A grumpy cowboy ranch owner and his best friend’s sister collide in a Christmas ultimatum.
She needs his help.
He needs to stay the hell away from her.
Rory Fergus is a ranch hand with one goal'''pull off her parents’ perfect anniversary Christmas party.
When her brother lands in the hospital, there’s only one man left to help.
Cole Callahan.
Millionaire ranch owner. Her boss. Her brother’s best friend.
And the one man she’s never been allowed to touch.
Cole has spent years keeping Rory at arm’s length.
Because once he gives in… there’s no stopping.
But one forced day together turns into lingering touches, dangerous tension, and a kiss that changes everything.
Now the lines are gone.
The rules are broken.
And her brother is ready to throw fists.
Rory doesn’t do flings.
Cole doesn’t do relationships.
So when desire turns into something deeper, they’re left with one choice—
Walk away…
or risk everything: the ranch, their loyalty, and the only family they’ve ever known.
Tropes:
Grumpy sunshine • Brother’s best friend • Boss/employee • Forced proximity • Alpha cowboy • Small town ranch • Holiday romance • He falls first • Protective hero • Workplace romance
***
Heat Level: Steamy cowboy romance (emotionally driven)
Tone: Swoony, funny, emotionally intense
Series Type: Standalone with series potential (interconnected small town)
Ending: HEA (Happily Ever After)
POV: Dual POV
Genre: Romance
She needs his help.
He needs to stay the hell away from her.
Rory Fergus is a ranch hand with one goal'''pull off her parents’ perfect anniversary Christmas party.
When her brother lands in the hospital, there’s only one man left to help.
Cole Callahan.
Millionaire ranch owner. Her boss. Her brother’s best friend.
And the one man she’s never been allowed to touch.
Cole has spent years keeping Rory at arm’s length.
Because once he gives in… there’s no stopping.
But one forced day together turns into lingering touches, dangerous tension, and a kiss that changes everything.
Now the lines are gone.
The rules are broken.
And her brother is ready to throw fists.
Rory doesn’t do flings.
Cole doesn’t do relationships.
So when desire turns into something deeper, they’re left with one choice—
Walk away…
or risk everything: the ranch, their loyalty, and the only family they’ve ever known.
Tropes:
Grumpy sunshine • Brother’s best friend • Boss/employee • Forced proximity • Alpha cowboy • Small town ranch • Holiday romance • He falls first • Protective hero • Workplace romance
***
Heat Level: Steamy cowboy romance (emotionally driven)
Tone: Swoony, funny, emotionally intense
Series Type: Standalone with series potential (interconnected small town)
Ending: HEA (Happily Ever After)
POV: Dual POV
Genre: Romance