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?

I refuse to spend the holidays with my parents as I'll bring everyone down. Worried about me, they send a caretaker. That's not going to happen. I’ll turn her away at my front door..

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

Hmm, it's been a long time since I had a homecooked meal. Maybe I can tolerate her here for just one night.

Rosanna: I’ll do anything to avoid spending another Christmas with my stepfamily and this temporary job gives me an excuse.

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. He didn’t agree to this arrangement.

I don’t have a backup plan. What am I going to do?

Fortunately, the groceries I brought to prepare dinner buy me some time. Leo agrees to let me cook for him (how generous) and to stay for one night.

Only we’re hit with more snow than expected, and I'm stuck there 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 Leo and Rosanna’s story!