Oliver: At 16, I stupidly confessed my love to Zachary Coleman, my best friend’s older brother, only to be shattered by his rejection. In the 10 years since, I’ve made it through college, stayed best friends with Susie, and moved back home to teach five-year-olds how to count and not put pencils up their nose. I’ve barely seen Zachary during this time. According to Susie, he has an aversion to fun, spending time with his family, and Christmas.

When Susie is injured in an accident, Zachary is forced to come home and help take care of her three adorable but lively children. Zachary thinks because he manages an office full of staff, this will be easy. I’m still worried for my friend, but I enjoy watching Zachary fall flat on his gorgeous ass. And all those pesky feelings from 10 years ago? Still a problem. The more I’m around Zachary, the harder it’s going to be when he leaves again.

And should I mention I’m engaged to his sister?

Zachary: I avoid going home as much as I possible. I love my family. But I feel like I’m suffocating in our small town. And honestly, I’d rather keep busy than deal with the pain of the holidays. Spending time with family is overrated. Christmas is overrated. It’s all a ploy for people to spend money they don’t have and get more time off work.

But when my sister has an accident and ends up in a coma, I rush home to help take care of her children. It would be much easier if I didn’t have to also deal with Oliver Pattinson. I still remember the kiss Oliver—Liv—gave me that cold winter day on his sixteenth birthday. And the look on his face when I had to push him away. I didn’t mean to hurt him, but I was an adult. Oliver was not.

The more time I spend with Oliver and the kids, the more my priorities shift. The kids tug at my heart, and this man has a way of making everything better…making everything fun. Is that from hanging around kindergarteners all day? Oliver is a grown up now, but wanting him still feels wrong. Forbidden.

Especially when I find out he’s engaged to my sister.

Can Oliver and I put our differences aside, ignore the growing attraction between us, and focus on making sure these kids have a Merry Christmas? Which isn’t easy when it’s only a few weeks away, the kids need costumes for the school Christmas program, and Susie has successfully hidden all the presents.

Hot Wishes and Cold Kisses is a 51,000+ standalone MM small town holiday second chance romance with sassy kids, a clueless caregiver, snowball fights, moonlight kisses, and a HEA.