When Sophie Barnes's fiancé jilts her at the altar, her carefully planned life implodes. Considering his betrayal to be a rude wake-up call, she leaves everything she knows in San Diego and flees to Laguna Beach. She vows to transform her life by avoiding men for a year and by fulfilling her dream of writing a wildly successful novel. Sophie's new landlord, Nicholas Morgan, is a gorgeous, successful architect with a player reputation. Nick's avoided the intimacy of a long-term relationship—until Sophie's independence, courage, and beauty touch his guarded heart. Both Sophie and Nick are terrified of being hurt again, but can they resist the pull of true love?