Anyone can love during good times. But only those who hold onto love during difficult times truly love.

Clay: Elena isn't just mouthy and ill-mannered, she also stirs feelings in me that she'd better not know about. I've warned her about me, but she won't listen. I swear, one more provocative look and I'll put her over my knee! I actually moved to Merryville to find some peace, but I didn't count on Elena Key.

Elli: There are three things you can count on. Cats always land on their feet, it never snows in Merryville, even in winter, and I've never lost a heated argument.

At least until Clay Kennedy, the rodeo legend, shows up in Merryville and leaves me speechless.

He's an emotionally cold, arrogant iceberg, no doubt, but the dark glint in his eyes is so alluring that I ignore all his warnings and accept an offer that might not be good for me.

Elli Key should have her hands full participating in the Wild Horse Competition, but when Clay Kennedy suddenly appears, all her thoughts revolve around the taciturn cowboy with the brooding gaze.

Elli and Clay collide at their first encounter, and sparks immediately fly between them. In fact, the sparks fly so intensely that neither wants to admit that they've ignited something uncontrollable.

That is, until Clay realizes that Elli maneuvers herself into trouble more often than is good for her, and he sees no other way out than to protect her himself.