As a young man, Simon, Viscount Wycombe learned the painful truth that a tradesman’s daughter is suitable only for liaisons and nothing more. But Ivy Beecham is a far cry from his preconceived notions, and he’s determined to have her. But when she rejects him, it only increases his determination to seduce her into a world of sin and pleasure.

Ivy Beecham knows first-hand that handsome aristocrats like Simon can’t be trusted. But the intellectual scoundrel is hellbent on making her his mistress, using every means at his seductive disposal.

Simon's not accustomed to women rejecting him outright, and he realizes a new method of seduction is in order. The best hope he has is to appeal to Ivy's intellect. Using words from the best literary minds, Simon carries out his strategy to seduce Ivy in the most sensually erotic way possible.

Unable to resist Simon's charming seduction, Ivy succumbs to his playful words and sinfully erotic touch until her past returns to haunt her. When she refuses to give Simon her heart on Christmas Eve, a ghostly specter shows her in one night why her surrender can be the greatest gift of all.