Once Upon a Winter’s Tale by Anna St. Claire

Can an unexpected encounter lead to love at first sight?
He wasn’t looking for a bride…
Albert Stanton, the new Duke of Kendall, is on a mission to assess each of his late father’s properties. Drawing closer to his family’s estate, he hears what sounds like a wild dog attack and speeds ahead to help. Before he can lend assistance, gunfire startles his mount, and his horse throws him. Landing in a large mud puddle, Albert finds himself looking into the surprised eyes of the most breathtaking beauty he has ever beheld and a snarling bullmastiff—the largest dog he has ever encountered.

She wasn’t looking for a hero…
Miss Brianna Thomas is sure of two things: her pet mastiff, Nero, can handle almost any altercation, and she does not need to be rescued by any man— even if he is tall, fair-haired, handsome, and with the most mesmerizing green eyes she has ever gazed into.

Stranger things have happened than two people from different backgrounds falling in love. But dark and deadly secrets begin to surface that could threaten Albert and Brianna’s chance at happiness, and they risk everything to uncover the truth.r
(Note: This story was first published as part of the Anthology set titled A Duke in Winter in December 2022.)