It’s Christmas in Hawaii as Nolan Berry comes to the island from near-ish Broadway to help his brother's family after a new arrival. And while he’s there, he’s taking a substitute teaching job for middle school drama and choir and has been tasked with helping organize the big holiday fundraiser for the school. He has plenty of ideas, but he also has to work with one sort of grumpy realist Merrick Winters who is the hot shop teacher and single dad to precious twin tween school students. He’s got to keep Nolan‘s ideas within the budget and appropriate for the island. 

His first impression of Nolan wasn’t so great because he thought he was just another rich, high-maintenance guy like his ex-wife, but the more he sees him, the more he realizes he’s just a sweet and normal guy who likes what he likes, but isn’t afraid of pinching pennies or working hard to get things. But the more time they’ve been together the more he finds himself charmed by Nolan's optimism, joy, and adventurous spirit and attracted to the man himself. But he has also been burned and guards his heart so as not to be hurt again.

They enter an "only for the holidays" sexy time arrangement that they hope will be safe for both of their hearts. Merry's life is in Hawaii and Nolan has always been a showman. 

This is sweet and spicy, opposites-attract, fish-out-of-water, grumpy-sunshine, island boy-city boy, co-workers, single dad island holiday romance. I loved the setting of the island and the school events and their families. It really made it a heartfelt, enjoyable read. It's about finding trust, purpose, passion, fulfillment, and the importance of home and family.