Title: A Regency Christmas Proposal
Authors: Arietta Richmond, Regina Jeffers, Alanna Lucas, Janis Susan May, Summer Hanford, Emma Kaye
Genre: Historical Romance- Regency
Book Blurb:
The Last Woman Standing by Regina Jeffers A Gypsy blessing for choosing a wife bound to rare flowers, a Marquess loath to comply with it, a companion with horticulture in her blood, lies, deception and manipulation, a blessing fulfilled in unexpected ways, an enduring love.
Twelfth Night Promise by Alanna Lucas A Lord with a steadfast love, the Lady who broke his heart, six long years ago, now forced to a marriage against her will, a snowbound Christmas which brings them together again, deception unravelling as love proves stronger than lies, a second chance claimed.
A Bluestocking for a Baron by Arietta Richmond A Bluestocking with unfashionable interests, a Baron with a deep investment in trade, an unscrupulous business rival, kidnapping, blackmail and rescue, love found in the face of danger.
The Earl and the Bluestocking by Janis Susan May An Earl who needs a wife – but dislikes all of the women he meets, a young lady who staunchly denies any interest in fashion and frivolity, a Christmas Eve Ball, and a chance to be different – just once, a mysterious beauty who disappears, a slender clue to a lifetime love.
His Yuletide Kiss by Summer Hanford A gentleman, the woman he believes he is fated to marry, her cousin, a family feud, an approval denied, secrets lies and deception, dark character revealed and true love redeemed.
Wooing the Wallflower by Emma Kaye A Viscount’s daughter, a man of business, a conflict of class, a secret of art, an unsuitable affection, the threat of a marriage, a love worth fighting for.
Excerpt from Twelfth Night Promise by Alanna Lucas:
“She’s getting married?” Kinsley’s question ricocheted off the elegant breakfast room walls, the words slapping him in the face.
“Yes.”
“Lady Emma is getting married?” He leaned back in his chair, the air in his chest whooshing from his body. The room began to blur as his world tipped on its side and began to spin out of control. The hope he’d held onto for the past six years faded.
Although Emma had been the one to end their courtship, he’d never truly believed her flimsy reasons. And he certainly had never even considered her request that he should find another lady to marry.
For several years, he’d try to glean what information he could about Emma. However, even when she was in town—which seemed to be almost never—his numerous letters were never reciprocated. Hell, he didn’t even know if she’d received any of his correspondences. Any typical man would have given up hope ages ago, but Kinsley wasn’t typical. Deep down, he had always believed that as long as Emma did not marry there was still hope for them.
“Yes,” his sister released an exasperated huff, as she firmly placed her teacup on its saucer. “Lady Emma is getting married.” Annoyed brown eyes glared at him. “How many times do I have to repeat myself? You may be my favorite brother but—”
“I am your only brother, Hannah,” he reminded her matter-of-factly. He was not in the mood for games today and wished she would get to the point at hand and answer his questions.
“Regardless, you’re still my favorite,” she began with a wink that only served to annoy him more, before continuing, “despite the fact that you never listen, and I have to constantly repeat myself.”
Five. Kinsley had been blessed with five very talkative sisters. Over the years he’d learned to filter through the conversation and extract the information he desired. But it would appear his skills today were lacking. He was having difficulty drawing out even the simplest details.
“Are you certain?”
“Certain of…?” Hannah raised a delicate, mocking brow.
His temper was hanging by a thread. He slammed his fist down hard on the table, rattling the teacups on their saucers. “That Emma is getting married!” his voice bellowed through the room.
“Yes, quite certain,” she replied unfazed by his mood. She took a sip of tea before launching into what Kinsley hoped was the information he desired. “I had a letter from Lizzie—Elizabeth as she now prefers to be called since marrying her marquess. One would think no female in all of England had ever married a marquess. And now she prefers to be quite formal, even with her relatives and…”
“But what about Emma?” He ground out the words in a deep growl. Clearly, his sister was having issues comprehending him and what he needed to know.
Hannah’s eyes widened as round as the tea-service saucers. “You don’t have to take that tone with me,” she huffed as her lips dipped into a frown.
Kinsley inwardly sighed. He didn’t mean to be curt with her. He adored his sister—all of them in fact and would do anything to ensure their happiness. He softened his tone. “I’m sorry, Hannah.”
“Apology accepted.” She smiled brightly, clearly recovered. “What do you want to know?”
“Everything.” Finally, he was getting somewhere.
“Well…according to Lizzie, Vivienne reported that Lady Emma’s brother insisted upon a hasty marriage. Owing to the fact that they are finally out of mourning after first their mother’s passing and then their father’s death earlier this year.” She paused as if allowing him to digest the information. “It is commonly known that her brother—the new Duke of Barkby—wants to be rid of his only sibling. They were never friendly toward one another.”
Kinsley did know that the siblings’ relationship was troubled and had been for quite some time. Vivienne—number three of his five sisters, and one of Emma’s closest friends—had kept him abreast over the years, and at times, advised him.
“In my opinion,” Hannah announced, “her brother is worse than their father. His Grace has quite the jealous streak and a temper to match.” She raised the teacup to her lips and took a dainty sip. “But I digress. Lady Emma and her aunt are set to spend Christmastide with Vivienne and Golding at Cragbourn. It should be quite picturesque in that part of the country with the expected snow. I do wish I was up for traveling, but alas…” With one hand still holding the teacup, she rubbed her rounded belly with the other to emphasize her point.
“How long is Lady Emma expected to be there?” Kinsley was mentally calculating how long it would take to travel from London to that far north. Cragbourn was less than half a day’s ride to Scotland. If he pushed hard, he thought he could make the journey in five days, just in time for Christmas Eve and bringing in the Yule Log. It was a tradition he never missed spending with at least one of his siblings.
“She’s due to arrive tomorrow and is staying until Twelfth Night.” Hannah paused for a moment before releasing a long-troubled breath. Her hand shook slightly as she replaced the fine china on its saucer once more. “Before continuing her journey to the Duke of Faringdon’s estate where she will be married.” Heartache softened her eyes as she looked directly at him. “The wedding is to take place on the fifteenth of January.”
Emma, his Emma, was to be married in less than a month? He’d had enough of this conversation. He’d had enough of abiding by a dead man’s demand. It was past time to take action. He pushed back from the table.
“Where are you going?”
“To do what I should have done six years ago.”
Buy Link:
Share a holiday family tradition:
Watching Holiday movies with my kids. One of our favorites is How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the classic cartoon).
Why is your featured book perfect to get readers in the holiday mood:
Six full length novellas to keep you reading all through Christmas, each featuring a happily ever after centered around Christmas.
Giveaway:
Enter to win a $50 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card
Enter to win a $50 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card
Enter to win a $25 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card
Enter to win a $15 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card
Enter to win a $10 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card
Open internationally.
Runs December 1 – 31.
Drawing will be held on January 3, 2020.
Author Biography:
Bestselling author Alanna Lucas spends most of her days writing, researching (aka: getting side-tracked looking up any and everything that strikes her mood at the moment—you never know when the muse will be inspired), and driving her kids from one activity to another. During her “free time” she enjoys reading, watching Marvel movies with her kids, and plotting her next travel destination.
Social Media Links:
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAlannaLucas/