When Caroline McNulty receives a Viking amulet from her late great aunt's estate, she recalls lush tales of magic love charms, Norse gods and happily-ever-afters. Of course, since her cheating rat bastard ex-husband left her for a younger, slimmer model last Christmas, Caroline knows firsthand that fairytales are meant for wide-eyed children.

At least, that's what she thinks until a big, bold, half-naked Viking appears on her doorstep. And he says he wants to play.

His broken English makes little sense, but garbed in fur pelts, Brunhilda helmet and equipped with sword and shield, he's the embodiment of her sex fantasies. So this is Auntie Helga's final parting gift, Caroline muses. A paid male escort sent to ease her holiday blues. Well, why not? After all, men turn to prostitutes all the time…and God knows it's been far too long since Caroline's been laid. The Viking must have passed Orgasm 101 with flying colors at escort school, because he knows exactly how to satisfy a woman.

A major misunderstanding, a chocolate disaster and dazzling Christmas magic make this one holiday Caroline will never forget.

Note: Portions of this book were previously published as Rupert, the Devil-Dog from Hell. It has been extensively expanded and revised.