Nottinghamshire, 1785. Julia Cummings has long been acquainted with loss—her mother, her brother, her sister, her friend, all gone too soon. But the loss that pushed her grief to the limit as a young girl was that of her best friend, Lucas Jonquil, who abandoned her without looking back. Now, eight years later, Lucas has returned to Lampton Park, and Julia has steeled herself—she will never forgive the man who broke her heart. After losing too many of his friends and family to early deaths, Lucas vowed to live life to the fullest. And after traversing the world, he has returned from his adventures to find his family and home as he left them—except for Julia. The little girl he left behind has blossomed into a captivating lady, a lady who makes it clear she despises him. With little hope of reconciliation, the former friends are blindsided when their parents make a shocking announcement. Lucas and Julia have been betrothed without their knowledge and are to marry immediately. Now Lucas must rely on the help of his closest friends to win the heart of a lady who loathes him—a lady he’s coming to love more deeply every day.

Amid the upheaval of his newfound title, young Adam Boyce, now the Duke of Kielder, finds solace in the care of Robbie, his loyal nursemaid. Troubled by his past and bound by societal expectations, Adam finds his journey taking a hopeful turn when he’s welcomed into the embrace of Lord and Lady Jonquil at their esteemed estate, Brier Hill. Within the serene surroundings of Brier Hill, Adam and Robbie encounter Howard Simpkin, a charismatic gardener whose presence adds a touch of enchantment to their days. Together with the Jonquils, Robbie and Howard embark on a mission to rekindle Adam’s youthful spirit. Through games, toys, and even a whimsical April Christmas celebration, they endeavor to lift the weight of responsibility from the young duke’s shoulders. Yet as Adam flourishes, Robbie finds herself torn between duty and desire. With Adam growing up all too quickly, Robbie must decide between her budding affection for Howard and her unwavering commitment to Adam’s well-being. In this tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption set against the backdrop of Sarah M. Eden’s well-beloved Gents series, Adam and his caregivers discover that healing and happiness await those who dare to seek them. Previously published as "The Holly and the Ivy" “Memories of Christmas” by Chalon Linton Judith Benson despises Christmas and has no interest in the season’s festivities. But when she catches the attention of a handsome viscount, her holiday humbug is put to the test. “A Home for the Holidays” by Jennifer Moore As Captain Edgar Bryant nurses his wounds from his time in the army, he finds unexpected relief in creating Christmas cheer alongside the sparkling Winnie Larsen. “Lady Walmsley’s Christmas Surprise” by Karen Tuft The holidays are approaching, and longtime widow Lady Walmsley turns to her staff for company—much to the dismay of her very proper butler, Foster. But what began as friendship just might end in love. “A Gretna Green Christmas” by Alene Wecker Since sharing a bumbling first kiss beneath the mistletoe years ago, Charles and Maria have been star-crossed. But this Christmas, love might finally be within their reach.

Cumberland, 1786 Amateur inventor Kester Barrington prefers the peace and quiet of his estate to the bustle of Society. But when his tight-knit group of friends, the Gents, descends on Livingsley Hall for their annual gathering, he stoically joins in their activities. It all seems exhausting—until an unexpected addition to the party catches his eye: his new neighbor, the lovely Violet. Violet Ridley longs to make friends in this new corner of the country, but her family’s fortune was made through investments rather than inheritance, and Society can be fickle. So when tragedy forces her family to shelter at neighboring Livingsley Hall, Violet is delighted to receive a warm welcome from the Gents. In particular, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to Kester. The pair is a study in contrasts: Violet, with her sunny disposition, and Kester, with his prickly facade. Their connection is impossible to deny, but both Kester and Violet harbor heavy constraints. As their association becomes increasingly tangled and confused, their only hope of pursuing a life together is to trust one another with the very truths that could tear them apart.

Thirteen years ago, Henri Fortier left a tumultuous life in France to begin anew in England. His adopted country has become home, and his dearest friends, the Gents, are family. Unfortunately, ties to the past still plague him, and he’s forced to live in near destitution. Henri secretly publishes his poetry to supplement his meager income, but it is both insufficient and risky. A house party with the Gents promises a welcome distraction until he realizes that one of the guests is none other than Nicolette Beaulieu, the woman who stole―and broke―his heart years ago. Nicolette has traveled to England for reasons far more pressing than a house party. As part of the Marquis de Lafayette’s secret network, she has been tasked with preparing for revolution. Though she has a pristine track record with the organization, her romantic history is far from perfect. This is particularly evident when she is reunited with Henri, the man who once declared his love for her. Drawn together through adventures the Gents have devised, the couple begins to tiptoe toward more tender feelings. But as sinister threats loom from all quarters, it may be too late for Henri and Nicolette’s second chance at love.

The fateful day has arrived. Niles Greenberry has always known his family would eventually arrange a marriage for him, but he is certain that marrying Miss Penelope Seymour will cost him every dream he has. He’ll do anything to avoid the match altogether—even if it means disappearing. But the lovely Miss Seymour will not be so easily brushed aside. Penelope has ambitions far beyond being a pampered wife, but they all hinge on finding a husband. There’s not a reputable bank that will assist an unmarried lady in financing her own business, but with the weight of the Greenberry name behind her, she just might stand a chance. So when her betrothed runs away, she follows. The couple is astonished upon they are indubitably well suited. And when Niles’s friends, the Gents, arrive on the scene, the situation goes from bad to ridiculous as an inexpert courtship ensues. But can two individuals fighting for opposing futures find in each other the happiness they dream of?