in
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Monday, December 23, 2013

Reuniting with a Former Love...with Vicky Dreiling and Giveaway


Reuniting with a Former Love on Christmas Eve - Vicky Dreiling

Triple RITA finalist Vicky Dreiling is a confirmed historical romance junkie and Anglophile. Frequent business trips to the UK allowed her to indulge her passion for all things Regency England. Bath, Stonehenge, and Spencer House are among her favorite places. She is, however, truly sorry for accidentally setting off a security alarm in Windsor Castle. That unfortunate incident led her British colleagues to nickname her “Trouble.” Vicky is a native Texan and holds degrees in English literature and marketing.

Places to find Vicky:
Site Blog Facebook Twitter Goodreads |

A CHRISTMAS REUNION

When Danielle suggested a Christmas story about a former love, I thought it was a fabulous idea. After all, who doesn’t wonder about the one who got away?

***

Melinda Brookes looked out the wavy glass, wishing it would snow. At least if it snowed, everyone would focus on the weather and take no more notice of her. Not that anyone voiced the concerns about the visitor who would soon arrive. Edwin, Viscount Caldecott, the man who had had chosen duty over love.

Six years had passed. There was no reason whatsoever for even the slightest awkwardness. Still, she wished it would snow so that there would be a safe topic for everyone to expound upon.
Perhaps she would get her wish before the day ended.

Melinda returned to her chair and her embroidery. Her mother nodded once, a sign of her approval. She did not believe in showing one’s restlessness by pacing about the room. Melinda did her pacing alone behind her closed bedroom door.

Her sister Ruth sat next to her. “I imagine you are somewhat anxious at seeing Edwin again.”

“I am not. It happened long ago.” Six years ago, Ruth had counseled her not to attend Edwin’s wedding, but she’d insisted. Melinda had refused to hide from anyone. So she’d lifted her chin and ignored the rude stares.

Ruth smiled. “You lie prettily, dear sister, but anyone in your slippers would find the situation unsettling.”

She pressed her lips tightly. “Whether I do or not is irrelevant. All that matters is how I respond—or not.”

Ruth winced. “I beg your pardon, Melinda.”

“Never mind, Ruth. I am out of sorts to be honest, but I will bear up to his visit.”

***

Four hours later

Edwin stepped out of the carriage and assisted his widowed mother. Years ago, his parents had been on the best of terms with the late Mr. Brookes and his family, but that was before he’d learned the extent of his father’s debts. He’d fully intended to do his duty, but his bride had jilted him—left him at the altar.

He should have been mortified, but all he’d felt was relief. It had been short-lived.
All the family came to greet them on the horseshoe steps. Mrs. Addison, her married eldest daughter, Ruth Longley and Mr. Longley, and at last Melinda.

She looked him in the eyes without wavering, curtseyed and said nothing.

He inclined his head in acknowledgement. “Miss Brookes, may I escort you?”

She lifted her chin just a bit and took his arm.

“Welcome, Caldecott,” Mrs. Addison said. “It’s chilly. Everyone let us go inside and warm up by the fire.”

After Edwin and everyone else shed their wraps, they adjourned to the drawing room where a yule log burned. Mrs. Addison served tea and biscuits. He was gratified to see his mother’s spirits enlivened upon seeing her friend again. He walked to the window with his dish of tea in hand. The cold gray day looked ripe for precipitation—possibly snow if the temperature continued to drop. He heard the footsteps and wondered if it was Ruth, come to remind him of his ill treatment of her sister, but it was Melinda.

“I’ve been wishing for snow,” she said with a wry expression. “It would break up the tedium.”

“The house party has just begun, and you are bored already?” he asked arching a brow.

“Of being indoors,” she said.

“It is easily remedied,” he said. “You don’t need snow to go outdoors.”

“Will you accompany me?” she asked.

He would prefer to stay indoors, but after six years, he supposed she deserved to call him a blackguard to his face. “I would be happy to escort you.”

***

Melinda released Edwin’s arm once they were out of doors. She noted that he put his hands behind his back—a far cry from the spring day six years ago when he’d first kissed her. Of course, she’d tumbled in love with him and could think of nothing or no one but Edwin. He’d professed tender feelings for her as well, but it had not lasted.

She was hardly the only woman to be crossed in love, but he had humiliated her, whether he knew it or not. She’d attended his ill-fated wedding to prove to everyone she was not moping for Edwin. In retrospect, she doubted she’d fooled anyone.

For more than a year after Edwin’s engagement and subsequent jilting, Melinda had often thought of things she would say if she met with him again. She’d wanted to tell him that he was lower than a snake. He’d trampled her heart, and she’d despised him for it. Now, after six long years, she had the opportunity, but it occurred to her that calling him on the carpet would only reveal the bitterness she’d once felt. Now it wasn’t anger that troubled her, but rather questions that had gone unanswered.

He stopped by the old oak where a swing was suspended from a branch. “I thought you meant to cut up at me.”

“Would that flatter you?” she said.

Disappointment showed in his eyes. “No, Melinda. Whatever you may think, I never meant to wound you. At the time, I thought I had no other choice but to marry a woman of fortune.” He took a deep breath. “I suppose you believe I deserved to be jilted at the altar.”

She sat on the swing and pushed with her toe. “At the time, I thought so.”

“And now?”

“Now I think I am overdue an apology.”

His jaw clenched. He took off his hat. “I am sorry, Melinda. I loved you dearly, but my father was in terrible debt. I felt an obligation to my family—and most of all to you. I could not bring you into that situation.”

She’d known he’d married for money, but she’d not known about the debts. “It was bad?” she whispered.

He nodded. “I made investments that have paid off handsomely after six years, but money as I’ve discovered is cold comfort when you’ve wronged the only woman you’ve ever loved.”

A few snowflakes fell on his coat and on her cloak. Before long, the snow came down in earnest. He knelt before her. “Melinda, I never stopped loving you, and I never stopped hoping that one day you would agree to marry me. Will you?”

Her eyes welled. “I never stopped loving you, Edwin, and yes, I will marry you.




Will the Rogue's Perfect Plan...

Colin Brockhurst, Earl of Ravenshire, has no desire to wed, this season or any other. So when his father demands he give up his wild ways and take a wife, Colin refuses. But his father raises the stakes and threatens to sell the ancestral home if Colin doesn't comply. Now Colin has no choice but to find a wife. Unfortunately, the only woman he wants is the one whose heart he broke years ago.

Lead to the Perfect Seduction?

Regardless of the ton's whispers, Lady Angeline Brenham won't settle for anything less than true love. After rejecting more than her share of suitable suitors, spinsterhood looms before her—until the devilishly handsome Colin reappears in her life with a proposition. Angeline vows to keep her feet on the ground and her heart in check. That is, until one searing kiss melts her resolve and reignites a burning desire for more.

Pre-order: | Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | iTunes |

Click for info.



 Check out what's up for grabs.

Up For Grabs:
  • 1 copy of What a Wicked Earl Want

To Enter: 
  • Please leave a comment or question for Vicky.
  • Please fill out the Rafflecopter form.

**Don't forget to enter the grand prize giveaway!


Good Luck! 

Special thanks to Vicky Dreiling for sponsoring this giveaway.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

46 comments :

  1. I felt robbed Vicky. Robbed! That was all I get? A short and sweet reunion? *sighs*
    Oh, don't get me wrong, Vicky. I'm not mad or angry, Just disappointed. I just wanted more. Some thrashing and snowball war would have been nice. ;)
    I love you!!! (please don't throw a snowball at my head; I'm sorry if I'm being needy this very early morning)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh, I wanted more too! Maybe another page. I think Melinda gave in too quickly! She should have run him a bit ragged before saying yes to his proposal! I'm just saying......

    ReplyDelete
  3. Either way, definitely sounds interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love historical romance and this one sounds like just my cup of tea.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
    ...and thank you for the hours of reading fun!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks for such a lovely excerpt. I love your books and would love to read this. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love Vickie's books, can't wait to read the next one. Merry Christmas

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love the proposal scenes in books! They're always so interesting - to see how the hero decides to do it.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Merry Christmas, Vicky! Cute story!

    ReplyDelete
  10. One more book to add on my list. Thanks for sharing :)
    Merry Christmas!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. I admire Melinda for being so strong when facing Edwin. I don't know that I'd have been able to do the same. I'm glad they have another chance to be together and can put the past and the pain it brought behind them.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Sounds like another great read. Thanks for sharing.
    Happy Holidays :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. I agree with the early comments, we need more of their story. Sigh! Love happy endings. Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Merry Christmas! Thanks for sharing Vicky and I'm so excited cuz I've finally got my hands on one of your books and I can't wait to dive in :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Another great read to go on my TRL.I love your books Vicky. Thanks for tgiving us this tease and the giveaway opportunity.
    Carol L
    Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Ah, Vicky, I loved your short story about Miranda and Edwin. It's a great one for the season, too, as it portrays forgiveness and redemption. Thanks for this post! jdh2690@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Now this sounds like another author that's right up my alley with writing style. Glad I've stumbled onto this blog sight thanks to miss Essex. Now I look forward to reading yours as well Ms. Dreiling.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Beautiful book cover and interesting description of the story.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Nice scene, but I wish it had been longer.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Thanks for the short, even though it was too short! Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  21. Love this series. Looking forward to reading this book. Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Loved the short story, it was perfect for this time of year. I haven't read any books by her but they are now on my TBR.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I loved the reunion scene but it's left me wanting more.
    Vicky, I wish you and your family a safe and happy Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Loved the story! I am a big fan of your books and can't wait to read more. Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I am truly anxious to read the next book in the series! The little story/excerpt was cute! Lol I don't think that was the word to describe it but it was. Cute and heartwarming!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Cara Roda
    Hello I am cara,I am out here to spreed this good news to the entire world on how I got my ex lover back.I was going crazy when my love left me for another girl last month, But when i meet a friend that introduce me to DR Jumba the great messenger to the oracle that he serve,I narrated my problem to DR Jumba about how my ex love left me and also how i needed to get a job in a very big company.He only said to me that i have come to the right place were i will be getting my heart desire without any side effect.He told me what i need to do,After it has been done,In the next 2 days,My love called me on the phone and was saying sorry for living me before now and also in the next one week after my love called me to be pleading for forgiveness,I was called for interview in my desired company were i needed to work as the managing director..I am so happy and overwhelmed that i have to tell this to the entire world to contact DR Jumbaat the following email address and get all your problem solve..No problem is too big for him to solve..Contact him direct on: drjumbaspelltemple@hotmail.com and get your problems solve like me....

    ReplyDelete
  27. Very cute short story. I'd like to see more of their story. :-) Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Loved your short story, Vicky! I love your books--they are delicious and addictive--kind of like chocolate for the brain. Needless to say, I have gouged myself on your writing many times. Hope you have a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year, Vicky! Love ya!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thank you for the wonderful read.

    Merry Christmas!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. I adore these books! They truly transport me to another place, just what I want when I pick up one of your books.
    Thanks for the tease and the giveaway ladies.
    Happy Holidays all!

    ReplyDelete
  31. thanks for the giveaway chance!

    ReplyDelete
  32. I love your books, Vicki! Thanks for the short story and for the giveaway!

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Lovers reunited is always a good story. have a nice Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hi VICKY! Love your books. I'm really looking forward to your new one. Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Thanks everyone. I wasn't sure of the length for this short story,but hopefully you'll all forgive me for keeping it short as I'm working on book 3 in the Sinful Scoundrels Series. For those who have read WHAT A WICKED EARL WANTS, the first in the series, the second book is WHAT A RECKLESS ROGUE NEEDS - which is available for preorder & comes out on March 25th. The third book that I'm writing now is Harry's book. Those who have read Bellingham's book will no doubt remember Colin & Harry - they were a lot of fun to write. Anyway, I'm very excited about the next two books. Thanks again and good luck in the contest!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Thank you, Danielle! Have a happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Thanks for the giveaway! lovely excerpt.

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hi Vicky!

    No matter the length of you stories you somehow manage to make us want to read more! I hope you had a great Christmas and ever since I read What A Wicked Earl Wants I've been looking forward to reading What A Reckless Rogue Needs (love the titles!). Yeah, I'm so glad that you're writing Harry's book next! I hope you get a chance to take some time off but on the other hand after the holidays PLEASE WRITE FASTER! The wait between your books alway seems to long and till would even if they were coming out monthly!

    Thanks for all the wonderful hours of reading you've shared with me and all your other fans!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Thanks for the excerpt and the chance to win!
    Happy Holidays!

    ReplyDelete
  40. I'd love to read this book.
    theresa n
    weceno(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  41. Thank you for the cute reunion story... lisagk(at)yahoo

    ReplyDelete