Happy Release Day for Mistletoe, Marriage & Mayhem

It may have been Halloween last night, but I was sitting at my laptop watching the numbers for the Bluestocking Belles’ first box set, Mistletoe, Marriage, & Mayhem, that releases today. The Belles were very excited as our chat window on Facebook could attest. My contribution to our box set is a novella entitled Under the Mistletoe, and I’m very excited for my readers to see my first Regency era story.

The Bluestocking Belles will be celebrating today at our Facebook launch party from 4-9 EST. Be sure to stop on by for fun, games, and giveaways from all eight Belles. We also have a grand prize and there is still plenty of time to enter our Rafflecopter contest.

Mistletoe, Marriage, and Mayhem: A Bluestocking Belles Collection

In this collection of novellas, the Bluestocking Belles bring you seven runaway Regency brides resisting and romancing their holiday heroes under the mistletoe. Whether scampering away or dashing toward their destinies, avoiding a rogue or chasing after a scoundrel, these ladies and their gentlemen leave miles of mayhem behind them on the slippery road to a happy-ever-after.

***All proceeds benefit the Malala Fund***

Here is a glimpse of the seven novellas:

All She Wants for Christmas, by Amy Rose Bennett

A frosty bluestocking and a hot-blooded rake. A stolen kiss and a Yuletide wedding. Sparks fly, but will hearts melt this Christmas?

The Ultimate Escape, by Susana Ellis

Abandoned on his wedding day, Oliver must choose between losing his bride forever or crossing over two hundred years to find her and win her back.

Under the Mistletoe, by Sherry Ewing

Margaret Templeton will settle for Captain Morledge’s hand in marriage, until she sees the man she once loved. Who will win her heart at the Christmas party of her would-be betrothed?

’Tis Her Season, by Mariana Gabrielle

Charlotte Amberly returns a Christmas gift from her intended—the ring—then hares off to London to take husband-hunting into her own hands. Will she let herself be caught?

Gingerbread Bride, by Jude Knight

Traveling with her father’s fleet has not prepared Mary Pritchard for London. When she strikes out on her own, she finds adventure, trouble, and her girlhood hero, riding once more to her rescue.

A Dangerous Nativity, by Caroline Warfield

With Christmas coming, can the Earl of Chadbourn repair his widowed sister’s damaged estate, and far more damaged family? Dare he hope for love in the bargain?

Joy to the World, by Nicole Zoltack

Eliza Berkeley discovers she is marrying the wrong man—on her wedding day. When the real duke turns up instead, will her chance at marital bliss be spoiled?

Here are my hero and heroine from Under the Mistletoe:

Here’s an excerpt from Under the Mistletoe:

With Digby gone, Margaret took a seat by the fire, and Frederick sat opposite her. An awkward silence fell between them, broken only by the crackling and popping of the wood within the hearth. Conversation had never been stilted between them, but Margaret was clearly nervous because she kept peeking over her shoulder as if she were being watched. Frederick was unsure what he should say to calm her nerves.

“You have no need to fear me, Margaret,” Frederick whispered softly now that they were alone.

“I do not fear you, Freddy.”

He was pleased to hear his name as it passed her lips. “Then what is troubling you so?”

The eyes raised to his were filled with worry. “Why are you here?”

He watched her fidget with the fabric of her gown. “You know why. I was invited,” Frederick answered.

A sound escaped her, but it was hardly ladylike. “You could easily have made your excuses and refused.”

“I wanted to make sure you were safe,” he replied.

“How could I not be safe? Captain Morledge is practically my betrothed.”

Frederick ran his hand across his eyes. “I do not trust him. There are rumors—”

The laugh she gave was meant to be merry, but sounded forced. “Frederick, please tell me you have not taken to believing in town gossip. I would have thought you, above all people, were above such nonsense.”

He frowned. “Nonsense or not, I needed to see for myself that you are not in danger, even if I must watch over you myself.”

“It is hardly necessary.” Margaret’s attention once more flew to the entryway.

He reached over to take her hand.

She wrenched back with a silent and pleading look, and the briefest shake of her head. Leaning slightly forward, she confided, “Please do not, for it will not be wise. The servants watch my every move, and even now, it is reckless of me to be here alone with you.”

“You see! There is cause for concern. Why will you not let me help you?”

“Please, Freddy. This is my one chance to find some happiness. Do not ruin it for me.”

“We have discussed this before, Margaret. You know my offer still stands. I would wed you on the morrow if you would have me.”

“Shush, you fool. You know I cannot.”

“Yet you would enter into a marriage with a man you do not love.”

A heavy sigh left her lips. “I can learn to love him.”

“Now who is the fool?” he grumbled irritably.

Buy Links for Mistletoe, Marriage, & Mayhem