Despite her dedication to her art, Laurel Patton feels her parents' disappointment hanging over her like a cloud. Just the thought of being a lawyer like her father-or worse, a lawyer's socialite wife-is enough to make her break out in hives.

Finally, a feather in her cap: an invitation to a prestigious summer artist-in-residence retreat in Colorado's Rocky Mountains. Three whole months among a community of creative people? Bliss.

After his ex-wife's death, bestselling horror novelist Neil Graves will move heaven and earth to make his grieving daughter, Violet, happy. Even if it means moving a mountain of deadlines to the heavenly enclave-the only thing Violet's been excited about for a long time.

He never expected Laurel would be the breath of fresh air he didn't realize he needed.

But as much as Laurel loves Neil and Violet, she's terrified. Because Neil's workaholic ways are too much like the life she never wanted...even if Neil is the one man she wants for all time.