Two bets, one mistletoe, and a whole lot of holiday chaos—let Battle of the Sexes begin.

Hendrix:

Coming back to my hometown wasn’t part of my Christmas game plan. Neither was coaching my old high school’s hockey team or crossing paths with Colette McAllister, the Ice Queen of Brooking Sound. Back in high school, she was my biggest crush—and my brother’s biggest fan. Now, she’s all sharp glares, sarcastic quips, and a refusal to admit how much fun she’s having making my life miserable.

But when my buddy Tucker bets I can’t get Colette to go on a date and kiss me under the mistletoe by Christmas Eve, I can’t resist. This is my shot to finally score with her—and maybe defrost her frosty exterior. Except . . . she has a plan of her own.

Colette:

If Hendrix O’Malley thinks he’s sticking around until Christmas, he’s got another thing coming. I’ve got a bet of my own—one that involves getting him out of town before the holiday lights come down. So, I’ve got my playbook ready. Loud carolers in the ice rink? Check. Leave him stranded? Done.

But somewhere between our snowball fights and a few too many times in close quarters, I realize I might be losing more than just this bet. Because Hendrix isn’t the cocky class clown I remember. He’s sweeter than a Christmas cookie, and suddenly, I’m the one at risk of falling hard.