Have Yourself a Merry Little Secret : a Christmas collection of historical romance (Have Yourself a Merry Little... Book 2) Read online

  Copyright

  All the stories within the ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Secret’ anthology are works of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. With the exception of well-known historical figures and places, any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, now known or hereafter invented, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the applicable author, except for the use of brief quotations in a critical article or book review.

  The license granted herein is to read this ebook for entertainment or literary criticism purposes only. Without limiting the generality of the forgoing, any use of this work for machine learning or artificial intelligence training purposes is not included under the license and is expressly prohibited.

  Copyright © 2020

  Full copyright remains with the author.

  Cover Design by Victoria Cooper

  The purpose of copyright is to encourage writers and artists to produce the creative works that enrich our culture.

  The scanning, uploading, or distribution of this book without explicit written permission is theft of intellectual property. Thank you for your support of our authorial rights.

  Being an international collection, you’ll find both American and British conventions for spelling and punctuation in this edition. No error is intended. Each author has written according to their preferred (and usual) style.

  Copyright applies to the following stories:

  Wedding Her Christmas Duke - by Collette Cameron

  The Knot of a Knight - by Linda Rae Sande

  The Marquess is Mine - by Tamara Gill

  A Yuletide Miracle - by Laurel O'Donnell

  The Lady Who Stole Christmas - by Sydney Jane Baily

  Christmas with a Czar - by Emily E.K. Murdoch

  A Scot Most Wanted - by Angelique Armae

  Secretly Marvellous - by Virginia Taylor

  Yuletide Secrets - by S. Cinders

  One Scandalous Christmas - by J. Burrelli

  The Rogue's Secret - by Stacy Reid and Giselle Marks

  The Secrets He Keeps - by Amy Sandas

  Contents

  Your Invitation

  Foreword

  Our Gorgeous Novellas

  Wedding Her Christmas Duke

  The Knot of a Knight

  The Marquess is Mine

  A Yuletide Miracle

  The Lady Who Stole Christmas

  Christmas with a Czar

  A Scot Most Wanted

  Secretly Marvellous

  Yuletide Secrets

  One Scandalous Christmas

  The Rogue’s Secret

  The Secrets He Keeps

  Your Invitation

  Reviews

  Your Invitation

  Love steamy historical romance?

  Come and join the Historical Harlots reader group.

  Behind the scenes chat with your favourite authors, exclusive giveaways and secret snippets, early eyes on new releases and sales, and lots of fun!

  We’d love for you to join us.

  Click HERE to find out more.

  And… our Harlots authors have another irresistible Christmas historical romance collection for you to download, brimming with SCANDAL!

  From the snowbound Scottish Highlands to the glittering ballrooms of London, our fearless heroines enter the Christmas season in pursuit of their heart's desire.

  But, the course of true love never did run smooth... especially when SCANDAL is afoot.

  Tales of romantic adventure, sizzling passion, and heartwarming holiday romance.

  Unwrap the pleasure...

  Rogue for Hire - by Sasha Cottman

  The Highlander's Christmas Lassie - by Anna Campbell

  The Christmas Rose - by Emma V. Leech

  The Lady's Guide to Scandal - by Emmanuelle de Maupassant

  The Courtship Caper - by Beverley Oakley

  A Scandalous Secret - by Laura Trentham

  Fate Gave Me a Duke - by Amanda Mariel

  Duncan's Christmas - by Ellie St. Clair

  Bedeviled: A Russian Pursuit - by Elsa Holland

  At the Mistletoe Masquerade - by Dayna Quince

  The Christmas Courtesan - by Victoria Vale

  A Scandal Before Christmas - by April Moran

  Her Virgin Duke - by Nicola Davidson

  Ready to be whisked to the snowy wilderness of the Highlands, where passion burns through the winter nights?

  Don’t miss out on this gorgeous collection from more of our Harlots authors.

  Click on the cover to explore…

  Dear Reader

  Welcome to our Yuletide collection of gorgeous tales. Here, you'll find intrigue, secrets, romance—and lashings of scandalous behavior.

  The characters in our stories battle many of the same challenges we do today—striving for independence and self-determination. Bound by the rules and restraints of their era, they crave something more: True love. Adventure. Grand passion.

  You’ll find at least one smoulderingly steamy scene in every story, because we believe our desire for physical connection is as strong as our desire for love.

  We hope this anthology inspires you and provides welcome escape and entertainment. While you’re cheering for our heroes and heroines, we want you to cheer for yourself. Like the women and men in these tales, you’re stronger than you may realize, more resourceful and more determined.

  As for happy endings, we need to believe there is hope for everyone, and the chance to embrace a life of love and friendship.

  With warmest wishes

  From the seductive boudoirs and elite salons of London to the ancient castles of the snowy Scottish Highlands, our fearless heroines enter the Christmas season in pursuit of their heart's desire.

  But, the course of true love never did run smooth... especially when SECRETS abound.

  Happy Christmas!

  We hope you enjoy unwrapping these gorgeous novellas.

  Our authors, hailing from all over the world, are thrilled to have come together to create this sumptuous set of heartwarming historical romances.

  Browse the teasers below, to help you choose where to begin.

  Wedding Her Christmas Duke

  by Collette Cameron

  He’s not who he says he is…but then again, neither is she…

  Baxter is determined to make Justina his Christmas bride. But it’ll take more than mistletoe and the magic of the holiday season to guide these polar opposites to their happily ever after…

  The Knot of a Knight

  by Linda Rae Sande

  Sir Randolph’s daytime occupation collides with his nocturnal avocation of service to the Crown when he discovers Lady X's hidden stash of bank notes. They might be counterfeit—but are his feelings for her?

  The Marquess is Mine

  by Tamara Gill

  She’ll never let anyone break her heart. Not again, anyway…

  Lady Sarah Farley has learned many of life’s lessons the hard way. She now knows the ton will viciously turn on anyone, anytime. And love? That only brings devastation
. But when a particularly handsome ghost from her past reemerges, she can’t help but wonder if life is about to teach her poor wounded heart yet another painful, unwanted lesson.

  Lord Giles Longe, Marques Gordan, never wanted to hurt Sarah. But he couldn’t have married her back then. His father wouldn’t have allowed it. Everything is different now, though. He will make amends. And if it’s the last thing he ever does, he will make her remember the friendship—and pleasure—they once shared.

  Is a Christmas ball at St. Albans Abbey the perfect setting for Sarah to regain her trust in love–and in Giles? Or is their second chance at happily ever after doomed to end as badly as their first?

  A Yuletide Miracle

  by Laurel O'Donnell

  As she grew up, Lady Thora of Grandmore was told the legendary tales of the Yule Cat. The creature was supposed to be a fantasy until it attacked her. Now, Thora will do whatever is necessary to make sure the dangerous beast doesn’t hurt anyone ever again.

  Sir Bastian is sworn to protect Grandmore Castle and all its occupants. He finds himself falling in love with Thora but for the sake of her safety, he must convince her the animal that attacked her was not the legendary cat.

  Can Bastian save the woman he loves from her fear or will he lose her forever on the Yule?

  The Lady Who Stole Christmas

  by Sydney Jane Baily

  A Yuletide gathering at Forde Hall is bursting with mince pies, mulled wine, merriment, … and mischief! Prinny’s trusted man, the Viscount Miles Denbigh, is tasked with discovering a wily thief who’s plaguing the ton’s house parties, stealing their jewels.

  Comely widow Lady Sarah Worthington has enjoyed Denbigh’s company before. However, much as she likes the man, she hadn’t expected to spend Twelvetide in his company, not when she has a secret mission — not when he suspects she’s up to something. Just because he’s right, doesn’t mean she has to like it!

  Join Miles and Sarah in a Christmastime game of cat and mouse.

  Christmas with a Czar

  by Emily E.K. Murdoch

  It's Christmas at St. James' Court, and there's a pretender to the Russian throne attempting to gain royal approval. As such, Alexei Dmitry Immanuil Maximilian Konstantinvich - or Maxim, to his admirers - is determined to hide the secret that will ruin him.

  Meanwhile, Miss Anne Marsh is enduring her last Season before welcome retirement to anonymity.

  Found in a compromising position in the Russian prince's rooms, a marriage of convenience is agreed, but Maxim is hiding far more than Anne could ever guess, and she has a few secrets of her own...

  Could Christmas with a Czar be the beginning of a lifetime together?

  A Scot Most Wanted

  by Angelique Armae

  To rescue her ruined sister, Catrina Lennox leaves London for the Scottish Highlands, only to suffer a great loss which eventually puts her in the path of Niall MacHendrie, Laird of Dundaire. A man who despite his own suffering heart, risks all to give the beguiling Catrina not only the justice she so deserves, but also the scandalous passion she craves, making this a Christmas Catrina will never forget.

  Secretly Marvellous

  by Virginia Taylor

  Lord Beldon Westerham, due to the recent loss of his father and brother, needs to marry to ensure a legitimate heir. To this end, he meets the Thornton sisters, and is fascinated by the younger, Lady Mary, who insists on a season in London before she marries him. He agrees and slowly falls in love with her.

  Mary has adored him for years but if she marries him, he will despise her, for her secret will be revealed.

  Should she risk all with one night of passion?

  Yuletide Secrets

  by S. Cinders

  Ian Stanford’s heart has been hardened by a painful secret in his past. Answering the summons of an elderly friend, he finds himself at an impromptu house party at Christmas time. There he meets a golden-haired beauty who rouses his passions and makes him want to forget his choice to live without love.

  Anne has lived a lonely life. After spurning all of the bucks in London, Anne chose to live a spinster’s life. There she encounters the enigmatic Ian Stanford, who stirs something inside of her that she’s never felt before.

  Will the secrets of the past mar their chance of happiness in the future?

  One Scandalous Christmas

  by J. Burrelli

  After five seasons, Miss Katherine Thorpe is firmly on the shelf and she is happy to remain there, thank you very much. She offered her heart once and had it shattered for her troubles. However, an incorrigible Aunt, a meddling Father, have other plans for her.

  Captain Robert Vaughn, has made his fortune at sea during the war with France. It is time to put down roots and find a wife. But his thoughts are consumed with the last woman he should want, Miss Katherine Thorpe!

  They parted on bad terms, but years later their mutual desire and anger spark brightly. But Christmas has a way of reuniting even the most unlikely of hearts.

  The Rogue's Secret

  by Stacy Reid and Giselle Marks

  Bachelor, Lord Rupert Rogers, is searching for the treasure his great uncle suggests he has left him but finds an enemy and a bride he must convince with one kiss at a time they are perfect for each other...

  The Secrets He Keeps

  by Amy Sandas

  Callista Hale is the formidable Madam of London’s most elite brothel. To crush a rival gentlemen’s club, she’ll accept a wicked offer from the club’s mysterious and sensual owner.

  Erik Maxwell built a livelihood on his knowledge of women’s desires. But Madam Pendragon poses an unexpected challenge. Seduction is the key to ending her crusade against him, but it’s not all he’s got in mind for the fascinating female.

  Wedding Her Christmas Duke

  by Collette Cameron

  “I canna just let ye go.”

  Baxter pressed his mouth to the crown of her head.

  “I dinna ken what this is between us,

  but I’ve never felt anythin’ like it, Justina.”

  Chapter One

  Bathhurst Hotel and Spa

  Bath, Somerset, England

  November 15, 1810

  Justina Farthington laughed as she and her widowed aunt, Emily Grenville, tried in vain to dodge the large, soggy snowflakes sifting from the pewter gray sky with the rambunctious abandon of a litter of kittens playing in a sack of spilled flour. The pathway to the hotel wasn’t long, but the snow made walking difficult.

  “It’s a good thing we didn’t plan on reaching home today,” Justina said, tilting her head to better study the ominous sky. A plump snowflake plopped onto her chin, and she laughed again. Grateful for her warm leather gloves, she swiped the moisture away. “We’d never have made it to Bristol in this weather.”

  “In all of my years, I have never known it to snow this heavily in Somerset in November,” Aunt Emily declared, clutching Justina’s hand for balance.

  A good five inches of snow had already accumulated. Though it was scarcely an hour past one in the afternoon, steel gray blanketed the town so popular with the upper ten thousand, giving the appearance of early twilight. The pouting sky showed no signs of relenting in its unrepentant white onslaught upon the earth either.

  Surely snow in Somerset wasn’t so scarce.

  “Yes, all thirty of them,” Justina remarked dryly while concentrating on keeping snow from sneaking into her half-boots. “And because you’re so well-traveled.”

  “Hush, Justina Madalene Honoria Farthington. Really. Reminding me of my advanced age and that I’m on the shelf is beyond the pale,” Emily huffed good-naturedly, even as a frown puckered her brow.

  Oh, my heavens. Auntie used my full name. She is in a fine fettle, then.

  “Lest you forget, I am widowed and a decade your senior. And, I’ll remind you, dear niece, that I have seen much more of this often-unforgiving world than you.”

  “Of course,” Justina murmured demurely.

>   Aunt Emily wasn’t done, however.

  “You know full well I accompanied my brother on his diplomatic jaunts for several years. It simply does not snow several inches before Christmastide in our part of the world.”

  A touch of genuine concern had leeched into her usually tranquil tones.

  Was her aunt worried they’d be stranded here?

  What did it matter?

  Their finances, though not abundant, were sufficient to accommodate an extended stay. No one except two doddering servants, well past their prime, awaited them at home in Bristol. And the Sutcliffes’ Christmastide house party didn’t begin until the twenty-second of December—a full month away.

  In point of fact, Justina and her aunt were invited to come a few days prior. Nonetheless, they could while away for a fortnight in Bath, and no one would be the wiser, much less worried or concerned.

  A grin played around the edges of Justina’s mouth.

  Oh, how she looked forward to the Sutcliffes’ house party.

  Her dearest friends—young women she’d met at the finishing school her widowed aunt had insisted she attend—were also invited. Genuine excitement that today’s gloomy weather and the disruption to their travel plans couldn’t diminish bubbled along her veins.