A recently widowed lady determined to have some fun. A rogue from her past determined to keep her safe. Will their reunion at a Christmas house party lead to love or broken hearts?

For Lily Grayling, every day is much the same as the one before, which is precisely how she likes it. After a broken engagement—and a broken heart—sent her running for the hills of Hampshire two years ago, she has settled well into her new life, making her home in the sleepy little village where she and her grandmother run their family inn. Her days are organized, her life safe and structured...until her dearest friend's charming brother rolls into town, bringing teasing smiles and temptin...

Robert, the Viscount Darrington, is perfectly happy in his staid, orderly existence, tending to his duties and doing all he can to ensure his mother and siblings are well cared for and content. Every day is much the same as the one before, and he prefers it that way. Until he meets Miss Ellie Wrencroft. Sweet and spirited, Ellie intrigues him as no woman ever has before, and Robert wants nothing more than to lay the world at her feet. There's just one little problem: Ellie is already in lo...