I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the blog tour for; Gaming Hell Christmas: Volume II by Amanda McCabe and Kathy L Wheeler, I loved the look of the first book and now I am delighted to be sharing an exclusive extract with you all.
Gaming Hell Christmas: Volume Two
GAMING HELL CHRISTMAS – VOLUME 2: Mysteries abound at London’s most fashionable Hell.
The Thief Who Stole Christmas – Amanda McCabe
A man who has never broken the rules, and a woman who just might break his heart! But Christmas is always a time for second chances…
As one of Miss Greensley’s Girls, a member of the exclusive club la Sous Rose, and famous author Lady L, Victoria Lanford moves easily through Society ballrooms. Few people know how her unhappy childhood and anxiety led her to pickpocketing (yet, she did return the jewels)! When she comes face-to-face with old flame Rhys Neville, Earl of Hammond, she knows the kind-hearted, straight-laced, devilishly handsome lord is not for her—especially once the past comes back to haunt them. Why, then, can’t she stop thinking about their kisses?
The Kerse Who Saved Christmas – Kathy L Wheeler
Kerse: He, of the no nonsense approach, is stymied by She, a woman considered long past prime marriageability who needs a keeper more than he requires a wife. Yet the dreamy-eyed, impractical, and much too optimistic Philomena still manages to steal his heart despite her unrealistic beliefs and trust in fortune tellers.
Purchase Links
UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gaming-Hell-Christmas-Kathy-Wheeler-ebook/dp/B0B5BCKC1G/
US – https://www.amazon.com/Gaming-Hell-Christmas-Kathy-Wheeler-ebook/dp/B0B5BCKC1G/
Extract
The Kerse Who Stole Christmas – Kathy L Wheeler
Our hero, Kerse, has made monumental decision. One he hadn’t quite expected so soon. He, of course, is not the only one surprised. But, alas, at least he’s corrected the mistake…
***
Kerse stopped the phaeton and observed the ensuing activity. From his perch some distance from Staunton House, he could not discern which twin was which. Both were turned out in shades of white. Yet, the longer he observed, the more he realized that Phil wore the more elaborate of the two gowns. She had the ability to carry herself with a more subtle demeanor, like allowing her sister to lead where Phil followed. She entered the family carriage last, not first, which settled it for him.
He waited a full five minutes after the carriage left before setting his own in motion and pulling before Staunton House. He whistled and a child ran up. Kerse tossed him a coin, instructing him to look after his rig and strode to the door.
The butler’s eyes widened when Kerse handed over his calling card. Normally, he would be expected to drop it and return at a later time, but he didn’t have that luxury. “Please let Staunton know I would like to meet with him immediately regarding his daughter.”
The butler stood aside, allowing him to enter. “Right away, my lord.” The butler went up the stairs to the formal parlor, indicating that the man was likely dressed and prepared to accept visitors. A sudden flurry of activity ensued, though he couldn’t see anything from where he waited in the foyer. No one came back down the stairs for him for a time. When the butler did reappear, his face was somewhat flushed. He ushered Kerse back up the stairs, and tapped at the door before opening it.
Staunton rose from a chair near the hearth as Kerse entered. He was a tall man. He wore his wig askew as if hastily donned. A second later, Lady Staunton marched in. “Lord Kerse, how pleasant of you to visit. I’ve called for tea. Please be seated.”
Staunton and Kerse, of course, waited until his lady-wife was seated before seating themselves. Kerse took the chair across from Staunton.
“Vance mentioned your visit is regarding our daughter?”
Kerse saw no reason to mince words. “Yes. I would like your blessing for our impending marriage.”
“I expect you likely ruined her. Of course, you have our blessing.”
“Staunton,” Lady Staunton gasped. “Decorum, if you please, sir.”
So, Phil had hidden sides. The thought brought a grin to his face. “As long as we are being frank, sir, I did indeed. I will be procuring a special license for the marital event.”
“Thomasina will be the death of me, I vow,” Staunton said, rising and heading toward a tray where Kerse spotted brandy. “Drink, Kerse?”
“Yes—” He froze. “Er, did you say Thomasina?”
“Of course. She is certainly the adventurous one of the two.”
He let out a pursed stream of air, vowing to ensure Phil did not make an attempt at having her sister stand in Phil’s place, leaving him wed to the wrong woman. “My err, then, Staunton. I’m here on behalf of Lady Philomena.”
Shocked silence rippled through the chamber.
Staunton cleared his throat, then shrugged. “Makes no difference to me. I can’t tell them apart. Never could. Suspect they enjoy pulling the wool over one’s eyes.”
Kerse glanced at Lady Staunton whose eyes flashed with undisguised irritation. “Forgive me, Lord Kerse, but are you certain it is Philomena you’ve… ruined? As my husband indicated, the girls take great pride in their ability to fool those who do not know them well.”
He tended to agree and didn’t wish to inform her how well they were able to pull off their feats and embarrass her. “Be that as it may, my lady, I am here to negotiate for Lady Philomena’s hand, not her twin’s.”
Author Bio’s
Amanda McCabe
Amanda wrote her first romance at the age of sixteen–a vast historical epic starring all her friends as the characters, written secretly during algebra class (and her parents wondered why math was not her strongest subject…)
She’s never since used algebra, but her books have been nominated for many awards, including the RITA Award, the Romantic Times BOOKReviews Reviewers’ Choice Award, the Booksellers Best, the National Readers Choice Award, and the Holt Medallion. She lives in Santa Fe with a Poodle, a cat, a wonderful husband, and a very and far too many books and royal memorabilia collections.
When not writing or reading, she loves taking dance classes, collecting cheesy travel souvenirs, and watching the Food Network–even though she doesn’t cook.
Social Media Links – https://www.facebook.com/amandamccabebooks/
https://www.instagram.com/amandamccabeauthor/
https://www.facebook.com/amandamccabebooks
https://twitter.com/AmandaMcCabe01
Kathy L Wheeler
Kathy L Wheeler loves the NFL, the NBA, musical theater (don’t ask how her how many times she’s seen Phantom of the Opera (12); or Wicked (7)), travel, (Europe, Grand Cayman, Mexico, All over the US), reading (practically a book a night), writing (35 books and counting) and karaoke (well….what can I say). She assists other authors in critiquing, formatting, and creating covers for their publishing dreams.
She writes contemporary and historical stories where the heroines save themselves and the heroes who honor their courage with suspense and humor.
She lives in the Pacific Northwest US with her musically talented, lawyer husband, and their
adorable dog Angel (who lives up to her name…mostly).
For more about Kathy please visit:
https://kathylwheeler.com/blog/
https://twitter.com/kathylwheeler
Chicks,Rogues and Scandals 