It was by chance that a year ago, Fiona Lachlan caught a glimpse of the Duke of Holburn at a ball. Her heart stopped and Fiona knew that he was the man for her. However, the Fates decreed she must lose everything before she encounters him again. Needing money for food and rent, Fiona takes a job to lure a gentleman into his deposed mistress' grasp for her to exact her revenge. Instead, when Fiona walks into the inn, she finds herself facing Nick, the Duke of Holburn. Explanations are halted when ruffians, with orders to kill the duke, bang down the door. Quick thinking and luck enable Fiona and Nick to escape.

Nine years ago in Greece after a bout of drunken debauchery, Nick saw a vision of a deformed crone transform into a vibrant woman. She uttered the prophecy, "Beware innocence." Unable to interpret the meaning, Nick ignores it and continues with the pretense of duty while spending his nights gambling and womanizing. Since that encounter though, Nick discovers his luck has changed. He no longer loses at cards and for the first time, he begins to fill the empty coffers in his estate. When Nick receives information about his signet ring that he lost in Greece, he arrives at the inn prepared to do bodily harm for its return. He does not expect to encounter the beautiful woman from his vision -- or thugs with guns.

Drawn to Fiona, Nick keeps her by his side while they try to uncover who wants him dead. The prophecy comes back to haunt him as he tries to determine if Fiona is the "innocence" he must be "beware" of.

The three Fates from Greek mythology have inspired Ms. Maxwell's latest story. A fairy tale quality gently infuses Nick and Fiona's story while the adventure and mystery counter with a harder edge. A wonderful read to get readers in the Christmas spirit.

Book Summary

She never expected it would come to this

Desperation and an empty stomach forced Fiona Lachlan to agree to a plan that ended up luring the wickedly notorious Duke of Holburn into trouble. Everything went terribly wrong, and now she has found herself posing as his ward! And while she swore nothing could make her desire a scoundrel, even if he was a duke, she is now drawing ever closer to the one man she cannot have . . .

"Beware of innocence!"

The Duke of Holburn had spent years heeding this warning, and in doing so, managed to avoid the virginal young ladies who had been put in his path. But now his wild ways have gotten him into real danger. There are killers at the door and a temptingly beautiful woman in his arms. He is about to find himself seduced . . . and he isn't quite sure he wants to resist this time.