The Invincible Mrs. Stanton

Calliope Bray was practically raised by her neighbors when her mother fell into a deep coma when she was nine. Her father? Out of the picture. No one knows where he is or what his name is, except mother dearest, who has kept that secret longer than it takes AOL to load on dial-up.

Drowning in a world of debt and duties to run Letter C, the restaurant her mother worked so hard to open, Calliope's life raft is old Henry Stanton, a regular who's soulful insight keeps her afloat. Enter Cole Stanton: Henry's rude, yet terribly attractive son. Cole proposes (rudely insists) marriage (a year long contract) to Calliope, after being asked (blackmailed) by his father, who has taken it into his hands to play matchmaker. In other words, Cole offers five million dollars in exchange for a year of her life to satisfy Henry just enough to grant Cole the family business.

Headstrong and independent Calliope is ready to dismiss Cole's rude proposition, but two things lead her to change her mind. One, she is head over heels in, none other than, debt. And two, Cole's old man has done nothing but offer her help. For once, she sees her chance to show her gratitude.

How long is a year anyway?