As a rodeo star, Trent Riddell learned to expect the unexpected-like the injury that knocked him out of competition and back onto his father's Texas ranch. Trent's years on the road-building a reputation in and out of the arena-left little time for a serious relationship. So when Jolene Arnold shows up with an infant in tow, claiming the baby is his. Well, let's just say Trent's been thrown off a bull more times than he can count, but he never had the wind knocked out of him like the day he met his daughter!

Once childhood friends, Trent and Jolene discover that as adults, their connection goes beyond raw physical attraction-even if they're both too scared to admit it. Can they let go of the past mistakes holding them back in time to embrace this Christmas present?

He's Mr. Dependable…

Every problem can be solved through hard work and perseverance.

At least that's what Cal Riddell used to believeback before he met Susan Young. Tough as nails, but soft in all the right places, Susan is everything Cal swore off when he became responsible for his family and their prosperous Texas ranch. The sassy single mom is too pretty, too opinionated…too darn easy to love. In short, she's too much of a distraction, when they both need to be focused on more important matters.

Trouble is, the more they clash by day, the more Cal wonders where that chemistry might take them at night. Yep, Susan Young is a problem all right, but she's one problem Cal can't wait to solve, no matter how many tries it takes.

Rugged, rough and rowdy, Jarred Riddell is everything a cowboy should be. That's the problem. 'Cause Jarred has set his sights on a pretty lil' socialite who has no use for his unrefined ways. Luckily, he has a plan: get the local librarian to whip him into charm-school shape and that city gal will fall right into his gentlemanly arms.

But coconspirator Serena Higgens has more on her mind than proper manners. She's pined for years after the sweet, hardworking rancher who lacks a bit of polish. To earn some much-needed cash, she'll put her feelings aside and give Jarred a crash course in respectability. Besides, throwing out mud-caked boots and correcting double negatives should help Serena get over her crush. It's the perfect situation…until Jarred adds kissing to the lesson plan!