Nicole Ross is on her way to Pine View, a secluded forest retreat owned by her cousin, when her car sputters and dies, leaving her stranded in unfamiliar territory. Seemingly out of nowhere a man appears, frightening her. He's unfriendly and keeps to the shadows of the trees. As they talk, her initial fear turns to fascination with the reclusive stranger.

Finn Erickson had chosen a solitary existence after the car crash that robbed him of his family and disfigured his face. He thought he could handle being lonely if it meant avoiding the crushing heartache of loss. Then Nicole, with her sweet eyes and soft smile, invades his isolation, reaches past his defenses, and touches his wounded soul. But he's not ready for the love she offers.

Approx. 45,000 words. Contains love scenes.