A Beauty and the Beast-inspired holiday romance with a grumpy Navy SEAL veteran!

Leo: I hide in my Vermont cottage so nobody can see me.

I've seen the stares. I read their contemplation in their inquisitive expressions—how did I get those scars?

My parents worry about me and send a caretaker. That's not going to happen. I'll turn her away at my front door.

When Rosanna arrives, she's not what I expect. She's young, pretty and curvy. And she comes with food to prepare dinner.

It's been a long time since I had a home-cooked meal. Maybe I can tolerate her here for one night.

Rosanna: This temporary job sounds like the ideal place to write my novel—plus I can avoid my stepfamily.

When I arrive at the remote stone cottage in the woods, I'm stopped by a man with a scarred face and deep scowl. Leo turns me away.

The groceries I brought to prepare dinner buy me some time. Leo agrees to let me cook for him (how generous).

Only we're hit with more snow than expected, and I'm stuck in the cottage with him if I don't want to freeze to death.

Leo will let me stay on one condition—never enter his studio.

If you like grumpy / sunshine, wounded heroes, dark secrets, and lost souls finding each other in romance, you'll love escaping into this standalone romance in the Anchor Me series!