Ivy Summer's poor choices have deposited her at the last knot in the proverbial rope. With forty dollars to her name and a broken shoe heel, she walks into the town of Endurance desperate and searching for a way back home. But this street-savvy lady is used to taking care of herself and fighting for everything she has. She'll do what's necessary to survive—even take on a grumpy mountain man in the middle of the night.Single father, Owen Tate wants to be left alone, especially by the sexy trespasser who demands entry into his bar. She has a truckload of attitude, a penchant for manipulation, and a ton of baggage trailing behind her. Yet Ivy's zeal for life might be the kick in the pants a wounded man needs to bury the past.How will two people used to staying the course change direction and learn to fight for each other?

Xenobia Yardell can smile through hurt, pain, and disappointment. In fact, the schoolteacher has been wearing a cheery facade since arriving in the small town of Endurance. That is, until Luke Cole kisses her. His touch pushes all the right buttons, and Xenobia's spitting mad over the undeniable attraction.  Luke Cole doesn't suffer fools or indecisive women. X wants him-end of story. He has no idea why she's angry about their one kiss, but he has no intention of enduring another Christmas alone.