A Christmas Code

Category

Holiday whodunits

The holidays, especially Christmas, have served as a backdrop for the romantic suspense genre for decades. While Christmas and criminals seem an unlikely combination, many writers have successfully blended the two to create fast-paced thrillers and mysteries that have you sitting on the edge of Santa’s lap: Silent Night by Mary Higgins Clark, Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie, Hard Christmas by Barbara D’Amato.

Several of my romantic suspense stories feature mistletoe and mayhem. Which one is your favorite?

Mission: Impossible to Wed (The Impossible Mission Series, Book 5)

A Marine’s Christmas Wedding (The Grayce Walters Series, Book 5)

A Christmas Code (The Code Breakers Series, Book 2)

A Holiday Code for Love (The Code Breakers Series, Book 7)

A Code of Joy (The Code Breakers, Book 10)

For romantic suspense authors, the love, peace, joy and comfort of the holidays offer a sharp and vivid contrast to the terror, danger and peril of mysteries and thrillers. When everything you love most is at risk, it becomes that much more precious when saved by a clever hero and/or heroine.

What is your favorite holiday romantic suspense film or book?

Celebrate Christmas in July with a 99¢ Regency Holiday Box Set

I remember how surprised I was when I learned that people in the Southern Hemisphere celebrate Christmas in summer. Because their seasons are the opposite of ours, December comes with sunshine, hot temperatures and not so much as a single snowflake.

Can you imagine?!

Christmas in July started as an activities at summer camps many years ago, and has evolved into a pop culture tradition. I can get on the bandwagon with a summertime yuletide celebration because it’s one of my favorite holidays and I’m (almost!) ready for eggnog, holly, sugar cookies, and shopping for gifts.

Here are three ways to indulge in some holiday magic without waiting for December 25th!

1. Organize a holiday movie marathon. Check the Hallmark Channel for their  lineup of showtimes.

2.  Spend an afternoon in the kitchen whipping up your favorite Christmas treats.  Another option is serving up a plate of Watermelon Christmas trees.

3. Binge on a 99¢ box set of Regency holiday romantic suspense books. Get The Code Breakers Series: Holiday Romances ~ no gift wrap needed.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/38nBP7n
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/31R5TY7
Apple: https://apple.co/31IAJlp
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2C4bKhS
Google Play: https://bit.ly/38p9gqs

A CHRISTMAS CODE is free!

For a limited time, A CHRISTMAS CODE is free at all retailers. 

All that stands between Viscount James Ashworth and a much-anticipated quiet retirement is one simple assignment: protect the Prince Regent at a holiday house party. But there’s one thing the seasoned spy didn’t count on–his childhood friend, Lady Gwyneth Beaumont, who has blossomed into an enticing, passionate hellion.

Gwyneth has a secret mission of her own: prove she’s worthy of joining the Code Breakers, winning the heart of the hard-headed viscount she’s loved since they were children. When her spying uncovers a secret so shocking the enemy would kill for it, she’s thrown head-first into a dangerous world of intrigue and treachery. 

With Ash by her side, Gwyneth is unstoppable. Soon the notorious rake realizes that the woman he’d always considered off-limits is his perfect match, this Christmas and forever after–if only they can survive long enough for that mistletoe kiss.

Apple Books | Kobo | Nook | Google Play

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA

*Add the audiobook for just $1.99

If you love Regency holiday romances, check out my new release A Holiday Code for Love.

Secret Rendezvous

The door to the conservatory squeaked open pouring light into the room. She jumped behind the Palmaceae. Her heart accelerated wildly. She waited, her ears drumming with the silence.

“Gwyneth?”

Ash’s whispered voice was a balm to her shattered nerves.

She stepped out from the plant. “Ash, I’m here.”

He walked toward her. His strong profile and confident walk made her want to run into his arms, but she controlled the impulse.

“Why are you hiding?” He asked in a teasing tone.

“Why were you late?” She didn’t like the idea that he’d found her frightened at their first secret rendezvous.

“Late?” He placed one hand on his hip, his tone sardonic. “I didn’t realize I was late.”

“Never mind. I’m unsettled after my fall.”

He stepped closer to inspect her carefully, his light eyes moving over her body. “Did you trip?”

She wasn’t quick to get mad, but she felt the anger slowly moving up her spine. Cord and Ash had tormented her relentlessly about her clumsiness when she was a young girl. “First of all, I didn’t trip as you suspect. And I wasn’t clumsy as a girl. I always tried to impress you with my daring feats. And I accomplished my deeds despite growing almost as tall as Cord in one year.”

Ash snorted, which only added fuel to the burning fire of her displeasure.

“Honey, you’re not that tall.”

His endearment went a long way in appeasing her. “Did you just see Lady Charolois in the hallway?”

“No. I didn’t see anyone.”

“She just ran out of the door at the same time someone knocked me down.”

“Someone knocked you down?” Ash pulled a pistol from beneath his waistcoat and scanned the room. He moved closer to her. “Are you hurt?”

“I’m fine, just shocked.”

“Which way did he go?”

“I’m sure he left through the garden door when I was getting up from the floor.”

“Did you recognize him?”

“No. When I was struggling to stand up, I heard the door open and saw Lady Charolois running out of the door.”

“Let me take you to your room then I’ll come back here to look around.” Ash took her by the elbow and led her toward the door.

“I’m not going to my room. I’ll go with you.” She pulled away from his arm.

He took her arm again and led her to the hallway. “You’re not going anywhere, but back to your room. You could’ve been hurt…”

She looked down the hallway and behind her before she whispered, “I’m fine. You said I could be part of this mission.”

Historical romance giveaway ~ win a Kindle Fire.

To celebrate July 4th, I’ve teamed up with more than 50 fantastic authors to give away a huge selection of historical romance novels, PLUS a Kindle Fire to one lucky winner!