When two matchmaking mothers and the most spirited of dogs bring them together at a Christmas party, can a disowned son of an earl and an enterprising woman really avoid the love they've been running from?

Ivy Northrup craves adventure, excitement, views beyond Cambridgeshire. Which is why she has, politely, turned down every suitor her mother has brought before her. When her family accepts an invitation to the annual Christmas house party at the Earl of Walsingham's, Ivy sees no cause for celebration, as it is the same people, the same games, the same gossip.

Except, this time, she is surprised. For Everett Pine, the disowned son of the earl, has been tricked by his mother into attending the house party. Everett arrives bearing grudges against the father who chose to believe the word of others over his own, and is prepared to step on the first stagecoach back to London -- until Ivy proposes a scheme to teach their matchmaking mothers a lesson.

When their fake courtship becomes much too real, will they overcome all that is holding them back from fully surrendering their hearts, or will a little bit of Christmas Spirit work its magic?