Emily Hayes is from small town Wisconsin and a preacher's daughter to boot. When she lands her dream job in Phoenix, her parents are not happy with her. Emily packs up what few belongings she has and moves to Phoenix with her cousin Mel. Shortly after her move, Emily goes out with Mel and a few friends "bar hopping." They end up at a small bar called "Harlie's" and that is where Emily sees him. Dark brown eyes, cocky smile, and a body that would stop traffic....in other words heartbreak.
Emily's first day of class and she meets Harlie, one of her kindergarten students. What follows Harlie stops Emily in her track....him. He is Alexander Hunt, Xander to his friends, the dark brown eyes, cocky smile, and traffic stopping body from the bar. Oh No. Emily attends a barbeque with her friend and co-worker Reese who happens to be friends with Xander. The little tidbit Reese forgot to mention. When Emily runs into Xander, again, she can't stop the butterflies any longer. After the barbeque, everyone jumps on their bikes and rides in honor of Xander's brother, Nathan, who was killed in a motorcycle accident. At the end of the night, Xander knows he has to fight his feelings for Emily. He has sworn off all relationships since Harlie's mom walked out 3 years ago. At the end of the ride, Xander takes Emily to his favorite spot overlooking the city and tells Emily they can never be more than a one night stand.
After Xander takes Emily home, she realizes she has to have this man if only one time. She dresses in her sexiest outfit and goes to the bar where she finds Xander alone. Emily offers Xander the one thing he can't resist....her. Then she shocks Xander by offering to be "friends with benefits" and that is a proposal Xander can't resist. Slowly they both begin to fall in love but Xander keeps denying his feelings for Emily until a near fatal accident slaps Xander in the face. With the thought of loosing Emily he rushes to her side realizing he does love this woman and he will do anything to save her.
The book is a real page turner and I struggled to put it down. The story starts out simple enough...small town girl breaking away from the mold and finding herself in the city. What she doesn't count on is meeting someone like Xander. Xander has sworn off relationships since the mother of his child walked out on them. What he doesn't expect is Emily. The book starts out with how their relationship builds then a tragic accident nearly shatters them both. This part had me teary-eyed as the author writes a scene as it is happening but you find out it is a dream. After the accident Emily and Xander are finally together and trying to deal with their pasts....Xander's many one night stands and Emily's parents. The author does a great job of creating emotions in the reader. You cheer for Emily's spunk, hate Xander's womanizing ways, fall in love with Xander, and cheer them on to a happily ever after.