Colors of Scandal Series by Sandra Sookoo

Surviving the wilds of Cornwall is more life changing than they thought. Miss Caroline Sloane is on her way to Poughill, Cornwall. In highhanded fashion, her estranged grandfather has arranged a marriage for her to a sea captain she's met but once, and she wishes to convince him otherwise. She'll marry for love or not at all, but an accident with the crowded mail coach on which she's traveling throws her existence into chaos. Alan Blackmore, the Earl of St... moreSurviving the wilds of Cornwall is more life changing than they thought. Miss Caroline Sloane is on her way to Poughill, Cornwall. In highhanded fashion, her estranged grandfather has arranged a marriage for her to a sea captain she's met but once, and she wishes to convince him otherwise. She'll marry for love or not at all, but an accident with the crowded mail coach on which she's traveling throws her existence into chaos. Alan Blackmore, the Earl of St. Clair, has been summoned to his Devon estate by his ducal father. His engagement, designed by the duke years ago, has now come due, and he must wed to merge holdings. The last thing he wants is a leg-shackling, for he enjoys his life of a rake too much, and he means to tell his father off, but one dark, rainy night on mud-slick roads changes his course forever. Lost and injured in windswept and rugged Cornwall, the first order of business is survival. As their injuries heal, Caroline and Alan come to know each other while living a simple, uncomplicated life. A friendship of necessity slowly grows into something passionate and scandalous, but when reality returns to rescue them, they both must decide what is more important: duty, tradition, or an unexpected love. less

Engaging the heart instead of the fists can often make a more powerful statement.Miss Louisa Harcourt's life isn't exactly what she'd envisioned for herself. Widowed by the war, she returned home to protect her younger brother from domestic threats, but that put her into the soup as well. After constantly rebuffing unwanted attentions, she's wearied of living in fear... moreEngaging the heart instead of the fists can often make a more powerful statement.Miss Louisa Harcourt's life isn't exactly what she'd envisioned for herself. Widowed by the war, she returned home to protect her younger brother from domestic threats, but that put her into the soup as well. After constantly rebuffing unwanted attentions, she's wearied of living in fear. Knowing something must be done, she hires someone who can teach her the skills she needs to defend herself—a champion in fisticuffs—but her trust in men has been dented.Mr. Cecil Carrington, fourth son of a viscount, is a glass blower by trade. It earns him a tidy income but not nearly as much as his second love—boxing. For years he's funneled his energies into learning the skills as a pugilist, which has made him a celebrity in ton circles. When a woman arrives at his shop with obvious bruises, asking for him to teach her how to fight, his protective instincts flare. She's pretty and determined, but he's wary of every woman's motives.As the chilly autumn days slip by, Louisa learns the basics of fighting, and Cecil continues to engage in illegal, professional matches. Through the small victories and failures, an unlikely friendship forms. When romance follows, it takes them both by surprise, but evil lurks in the wings, always threatening. Things come to a head one rainy night, forcing Louisa to take back her life on her terms. And if she's lucky, she'll win the heart of a jaded boxer. less

Sometimes long-held secrets are the very things that will eventually lead to freedom.Lady Amelia Jane Coventry-Smythe wants nothing more than to shut herself away to mourn in private all the people she lost from her life over the years. Unfortunately, peace is not hers, for the one man she never hoped to see again has just landed in her parlor by mysterious circumstances, with an invitation to her Christmastide house party in hand... and her addiction to him flares anew... moreSometimes long-held secrets are the very things that will eventually lead to freedom.Lady Amelia Jane Coventry-Smythe wants nothing more than to shut herself away to mourn in private all the people she lost from her life over the years. Unfortunately, peace is not hers, for the one man she never hoped to see again has just landed in her parlor by mysterious circumstances, with an invitation to her Christmastide house party in hand... and her addiction to him flares anew.Cornelius Matthew Edgerton, Marquess of Winchester, is perplexed thanks to the arrival of holiday invitation. He hasn't heard from Lady Amelia in thirteen years... not since he abruptly left her bed during an affair that he never forgot. Encouraged to attend by her cousin—his best friend—when he arrives at the manor house, his reception is decidedly cool, even though the heat between him and the lady still lingers.Underlying polite public interactions, desire builds and explodes into frantic need, but while the two of them draw closer in new understanding and friendship, danger threatens both of their lives. As Christmas morning arrives, emotions boil over to sour the blooming romance. Only a miracle—and perhaps forgiveness—can help them find the happily ever after they never had the first time around. less

Finding love on Valentine’s Day is an impossible feat without a little scandal to start things off.It’s the year 1819, and as Valentine’s Day approaches, Lady Grace Norrington is still unwed at nearly thirty. Tired of the pitying glances, she means to have a husband before her upcoming birthday by hook or by crook, and she’s expected to make a good ton match. Except all her plans are thwarted by the handsome new butler and her disturbing attraction for him.Mr... moreFinding love on Valentine’s Day is an impossible feat without a little scandal to start things off.It’s the year 1819, and as Valentine’s Day approaches, Lady Grace Norrington is still unwed at nearly thirty. Tired of the pitying glances, she means to have a husband before her upcoming birthday by hook or by crook, and she’s expected to make a good ton match. Except all her plans are thwarted by the handsome new butler and her disturbing attraction for him.Mr. Harrison Conrad’s livelihood wins him respect in whatever household he manages. His references are impeccable, as are his manners and sense of duty, and he takes his position as seriously as the rules. What he doesn’t need is scandal in the form of an enchanting daughter of the house, who is bound to fall in trouble and take him with her, especially if he can’t control his budding awareness of her.As the annual Valentine’s Day birthday masquerade approaches, an ill-advised and equally illicit romance springs between Grace and Harrison. While she’s curious and determined, he’s cautious and wondering, but neither can ignore the heat or desire between them. When a premature unmasking goes awry and scandal is the order of the night, they’ll both have to decide what’s more valuable—reputation, status, or love. less

If you're lucky, the mysterious something missing from life is found right in front of you despite the risk.Widowed Lillian Fernsby has been buffeted by life's ills, and the grief is sometimes unrelenting. Keeping sadness at bay by making merry or being an outrageous flirt is all well and good, but what she really wants is to marry again... moreIf you're lucky, the mysterious something missing from life is found right in front of you despite the risk.Widowed Lillian Fernsby has been buffeted by life's ills, and the grief is sometimes unrelenting. Keeping sadness at bay by making merry or being an outrageous flirt is all well and good, but what she really wants is to marry again. So, when her brother's best friend comes back into her life to protect her from a unidentified stalker, she's intrigued by the mystery and challenge he represents.The Honorable Thaddeus Carrington is the third son of a viscount, but he refuses to hang upon his father's coattails or put much stock in family pressure to marry. As a Bow Street Runner, he's found the thrill of solving cases, but when he's tapped to guard the sister of his best friend from a disturbing threat, he struggles between remembering her as the tag-a-long girl, as well as his confusing new awareness for her.While a flirtatious game of cat and mouse begins between them and desire builds, Lillian's pursuer grows bolder, and Thaddeus pledges greater vigilance in keeping her safe. Peril reaches a breaking point one spring evening, throwing the important things of life into sharp relief. Only they can decide if they want to fight for them before disaster—and death—strikes. less

Never trust a man in a kilt with mischief in his eyes.Lady Cecilia Holmes is in Scotland with her family to attend a wedding, but she’d rather be in London nursing the forgotten segments of society. While her father and brothers are chasing red stag, she sets off on a hike and is immediately lost in the Highlands. That’s fine with her, for she’d become rather adept at being alone, but when a handsome man and his dog interrupts her solitude, her interest in him is caught... moreNever trust a man in a kilt with mischief in his eyes.Lady Cecilia Holmes is in Scotland with her family to attend a wedding, but she’d rather be in London nursing the forgotten segments of society. While her father and brothers are chasing red stag, she sets off on a hike and is immediately lost in the Highlands. That’s fine with her, for she’d become rather adept at being alone, but when a handsome man and his dog interrupts her solitude, her interest in him is caught. Perhaps being consigned to a drafty old castle for six weeks won’t be so bad.Mathias Stahley, the Earl of Huxington wishes to be in London arguing cases as a barrister and forget about the judgmental, shallow ton, for he’s more effective helping the less fortunate in that role than working for his title. The last thing he wants to do is attend his cousin’s wedding, in the wilds of Scotland, no less. While taking a walk through the rugged countryside, he stumbles upon a woman with windblown curls who immediately makes him wonder if his vow to never marry is wrong.The days are filled with social events, but Cecilia and Mathias make time to slip away and explore the beautiful countryside and perhaps indulge in a bit of scandal. As romance and desire blooms, circumstances beyond their control lead to a forced betrothal, creating an emotional rift between them. Obstacles and familial opposition will either tear them apart, or they’ll find something infinitely more satisfying and enduring amidst the magic of the Highlands. less

Shadows of the past can either haunt or heal.Ambrose Colin Heathermore, the fourteenth Marquess of Northampton wants to be left alone. Now that he’s back in London and has put life as a celebrated spy behind him, he must take up the reins of his real life and attend to his title. Which he will after a quick tryst with an experienced lightskirt at a ball. If it will help him forget the woman he first loved in France, all the better... moreShadows of the past can either haunt or heal.Ambrose Colin Heathermore, the fourteenth Marquess of Northampton wants to be left alone. Now that he’s back in London and has put life as a celebrated spy behind him, he must take up the reins of his real life and attend to his title. Which he will after a quick tryst with an experienced lightskirt at a ball. If it will help him forget the woman he first loved in France, all the better.Lady Mary Clarke, a daughter of the Duke of Tarkington, is tired of proper ton life. She’s spent more time as a widow than she has as a wife, so she’s ready for excitement and adventure. When she’s mistaken for a courtesan by the Marquess of Midnight, she plays along for the hope of causing a scandal. She won’t let the farce go too far, but she does intend to enjoy herself.After one passionate night together, Mary is properly ruined and the marquess is in the drink, yet the past won’t remain there. Danger stalks his London townhouse, prompting him to flee with Mary to Surrey for safety. They spin multiple threads of fiction to stay one step ahead of a French madman bent on revenge, who will do whatever is necessary to meet that goal. Only quick thinking and a little luck will keep both Colin and Mary alive long enough to grasp the happy ending they both desperately want but are trying hard to deny. less

When in doubt, always do the right thing, especially when love is in the offing.As the year 1818 comes to an end, Lady Theodosia Cavendish, only daughter to the Marquess of Armestead, pretends to enjoy society’s glittering ballrooms and endless rounds of parties, for she has other, more interesting projects to fulfill her. An opponent to the men who build their fortunes on the backs of the slave trade, she makes certain social injustice is always at the forefront in London.. moreWhen in doubt, always do the right thing, especially when love is in the offing.As the year 1818 comes to an end, Lady Theodosia Cavendish, only daughter to the Marquess of Armestead, pretends to enjoy society’s glittering ballrooms and endless rounds of parties, for she has other, more interesting projects to fulfill her. An opponent to the men who build their fortunes on the backs of the slave trade, she makes certain social injustice is always at the forefront in London... even at the expense of her life.Mr. Samuel Johansen, son of an English lord and a high-born Jamaican lady, is a glassblower by trade and a pugilist by recreation. He’s as handsome as sin, which helps in navigating society, for he adores the life of a gentleman, but what he truly desires is a seat in the House of Commons, to fight discrimination, poverty, and class separation by helping to change laws... no matter his own personal battles.While holiday gaiety mingles with dark hatred, one chance meeting between Theodosia and Samuel spark not only an unlikely romance but also dissention in their world. As their relationship deepens, they court intrigue and danger, and in the process, provoke powerful men who wish their secrets to remain just that. When happiness is in their grasp, it’s dashed away in an egregious plan by a black-hearted peer that changes their lives. Only with hope and love can they finally have their happily ever after. less

When a second chance at love comes with a new perspective, chase it with eyes—and a heart—wide open.Julianna Leah Winslow, Lady Ellesmere, is three years a widow. While packing items to clear clutter, she finds an antique jade elephant among her husband’s possessions. When a secret panel pops open revealing a cryptic note with the name of his best friend—the man she’d wanted to marry as a young girl—she summons James, no matter that seeing him again will open old wounds not fully healed... moreWhen a second chance at love comes with a new perspective, chase it with eyes—and a heart—wide open.Julianna Leah Winslow, Lady Ellesmere, is three years a widow. While packing items to clear clutter, she finds an antique jade elephant among her husband’s possessions. When a secret panel pops open revealing a cryptic note with the name of his best friend—the man she’d wanted to marry as a young girl—she summons James, no matter that seeing him again will open old wounds not fully healed.James Percival Holles, Earl of Braxton, has just turned forty-two. It’s time to marry and set up his nursery, but every relationship he’s had has ended in disaster. When an urgent summons comes from Julianna, he’s immediately wary but intrigued, and agrees to travel to the Berkshire estate to, perhaps, vent his spleen and air old grievances. He would not let the fact that he still had a tendre for her sway his attitude.Emotions explode each time they’re together, to say nothing of her twenty-year-old son’s animosity toward James, yet when long-held secrets are brought into the light, both he and Julianna find a shaky peace and a new direction. As the August days pass, they give into the desire brewing between them, and trust is put to the forefront. If they can stop hiding their true selves and surrender to the strength and security found as a couple, they’ll have a chance to grasp a second chance at love. less

When evil lurks, the best way to draw it out is to cloak yourself with shadows.Hugh Cavendish, Earl of Sundringham, is a man disillusioned about life. After spending three years imprisoned in Botany Bay for crimes he committed against a peer, even though doing so was the right choice, he’s returned to London with revenge on his mind and a black mark against his name... moreWhen evil lurks, the best way to draw it out is to cloak yourself with shadows.Hugh Cavendish, Earl of Sundringham, is a man disillusioned about life. After spending three years imprisoned in Botany Bay for crimes he committed against a peer, even though doing so was the right choice, he’s returned to London with revenge on his mind and a black mark against his name. However, it’s a sticky wicket, for in bringing retribution to a certain duke’s doorstep, he would destroy the life of his enemy’s sister—the woman he’d loved and lost.Lady Roslyn Kenton, sister to the Duke of Innesford, is wary of men, for they’ve certainly proved untrustworthy. Though her brother is high on the instep, the power he wields is often dark and treacherous, and she’d rather not have her name associated with him, but when the repercussions of his misdeeds come home to roost, they bring with them the one man she never hoped to see again—her former fiancé, Hugh Cavendish.They get on like oil and water at first, but when underlying sparks set desire ablaze, secrets are revealed that shift their perceptions and challenge their thinking. While a forbidden romance blooms once more between them, and they work to overcome lingering obstacles, danger moves within the ton, and its sights are set on permanently keeping Hugh from restoring his honor. Only by bringing long-held prejudices in the peerage to light, and calling upon a few friends who are fighting social injustices, will Hugh and Roslyn have the freedom to grasp the happily ever after denied to them years ago. less

Sometimes fate doesn’t give you what you want, because something better is in the offing.Captain Elias Frampton is a man without purpose. Five months after being jilted, he’s ready for a new chapter of his life. Undecided about whether he should return to the sea or find a position in England, he embarks on a trip up the Cornwall coast, but his coach is caught in a winter storm squall, forcing him to take the last room at a posting inn of a fishing village... moreSometimes fate doesn’t give you what you want, because something better is in the offing.Captain Elias Frampton is a man without purpose. Five months after being jilted, he’s ready for a new chapter of his life. Undecided about whether he should return to the sea or find a position in England, he embarks on a trip up the Cornwall coast, but his coach is caught in a winter storm squall, forcing him to take the last room at a posting inn of a fishing village. It’s just the place for him to gain a new perspective.Miss Helen Everly’s dreams for her life are all but forgotten. She cares for her ailing father, as well as running the Brown Hart Inn he owns, because that’s all she’s known. It’s a good life and a happy one, as long as she can find something positive in each day. Yet, it’s also a lonely life. Men in the small Cornish village keep the sea as a mistress and aren’t the marrying type. Yet, Christmastide is a time for miracles, and she’s not above sending up a prayer for hers.As Elias and Helen are thrown together by unique circumstances, and they enter into an odd friendship, they both try to ignore the sparks flying between them, due to past disappointments. But during traditional Christmastide entertainments and a few stolen kisses, they come to discover everything they’d previously believed about romance had been wrong, and that love is so much sweeter when it arrives unexpectedly. less

If you allow your differences to hold you back, you’ll never discover how wonderful your life can be.Honorable Dorothea Carrington is companion to the Dowager Duchess of Fairfield. Though she enjoys a good life and regularly travels the world at the dowager’s whim, something is lacking. Born with a birth defect that makes her an easy target for ridicule and rejection, all she wants is acceptance and to be loved for herself... moreIf you allow your differences to hold you back, you’ll never discover how wonderful your life can be.Honorable Dorothea Carrington is companion to the Dowager Duchess of Fairfield. Though she enjoys a good life and regularly travels the world at the dowager’s whim, something is lacking. Born with a birth defect that makes her an easy target for ridicule and rejection, all she wants is acceptance and to be loved for herself. If the opportunity to marry comes about, she’d accept with alacrity, no questions asked.Major Anthony Jasper’s world has been upended. Though retired from the military, the past won’t stay buried. When his mistress leaves a six-year-old daughter in his care, he’s at sixes and sevens. It was never in his plan to have children, for the world is a horrible place. As his wit’s end is reached, he turns to the most unlikely source for help—his godmother, the Dowager Duchess of Fairfield.Thea’s intrigued with the major, even more so when she discovers his daughter possesses a birthmark that sets her apart, but the dowager’s not best pleased at the friendship that springs between her companion and godson. To Anthony’s credit, he does everything in his power to ignore the pretty, blonde-haired lady who’s fearful of being in society, but his godmother’s demands on his time constantly puts him in Dorothea’s company. It’ll take some sneaky interference to see them make a go of a happily ever after, but it’ll be worth the effort. less

When the man you desire won’t take the hint, you need to become creative in your pursuit despite the danger.Lady Phoebe Mountjoy, daughter of the Earl of Sunderland is trouble. After being violated without her consent at a ball, two months later she discovers she’s increasing. Eight and twenty, unwed and without offers, she’s quite desperate to hide the evidence of the looming disgrace... moreWhen the man you desire won’t take the hint, you need to become creative in your pursuit despite the danger.Lady Phoebe Mountjoy, daughter of the Earl of Sunderland is trouble. After being violated without her consent at a ball, two months later she discovers she’s increasing. Eight and twenty, unwed and without offers, she’s quite desperate to hide the evidence of the looming disgrace. So, she calls upon a childhood friend in the hopes she can persuade him to marry her for convivence’s sake as well as to save her reputation.The Honorable Quentin Arkwright, first son of Viscount Tarleton, has often courted scandal in a bid to cripple the illegal slave trade in London. However, when a woman from his past drops by with a shocking proposition, he’s intrigued and then ultimately enraged as she shares her horrible story. He agrees to the marriage in name only with alacrity, for she doesn’t deserve her situation, and he is in need of a match so he can avoid the Marriage Mart.As the months slip past and Phoebe’s pregnancy grows more advanced, the two strike up an endearing friendship. Despite the roots of their union, romance blooms, but when the man who put her in the compromising position makes a reappearance and threatens everything she and Quentin have built, they’ll have to make some difficult choices that will scandalize the ton. If they’re lucky, love will be a reward neither of them thought possible. less

Running into the arms of a handsome, powerful laird will either be her greatest folly or a profitable gamble.Donovan Ewan Campbell-Ainsley, Earl of Hollandbane, and the current sitting Laird of Lyon Castle is not best pleased when scandal lands on his doorstep in the form of a pretty young woman with nothing but gossip attached to her name. Though he’s half-Scottish and lives in London, he spends the summers and autumns at his castle in the Highlands for reasons he wishes to keep to himself... moreRunning into the arms of a handsome, powerful laird will either be her greatest folly or a profitable gamble.Donovan Ewan Campbell-Ainsley, Earl of Hollandbane, and the current sitting Laird of Lyon Castle is not best pleased when scandal lands on his doorstep in the form of a pretty young woman with nothing but gossip attached to her name. Though he’s half-Scottish and lives in London, he spends the summers and autumns at his castle in the Highlands for reasons he wishes to keep to himself. Yet she’s in immediate danger, and he’s nothing if not a gentleman.The Honorable Emma Radcliffe is no stranger to scandal, but when an arrangement her father made in her infancy comes due, she’s forced to flee from a life she never wanted. Resourceful and smart, she implores a friend to go with her over the Scottish border, and that’s when the trouble really begins. The moment she lays eyes on the laird, she knows he’ll be the perfect man to discourage her would-be suitor.It takes next to no time to hatch a haphazard plan: they’ll pretend an engagement. It will silence his family’s blather for him to find a bride as well as remove her from the snatches of a bounder. There’s one problem: neither of them expected to actually like the other. As the days go on, the fiction grows bigger until desire can no longer be denied, but unless she’s released from her prior betrothal, a happily ever after between them will be forever out of reach. less

There’s no such thing as perfection but being stuck in the Scottish Highlands with a shot at a dream comes close.Caelan Stewart—Lord Everly—only son to Laird Breckenridge, is in Scotland on a hunting holiday, but when an accidental tumble on a hike gives him a badly sprained ankle and injures his wrist, the remainder of his holiday looks dull… until two red-haired scamps play tricks on him while he’s distracted by their attractive mother... moreThere’s no such thing as perfection but being stuck in the Scottish Highlands with a shot at a dream comes close.Caelan Stewart—Lord Everly—only son to Laird Breckenridge, is in Scotland on a hunting holiday, but when an accidental tumble on a hike gives him a badly sprained ankle and injures his wrist, the remainder of his holiday looks dull… until two red-haired scamps play tricks on him while he’s distracted by their attractive mother.Widowed two years and having recently lost her parents, American Clara Snyder needs a distraction. Consenting to spend several weeks on an estate in the Highlands, she barely settles into life there with her two small children when an intriguing Scotsman literally falls at her feet… and the feelings she thought long dead come alive again.With nothing to do except bedevil the intriguing widow, Caelan sets out to do just that. Though his antics amuse Clara, she falls under his spell. Desire grows, as does the bond between him and her children. But he’s not keen on offering up his heart again after the violent death of his first wife and she’s leery of loving someone else for fear they’ll die. The only way to a happily ever after is to jump in with eyes wide open… and a bit of innocent manipulation won’t hurt either. less

As long as a lady has hope in her heart, it doesn't matter the obstacles she faces on the path to love.Miss Evelina Aston is the youngest child of a viscount. Through no fault of her own, she’s fallen headfirst into the scandal of the Season. With her father on the brink of bankruptcy, when she’s caught alone and in a compromising position with an earl, he calls for an immediate proposal... moreAs long as a lady has hope in her heart, it doesn't matter the obstacles she faces on the path to love.Miss Evelina Aston is the youngest child of a viscount. Through no fault of her own, she’s fallen headfirst into the scandal of the Season. With her father on the brink of bankruptcy, when she’s caught alone and in a compromising position with an earl, he calls for an immediate proposal. It doesn’t matter that the man she’s being forced to wed is a rake high on the instep, she has no say in the proceedings.Charles Bowling, Earl of Ethersham—and heir to the Duke of Tarkington—is in rather a spot of bother. Caught literally with his pants down in a lady’s retiring room at a ball, he’s mired in further disgrace when a woman—not the one he was waiting for—comes flying into the room, trips, and lands at his feet. Parental outrage ensues, and before he can protest, he’s wedded to the shy lady, and they’re bound for his father’s country estate in the Lake District to begin their life of married inconvenience.With tarnished reputations and gossip trailing in their wake, both Evelina and Charles are forced to endure each other’s company. As the July days go by, desire flares as hot as the summer sun while they explore the woodlands and fells, but differences and misunderstandings keep widening the gulf in their relationship. Unless they find trust and compromise, they’ll never be able to build something worthy of the future and perhaps love. less

Nothing says Christmastide like a bit of intrigue, a lost treasure, and an unlikely romance.When widowed Amelia (Belle) Stanton—Lady Ravenscroft—finds a raggedy military man using her barn as refuge from December rains, she’s not immediately concerned. Returning soldiers often crossed the countryside on their way to other destinations... moreNothing says Christmastide like a bit of intrigue, a lost treasure, and an unlikely romance.When widowed Amelia (Belle) Stanton—Lady Ravenscroft—finds a raggedy military man using her barn as refuge from December rains, she’s not immediately concerned. Returning soldiers often crossed the countryside on their way to other destinations. However, there’s something about the way the handsome man speaks and holds himself that makes her doubt his story, to say nothing about the immediate attraction between them.The Honorable Montague Gabriel Hawkins is not on the attractive widow’s land in the Wiltshire countryside by accident. Sent by the Home Office, he is to reconnoiter and retrieve a valuable painting stolen by Napoleon but hidden when it became evident France would lose the war. Once belonging to French royalty, the return of said items would bring a hearty fortune and accolades, but instant desire for the widow might distract him.When the attempt to keep his mission a secret fails, Gabriel is caught up in Christmastide activities. Belle is entirely too intelligent and soon she’s joined him on the hunt for not only the painting but other lost treasures. As they uncover clues and are waylaid by torrid affair that ignites between them, danger follows closely in their footsteps. It’ll take some clever planning and holiday play acting to keep not only the priceless heirlooms safe but also themselves alive. By Christmas night, love might be theirs if luck is on their side. less