Carly Denton has learned to keep her buttons and emotions firmly fastened. Her parents' constant drama, and an unrequited crush on her brother's best friend, taught her to keep her passion beneath the surface. But she can no longer avoid the one man with the ability to bring that passion to a boil...

Lucas remembers Carly as a freckle–faced tomboy—not a frosty woman who treats him like a burr under her saddle. But when they must work together on a charity project, Lucas is shocked to find their bickering melt into some serious mutual attraction. He's determined to show Carly that he's the man for her, if only she'd learn to let loose.

Lucas is the last man on earth Carly should give in to. The freedom she finds in his arms has her feeling happier than ever, but is it enough to make her realize that the greatest risk isn't losing your heart, but losing the chance at happiness?