A Note from Amelia Grey

Dear Readers,

It may be summer warm in Florida, but it feels like Christmas to me! I’m hearing jingle bells and ho, ho, ho. There’s a hint of cedar, pine, and wood smoke drifting through the air. Houses are decorated with the welcoming warmth of colorful Christmas lights, and it’s the perfect time to announce the publication of my second Christmas novella Mistletoe, Mischief, and the Marquis.

When most people hear the word Christmas they think of kids, snow, and gifts. Mistletoe, Mischief, and the Marquis has all three and a whole lot more wrapped up in an emotional love story between a serious-minded gentleman and a fun-loving heroine.

Here’s a short summary of the novella Mistletoe, Mischief, and the Marquis.

The Marquis of Wythebury is expecting an ordinary Christmastide at Hurst—until he is set upon by a beautiful miss who takes him to task for not allowing his young nephews to play outside. In his mind, a five and seven-year-old needn’t get chilled in the snow; better to plop them in front of the fire with a book. Few people have even been brave enough to challenge him over anything, much less the rearing of his wards. The cheeky Miss Prim has no such compunction. No matter how fetching she is, he can’t pursue her…for she is the sister of his best friend.

Growing up the middle child of five rambunctious girls, Lillian Prim doesn’t understand why two boys visiting Hurst can’t play outside until she meets their dashing guardian. The Marquis of Wythebury is commanding and intensely serious-minded. To her surprise, she’s captivated by him. It’s all she can do not to give into her feminine fantasies about kissing him. Lillian has no intention of falling in love with the Marquis, but she will create Christmastide mischief and teach the boys and handsome Marquis how to play.

MISTLETOE, MISCHIEF, AND THE MARQUIS by Amelia Grey

The Marquis of Wythebury, is expecting an ordinary Christmastide at Hurst—until he is set upon by a beautiful miss who takes him to task for not allowing his young nephews to play outside. In his mind, a five and seven year old needn’t get chilled in the snow; better to plop them in front of the fire with a book. Few people have ever been brave enough to challenge him over anything, much less the rearing of his wards. The cheeky Miss Prim has no such compunction. No matter how fetching he finds her, he can’t give in to his attraction…for she is the sister of his best friend.

Growing up the middle child of five rambunctious girls, Lillian Prim doesn’t understand why two young boys visiting Hurst don’t know how to play until she meets their dashing guardian. The Marquis of Wythebury is commanding and intensely serious-minded. To her surprise, she’s captivated by him. It’s all she can do not to give into her feminine fantasies about him kissing him. Lillian has no intention of falling in love with the Marquis, but she will create Christmastide mischief and teach the boys and the handsome Marquis how to play.

Romance Historical | Holiday | Novella / Short Story [Swerve, On Sale: November 29, 2016, e-Book, ISBN: 9781250141170 / eISBN: 9781250141170]

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Excerpt from:

Mistletoe, Mischief, and the Marquis.

After the Marquis turned away, Lillian didn’t have time to consider whether her thought was a good idea. She just knew she had to do it.

Quickly.

Shivering as much from her plan as the cold, she bent down and scooped a double hand full of snow, pressed it quickly into a ball and hurled it at the Marquis. She hit him right between the shoulder blades.

He stopped and turned around so slowly that for an instant she regretted her rash impulse. Expecting his expression to be furious, relief blasted through her as she was met with an amused look of disbelief. Her courage returned.

Lord Wythebury started walking toward her. The closer he came, the wider his shoulders appeared to be. He didn’t stop until he was toe-to-toe with her.

His head bent close to her face, sending chills of anticipation rippling through her.

Quietly, calmly, he said, “Did you just hit me with a ball of snow?”

Intensely aware of everything about him, her first thought was to deny it but that wouldn’t get her very far. There was no one else around. Now that she’d dealt herself this hand, she had no choice but to play it. Her action was daring, maybe even foolish, but she couldn’t win if she was afraid to make the first move.

“I’m issuing a challenge to you, my lord.”

“That was an odd way to get my attention when you could have simply spoken my name, but I’m listening.”

“A snow ball fight.”

Breathlessly, she waited while his gaze intimately explored her face. “That’s a rather fearless challenge from a young lady.”

It was. And she had no idea where she’d gotten the nerve to issue it. However, to him she promptly said, “Perhaps, but nevertheless, I’m confident I can win.”

A faint flicker of admiration flashed across his eyes. “Are you now? I don’t believe I’ve ever had a lady issue a challenge to me that would test her physical abilities against mine. For all your bravado and confidence, you do realize that I can throw much harder and faster than you.”

“You’re probably more accurate, too,” she admitted.

“I’m glad you realize that. Now, do you want to change your mind about the challenge, or are you prepared to lose?”

“Neither,” she said backing away from him. “I aim to win.”

“All right,” he said. “I accept.”

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