Trauma surgeon Dr. Ellie Sullivan is taking a break from her duties in a large St. Louis hospital by jogging in a nearby park when she sees a man and woman fleeing from FBI agents. Right before her eyes, the man turns and shoots one of the agents. Ellie runs to the downed agent and is able to save his life. Even though Ellie is not able to identify the couple because of their heavy disguises, the FBI knows who they are -- the Landrys. And since the couple have seen Ellie, her life is in danger. Sadly, this is not the first time Ellie has feared for her life. When she was younger, a deranged classmate stalked her, eventually attacking her and leaving her for dead. He's been incarcerated ever since.

One of the FBI agents on the Landry case is the tall, dark and ruggedly handsome Max Daniels. This no-nonsense, by-the- book guy assigns himself the task of keeping Ellie safe from the Landrys, as well as the stalker who has walked away from the facility where he was being held. Even though Max is not the type of man Ellie prefers, she's instantly attracted to him in a strongly sexual way.

When Ellie returns home to Winston Falls, South Carolina, for her sister's wedding, Max is right behind her. The Landrys have been apprehended and Ellie will need to testify, but the more pressing problem is not knowing where her evil stalker is and if he'll return to finish the job. Max has vowed to protect Ellie with his life and won't leave her side. How will Ellie handle being in such close proximity to Max all the time and the sparks that fly between them?

Julie Garwood, a first-class writer of romantic suspense, has created another compelling mystery with likable characters and a thrilling plotline. It's a fast read, since you can't put it down once you start reading.