How the Beast Stole Christmas by Faith Walsh

Jack:
The sooner I get out of Eden, Pennsylvania, the better. It’s like Christmas exploded here in the small town, way too merry for me. I’m a disfigured war vet who prefers to keep a low profile and my own company, and I’d like to keep it that way. My work contract has me in Eden for a month. My plan is to get out of here before Christmas, to leave this too-happy town, and never look back. What I hadn’t planned on was Maddison.

Maddison:
Christmas is an awful time of year for me. I had to leave a good job and return to Eden to look after my father who hasn’t known a sober day since Mom’s death. I’ve landed a good job with some great people, but I know this is not the life I want. And just when I think that I’ll never look forward to Christmas, never enjoy the holidays again, I meet Jack. He’s surly and brooding and knows even less holiday cheer than me…but maybe I can fix that.