When her carriage breaks down during a rainstorm, Cecilia Penhollow seeks shelter in an ancient stone castle. But that is only the start to her troubles as something in the castle calls to her in a way she can't ignore. An old journal hints at something more sinister than even she could have imagined: If you are reading this, then I am likely dead. 

Ever since she created a scandal at a Christmas ball, Charlotte Moore has dreaded the return of the holiday. For her, it was another reminder that she didn't quite fit into the confining mold of a proper young lady. This year, at a small Christmas party, Charlotte is tasked with proving to her family that she can behave within society's expectations or be permanently exiled to her aunt's rural manor.

Charlotte is determined to stifle her unladylike urges and act the perfect debutante. But then the very cause of her past scandal comes knocking at the door and it has in tow the daring, dashing, devil-may-care Henry Simmons.

The rules say to stay away. They say it's not proper to play games at midnight or get caught alone under the mistletoe. They also say Charlotte laughs too loud, dances the wrong dance, and shouldn't play with fire.

The more time she spends with the handsome rogue, the more she wonders whether staying on society's nice list is worth losing the joy in life. Can Charlotte find happiness within the rules or will following her heart be her biggest scandal yet?