The worst day of her life is just the beginning.

Her sister is murdered.

Her grieving niece needs her to stay strong. And threats lurk around every corner.

Maura Little is persuaded to attend an exclusive masquerade gala with her best friend, the youngest Flannigan brother. The fun one. The one most likely to hook up with a stranger before the night is out.

In an instant, the joy of the Christmas season is extinguished.

In a desperate moment of crisis, Maura grabs the wrong brother for help. Or is he the right one? Turns out, he’s the one she can trust to take threats seriously as they escalate, even if relying on him puts her heart at risk.

Sam Flannigan knows his future is predetermined. He will take his place at the head of the family crime organization when his father retires. He will marry the woman his parents chose for him. It is his duty, and he is content, until Maura and little Bella need him and steal his heart.

The Flannigan family may be feared, but there is no one better to have at your back when your world is falling apart.

Intercepting Maura is the first in a series of interconnected happily-ever-after standalones, for fans of mistaken identity, forced proximity, and protective, morally gray characters. The Flannigans are a crime family, but there is no graphic violence or spice.