The city that Iyla loves has begun closing in on her. That can happen after being left standing at the altar by a man you think is your forever. Needing to escape the constant reminders of her heartbreak, Iyla takes on a temporary art residency in a new city, beautiful Asheville, North Carolina.

The four-month commission introduces Iyla to life in the picturesque mountains, but the job is soon done and it’s time for her to decide where to plant her roots for good. A new friend begs her to stay in Asheville, but Iyla’s heart tells her to move on to another new city and another fresh start.

Nolan “Judge” Lockmore is seriously considering leaving the SEALs and making the transfer back to Office of Judge Advocate General. He wants more out of life than the daily brushes with death that have become a common occurrence to him and his friends. Only a fierce loyalty to his team and an unlikely and eye-opening introduction to his new neighbor convince him to stick with his current career for now.

Iyla, Nolan’s new neighbor, is someone he could see himself spending a lot of time with. As his attraction grows to the spunky Scottish woman, Iyla’s nervous retreat from their developing friendship has Nolan worried that she might be running from a dark past.

In love with his untouchable neighbor, Nolan is determined to be a safe, dependable friend for Iyla, willing to suffer through the pain of wanting her from a distance.

Nolan soon learns everything he suspected about Iyla is wrong, but that doesn’t mean she’s safe. A man from Iyla’s past shows up unexpectedly, determined to possess her, but the artist is blind to his dangerous intentions.

Nolan tries to open her eyes to reality, but by then, it’s too late. His only chance to save Iyla might just end her life.