

When two disillusioned people accidentally meet, finding a common bond in scandal will give them back hope. 

The Honorable Laurence Bannerman lingers in London to avoid joining his family at his father’s country estate in Surrey to celebrate Christmastide. As the third son and a fourth sibling, nothing was ever expected of him, so his behavior has been quite scandalous. That is until he meets a woman who makes him long for a wife and wish for a change… but dogs don’t change their spots, do they?

Miss Eleanor Comerford hasn’t exactly been a darling of the beau monde. Though Christmastide brings with it naught but guilt and regret, there is the glimmering hope her family might forgive her past transgressions and take her back into their fold. Pretending to be someone she’s not is tiring, but when her path crosses that of a stranger, a plan begins to form… for she still dreams of belonging.

Forced to share the same traveling coach, when Eleanor asks Laurence to enter into a fake engagement with her to lend legitimacy to her story, he agrees merely to protect her and see her safely home. Perhaps a friendship would stave off loneliness during the journey north. As they come to know each other, hurts and secrets from their pasts bubble to the surface, and with acceptance comes a budding romance. Only with a holiday miracle will they have the chance to realize they never needed lies or proper images to grasp love… for they were worthy of it all along.

Dashing Through the Snow is available at these retailers.

For an additional prize, Sandra will give away one (1) copy of The Viscount’s Bluestocking Vixen (spicy Regency) as well as one (1) copy of On a Midnight Clear (sweet Regency)– both Christmas romances–to two random winners. Each winner can have the choice of which book they want. If US residents, they have the option of getting their copy as a signed paperback.

6. A Very Historical Holiday Collection by Alexa Aston

Welcome to a holiday collection of novellas from the talented USA Today Bestselling author Alexa Aston.

This collection includes the following:

Starlight Night – In the midst of celebrating the Christmas season with their family—and with love in their hearts for a child who needs them—can Luke and his countess convince a young, untrusting girl to become a part of their family? A story from the bestselling series, The St. Clairs.

The Twelve Days of Love – As the twelve days progress, Luke gifts Caroline with a new present each day. His final gift is the best of all, one that changes their family—but not the love between this couple. A story from the bestselling series, The St. Clairs.

Yuletide at Gillingham – One boy abandoned by a greedy, gambling father . . . Another boy watches his father slowly dying . . . A lasting friendship that will see them through the hard times—and beyond . . . A story from the bestselling series, Soldiers & Soulmates.

Season of Honor – A young woman who sees the future. A couple in desperate need of a babe. Hope for a Christmas miracle . . . A story from the bestselling series, Knights of Honor.

A Very Historical Holiday Collection is available on Amazon.

And Alexa is offering another copy of A Very Historical Holiday Collection for her personal giveaway.

 

7. A Hot Scot for Christmas by Gina Conkle

Is he a fortune hunter sniffing around the young widow?

A nasty storm lands Rory MacLeod on Sabrina Throckmorton-Rutherford’s doorstep. One night in her barn is all he wants, but the forthright woman believes the hulking Highlander could be the perfect decoy to scare off unwanted suitors…at least through the holidays.

Or a gift from above?

Rory knows a lass in need when he sees one, and Mrs. Throckmorton-Rutherford is desperate. The woman works herself to the bone, and for that reason alone, he appoints himself Master of Frivolity during the holidays. The change he brings is wonderful. Even the servants agree, the wandering Scot is like fresh air to the staid borderlands home.
Sabrina’s ready to risk everything for Rory—but will the roving Highlander do the same?

A Hot Scot for Christmas is available on  Amazon.

Gina would like to also offer a print copy of The Scot Who Loved Me as her second giveaway. (Open world-wide)

8. A Christmas Wager by Emily Royal

A Yuletide wager… an unlikely match… will the pickpocket steal the duke’s heart?

After surviving destitution, the orphaned Eleanor Hawkins re-enters society with a new identity, courtesy of her guardian, the renowned silk merchant Sir Arthur Evans. With a penchant for pickpocketing, learned on London’s streets, Eleanor seeks vengeance on the society that abandoned her. A Christmas houseparty is the ideal venue to hone her skills, and lighten a few gentlemen’s pockets for good measure.

Self-professed matchmaker extraordinaire, Lady Pandora Osborne, is determined to show her prowess by securing a match between Society’s most eligible bachelor, the Duke of Sedgewick, and Sir Arthur Evans’s new ward—a young woman whose origins are shrouded in mystery. Where better to achieve her aim than Lady Westfield’s Christmas houseparty, where mulled wine, mistletoe, and the season of goodwill would tempt even the most committed rake into love?

But, unbeknown to Lady Pandora, Sedgewick is the man who broke Eleanor’s heart and was instrumental in her downfall. What will Christmas bring? Redemption…or revenge?

A Christmas Wager is available on Amazon.

And Emily is giving a hand made, beaded bookmark to the Grand Winner!

 

9. A Cup of Cheer by Deb Marlowe

Wine, women, song, adventure, even scandal.  Lord Chester pursued them all—and used the chase to outrun the pain in his past.  But when his carousing endangers a young boy, he wonders if he must reevaluate his choices.

The pain of Miss Julia Deering’s past keeps turning up in her present.  She’s settled and content, now, though, as a lady’s companion, until the dowager countess’s notorious grandson arrives.

 They are charged with bringing Christmas alive for the boy, the dowager and a quiet house, but they’ll uncover some truths about themselves along the way.   Will the magic of the season convince them to believe in themselves—and each other?

A Cup of Cheer is available at these e-book retailers:

Kobo:  https://bit.ly/3oIG9VI

B&N:  https://bit.ly/2W5xLUg

Apple  https://apple.co/37YkToa

Amazon  https://amzn.to/3n8XgQc

Google Play   https://bit.ly/2Lum7A8

 

10. An Inspector for Christmas: Victorian Christmas Romance (Yuletide Kisses, Book1)  by Marie Higgins

In a world full of normal people, Madison Haywood stands apart. Madison sees things that others cannot, and she uses her visions to assist people who are in trouble—even the Metropolitan Police. Not everyone is accepting of her gift, however, and she isn’t certain what to make of the handsome police inspector, Cameron Westland, who has a habit of interrupting her life.

Cameron Westland’s younger sister has gone missing. Working as an investigator for the Metropolitan Police isn’t getting him anywhere. But when his other sister brings in a woman claiming to have visions, he’s leery to believe. Although he’s attracted to Miss Haywood, he thinks she is losing her mind. Desperate to try anything to find his lost sister, Cameron gives the puzzling Miss Haywood a chance and soon finds himself in danger of losing his heart.

Will Christmas be the day of miracles for these lonely people?

An Inspector for Christmas is available on Amazon.

Marie is alwo giving away a copy of Her Perfect Scoundrel (The Worthington Legacy, Book 1) as a separate giveaway.

11. All I Want for Christmas by Chasity Bowlin

What happens when a fake courtship exposes real feelings? 

Escaping the odious Lord Ferringdon whom her aunt wishes her to marry, Lady Philippa Meredith finds herself in a slightly scandalous position with a man she’s secretly loved for ages—the Earl of Wellsleigh, Lord Thomas Asheburne.

Ashe knows what he feels for Philippa, but his scandalous past marks him as a very unlikely suitor. Given that and her aunt’s meddling, he can barely have a moment to speak to her much less court her. So a scheme is hatched to spare them both Horatia’s nightmarish matchmaking attempts. She can’t very well foist them on others if they’re betrothed to one another, after all.

Ashe persuades Philippa to go along with the scheme against her better judgement… but in truth, he has only one aim. He wants enough time alone with her to prove to her that his rakish heart is forever hers. But Lord Ferringdon proves to be a thorn in his side and a far greater threat than anyone ever realized.

It’ll take more than a declaration of love to get Philippa to the altar… it’ll involve a daring rescue where he literally has to put his life on the line for the woman he loves. 

Read Free in Kindle Unlimited!

The Hellion Club
A Rogue to Remember
Barefoot in Hyde Park
Making Spirits Bright (Novella)
What Happens in Piccadilly
Sleepless in Southampton
When an Earl Loves a Governess
All I want for Christmas (Novella)
The Duke’s Magnificent Obsession
The Governess Diaries

(Note: This story was first published as part of the Dragonblade Publishing Boxed set Star of Wonder, November 2021)

All I Want for Christmas is available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.

Chasity is also offering a $20 gift card as her private giveaway to one commenter.

12. His Yuletide Brideby Nadine Millard

Daniel, Duke of Darthford, had pined for Sarah Starling since her disappearance three years ago. When Daniel and Sarah unexpectedly cross paths again, it’s no surprise that sparks fly once more. Could this Christmas bring two hearts back together again? And can love truly conquer all?

Originally published as part of Yuletide Happily Ever Afters: A Merry Little Set of Regency Romances.

His Yuletide Bride is available on Amazon.

Nadine is offering a $10 Amazon gift card as her private giveaway.

Ho, Ho, Ho!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

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 if you want to participate in the giveaways.  Thank you again for visiting today.

I hope you enjoyed our little stroll through the

12 Books of Christmas.

Posted in 12 Books of Christmas, 12 Books of Christmas, Giveaways, Holiday Posts, Holiday romance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 70 Comments

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 12/10/2023 ~ Yule Be Mine~ “Cat Got Your Tongue?”

 

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

I’m back this week showing off book 3 of The Welwyn Marriage Wager series, Yule Be Mine, which released on December 5th and is now available 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!

 

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. And though she’s let her intentions toward him be known, he’s not having any of it! Enjoy!

EXCERPT:

So he wouldn’t even chase her? He didn’t want to get within yards of her, was that it?

Indignation flamed up in Penelope like a fire fed with dry wood and potent spirits. She whirled around, her hoops riding up allowing chilled air underneath her warm petticoats. The shock of that simply fueled her further as she stalked back toward Yule and the murmuring guests, taking in every bit of the spectacle.

“What’s the matter, Mr. Quartermain, have your legs no strength? Are you winded from lugging the greenery back to the clearing? I told you you should have let me do it.” Penelope’s voice carried loudly in the crisp air. “A young lady has quite enough stamina to prevail when older gentlemen discover they don’t have the staying power they think they have.”

And a little more for good measure. . . 

Yule’s eyes narrowed, but he kept his silence, which infuriated Penelope even further.

“Or do you fear I will simply outrun you? To make a poor showing in front of your friends might make you seem ridiculous.” Penelope had slowed down until she stood about five feet in front of Yule, who hadn’t budged. “What’s wrong, Mr. Quartermain? Cat got your tongue?”

“Behave yourself, Penelope,” was all she got from him, in a low growl.

 

Yule Be Mine has released and is available for purchase on Amazon

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

Posted in Blog Hops, Historical Romance, On Weekend Writing Warriors, Promotion, Victorian romance, Weekend Writing Warriors, Welwyn Marriage Wager, Yule Be Mine | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

RELEASE DAY FOR YULE BE MINE!

It’s Release Day for Yule Be Mine, Book 3 of my Welwyn Marriage Wager series!

I love a Christmas romance, and Yule and Penelope’s story is one of my favorites I’ve written. You may find a few references to the story of Odyssyus, wandering for 10 years after the Trojan War trying to get back to his wife, Penelope. Except in my version, Penelope is the one who sailed away and comes back all grown up and ready to marry her Ulysses, only he refuses to believe she’s grown up and ready for love.

To celebrate my book birthday, I’m holding a giveaway of a signed copy of Yule Be Mine, a swag pack of Jenna Jaxon goodies, and a $20 gift card to Starbucks to one lucky commenter on this post who tells me what your favorite Christmas memory is!

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!

EXCERPT:

With a cry, Penelope leaped forward, dashing away as though the hounds of hell were snapping at her feet, though they would have been much preferred to her true Quartermain adversary. Her half-boots slipped on the snow, causing her to wobble, but she found her footing and regained her stride. Listening keenly for his pounding footfalls, all she heard were the racing of her own heart and the shush shush of her own feet. Instinctively, she slowed and, despite her vow, glanced back over her shoulder.

Yule hadn’t moved. He stood watching her, his face pinched, his brows in a deep frown.

So he wouldn’t even chase her? He didn’t want to get within yards of her, was that it?

Indignation flamed up in Penelope like a fire fed with dry wood and potent spirits. She whirled around, her hoops riding up allowing chilled air underneath her warm petticoats. The shock of that simply fueled her further as she stalked back toward Yule and the murmuring guests, taking in every bit of the spectacle.

“What’s the matter, Mr. Quartermain? Have your legs no strength? Are you winded from lugging the greenery back to the clearing? I told you you should have let me do it.” Penelope’s voice carried loudly in the crisp air. “A young lady has quite enough stamina to prevail when older gentlemen discover they don’t have the staying power they think they have.”

Yule’s eyes narrowed, but he kept his silence, which infuriated Penelope even further.

“Or do you fear I will simply outrun you? To make a poor showing in front of your friends might make you seem ridiculous.” Penelope had slowed down until she stood about five feet in front of Yule, who hadn’t budged. “What’s wrong, Mr. Quartermain? Cat got your tongue?”

“Behave yourself, Penelope,” was all she got from him, in a low growl.

“Or what? You’ll chase me?” She made a face, sticking her tongue out at him just as she’d done all those years ago when he and Victor had forbidden her to tag along to the fishing pond one day. “You couldn’t catch me if you tried.”

Without warning, Yule lunged toward her.

Penelope shrieked, and threw herself backward, circling around the pathway, as the crowd cheered her on. She dodged and wove back and forth, laughing as he came close enough to brush her sleeve before she nimbly skipped out of his reach. This was more like it. She twisted around the stump of a tree, putting it between her and Yule, her gaze darting here and there, trying to find a path to freedom. The only one left her was down between the rows of oak trees.

She turned to flee toward her only hope of escape when her heel caught on a half-submerged root. With a cry she fell, her arms going out instinctively to keep her hoops from tangling, guiding them to collapse under her as she’d been taught since she’d first graduated to grown-up clothing more than three years ago.

Strong arms embraced her before she had sunk a foot. Yule grasped her, his hands easily spanning the circumference of her waist and lifted her with an ease that took her breath away. Everything about him took her breath—the touch of his hands on her body, the nearness of him pressed right against her, the faint scent of his citrus cologne—until her lungs burned for lack of air. The rest of her burned as well.

He turned her around until she faced him, staring into the dark blue, no almost black eyes as he studied her for several moments. The crowd had hushed until all she could hear were the beating of her heart and the whoosh of the wind through the trees.

Mesmerized, Penelope peered at him, wondering if he was simply going to stand there holding her forever. Well, she wouldn’t mind that at all. Her gaze strayed upward, past his face to the lofty oaks above them—and the large green ball with waxy, white berries clinging to it directly above them.

Penelope found her footing and pushed upward, sliding her arms around Yule’s neck, and pressed her lips onto his, kissing him for the very first time.

Heat poured through her from her lips, down her arms, her back, her sides, all the way down her legs until her toes curled inside her half-boots. It was like she was electrified, with sparks shooting through her body and out her fingers and toes. Despite all these incredible feelings, she reveled in the fact his lips were soft, yet firm. And that he was incredibly gentle, despite everything they’d just gone through. Lord, but she never wanted this to end.

Yule broke the kiss and glared down at her. “What the hell have you done?”

Yule Be Mine is now available on Amazon for .99! Click the graphic above to go grab your copy! Merry Christmas reading!

THE WELWYN MARRIAGE WAGER SERIES

Posted in Holiday romance, Promotion, Release Party, Victorian romance, Welwyn Marriage Wager, Yule Be Mine | Tagged , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 12/03/2023 ~ Yule Be Mine~ A Woman’s Feelings

 

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

I’m back this week showing off book 3 of The Welwyn Marriage Wager series, Yule Be Mine, which is now on pre-order on Amazon and releasing in two days!

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!

 

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. And though she’s let her intentions toward him be known, he’s not having any of it! Enjoy!

EXCERPT:

Yule cocked his head, his frown becoming more pronounced, but before he could speak, Mr. Kastner appeared, grabbed their arms and propelled them forward.

“Come right along, now.” He pulled them along the two lines of people, one only men, the other only women, standing or stamping their feet in the cold, until they reached the beginning of the lines. “The easiest way to make sure the two of you are paired together is to put you at the front of the line. You don’t mind running first, do you?”

“What are you talking about, Fritz?” Yule pulled his arm out of his friend’s grasp, then looked around, his face registering the horror of finding himself opposite Penelope, about to try to catch her as she ran under the huge green ball of mistletoe twisting in the cold breeze above them.

“Good luck on the wager, old chap.” Mr. Kastner slapped Yule on the back as he hurried away from them. “On your mark.”

And a little more for good measure. . . 

Penelope glanced at Yule to find him glaring at her, his stare sharp enough to puncture her heart. At that moment, with his active malice directed at her, all she wanted to do was run as far and as fast as she could to get away from the wretched man who couldn’t see that she wasn’t the little girl he’d said goodbye to ten years ago. She was a woman, with a woman’s feelings that he’d just trampled on as if they were of no consequence whatsoever.

“Get set.”

Blinking back tears, Penelope turned her face toward the lane between the trees, where she intended to run like the wind and never look back. If she never saw Yule Quartermain again it would be too soon. She tensed, ready to—

“Go!”

With a cry, Penelope leaped forward, dashing away as though the hounds of hell were snapping at her feet, though they would have been much preferred to her true Quartermain adversary. Her half-boots slipped on the snow, causing her to wobble, but she found her footing and regained her stride. Listening keenly for his pounding footfalls, all she heard were the racing of her own heart and the shush shush of her own feet. Instinctively, she slowed and, despite her vow, glanced back over her shoulder.

Yule hadn’t moved. He stood watching her, his face pinched, his brows in a deep frown.

 

 

Yule Be Mine is available for pre-order on Amazon for .99 . It releases in just 2 days, 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

Posted in Blog Hops, Historical Romance, On Weekend Writing Warriors, Promotion, Victorian romance, Weekend Writing Warriors, Welwyn Marriage Wager, Yule Be Mine | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments