Scarlett Tannon, Countess of Oxford, has not seen her husband since their wedding four months ago — which is exactly what she wanted. Schooled by her mother’s experiences, Scarlett carefully guards her heart from any man, most especially her handsome and charming husband. She vows she will never suffer the heartbreak of her mother. Instead, she shares her love and gifts with those less fortunate … fortunate than herself, including the tenants of her husband’s lands — tenants he has ignored for too long.
Hunter Tannon, the Earl of Oxford, is devoted to his role in the House of Lords, determined to make a difference for those who are affected by his work there. Rejected by his bride, he leaves her on his country estate and puts her from his mind as he focuses on what really matters: political decisions. Until one day, his steward sends him an urgent summons to return his home in the country, a summons that Hunter cannot ignore or refuse.
No sooner has he returned, at the beginning of the Christmastide season, than Hunter finds himself stayed by a snowstorm. He is surprised when he sees his wife’s frosty exterior beginning to melt, revealing a mysterious and sensual woman underneath. Will days together, in the presence of sleigh rides, mistletoe, and the Christmas spirit, drive them apart forever, or reveal to them a love they never thought possible?
For readers 18+ due to some steamy scenes.
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As with all of Ellie St.Clair’s books this was a delight to read and the Christmas theme makes you warm with holiday spirit. Scarlett was being married to a man she had never met, her father arranged this and so it would happen no matter how she felt, Hunter never took time to find a wife he was just to busy in the House of Lords trying to fix the world he lived in, so accepted the marriage her father agreed to. Scarlett refused to try and make this marriage work and ended up sending Hunter back to London refusing to go with him. Hunter is busy as always when he receives a missive from his estate manager Mr. Stone asking him to return home. He arrives home just before a snowstorm and is forced to stay until the roads clear. Christmas magic is in the air Scarlett’s favorite time of year, Hunter has never celebrated Christmas before but goes a long with his wife’s desire to celebrate it. They slowly get to know each other and like what they find but Hunter needs to find the reason his wife always pulls away from. Read this book and find some Christmas magic of your own.
I received this as an ARC in exchange for a honest review
4.5 Stars
Scarlett Tannon, Countess of Oxford, has not seen her husband since their wedding day in August four months ago which is exactly what she wanted. She’s spent her time getting to know the tenants of her husband’s lands. Hunter Tannon, the Earl of Oxford, is devoted to his role in the House of Lords, determined to make a difference for those who are affected by his work there. Until one day, his steward sends him an urgent summons to return his home in the country. No sooner has he returned, at the beginning of the Christmastide season, than Hunter finds himself stayed by a snowstorm. He is surprised when he sees his wife’s frosty exterior beginning to melt, revealing a mysterious and sensual woman underneath.
A well written engrossing read of an arranged marriage where they met at the alter, also two people both with their fears that they are loathe to let go. I really liked both Hunter & Scarlett two people who for different reasons hadn’t had happy childhoods & they took those insecurities to their marriage. The attraction was there from the start but the joy of the book was how they worked towards their HEA. I found myself once again engrossed in a book by the author & read it in two sittings. I particularly liked their gifts to each other, definite lump in the throat moments.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read