Merry Mazes and Magic Mistletoe

A debutante's rude awakening…

Lady Jennet Gordon has led a charmed life until her first Season. Rumors about her father's finances circulate, followed by a tragic but suspicious accident, leaving Jenny and her mother a modest widow's dowery to survive on with no immediate heir. Two years later, secluded on their Northumberland estate, a distant cousin is found to assume the title. Jenny fears that the heir—known in the shipping industry as the Hangman—will evict her and her mother from their home. Surely, he would not throw them out at Christmastide?

A driven man with a fierce reputation…

Barnabus Gordon is the grandson of a pirate and the son of a privateer. His grandfather, the younger son of a titled family, refused to accept the traditional careers offered him and took to the sea. When Barnabus's father is killed early in the war, he vows to legitimize the family business. Using the cutthroat lessons learned in his childhood from two generations of rebellious Gordons, he buys out shipowners in financial distress and accrues his own fleet. When Barnabus learns he is the new Earl of Townsen, a title that is debt-ridden and comes with two penniless females.

A collision beneath the mistletoe…

The gruffly handsome Gordon is determined to settle the issue of his newly acquired English estate and return to the sea. Yet when he arrives at Brierdene Hall, he discovers two caring women and a forgotten longing for love and family. With both of them hiding their growing affection—and past secrets—Lady Jennet worries her feelings for Barnabus will appear too convenient. He fears moving forward because of their familial ties. Until the Town lady and seafaring brute find themselves sixes and sevens under a mistletoe. One kiss ignites a Yule log of passion and holiday magic that refuses to be extinguished.