Poacher's Fall — J.L. Merrow

Midwinter Manor: Book One

One snowy night just before Christmas, 1922, poacher Danny Costessey rounds off a night trapping rabbits by climbing a tree to fetch some mistletoe for his mother -- only to fall and break his leg. Taken to the manor house to recover from his injuries, Danny meets the reclusive owner, Philip Luccombe. Village gossip has it Luccombe went mad during the war, but Danny soon realizes he's simply still mourning his late lover. As friendship grows between them, Danny starts to fall for handsome, shy Philip.

Danny's lively nature, roguish good looks, and ready laughter enchant Philip, and he finds himself being drawn out of his shell whether he will it or not. But when Danny tries to move beyond friendship, Philip panics -- and his rejection threatens not only their happiness, but Danny's health.