One sexy silver Santa lookalike, plus one melancholy single mom, equals reluctant holiday roommates.

Fate might not dictate the weather, but it (along with a giant Saint Bernard) certainly plays a role when I'm stranded in this small town during the busiest month of my globetrotting, toy-industry year. With no vacancies at the local inns, a little matchmaking mischief lands me a room in a hesitant hostess's home.

After receiving bad news, Lumi Snowe isn't buying the hap, hap, happiest time of the year lingo. I'm out to prove every moment should be magical. From cookie-baking shenanigans to tree-decorating dances, we flip this lonely season on its five-pointed star.

There's something special about the local postmistress. She leaves a stamp on my heart, and I don't want to be returned to sender. However, I have obligations to keep and traditions to uphold, and love doesn't make the jolly man-in-red's list.

Dear Santa, if only I could stay . . .

> If you adored Nick in Naughty-ish by L.B. Dunbar, you're guaranteed to fall in love with his older brother, Saint.