Scottish native and University of Washington professor of archaeology, Gwen Burrie stands alone in the world. She prefers it that way. Life taught her that building walls around her heart is the only way to keep it intact.

On a lonely forest road, she is the victim of two illegals fleeing Immigration. If Coast Guard officer Commander Ian Alan Loudoun had not come around the curve at that moment, Gwen would surely have died.

When Ian looks into her eyes, he is in thrall and embarks on a campaign to win her heart. He almost succeeds until a telephone call from her Aberdeen solicitor informs her that her mother is the victim of a brutal shooting. Gwen is catapulted into an emotional tailspin. She discovers she is not who she thinks she is; that as a child she had witnessed a murder. She learns of a seven-year-old half sister and of a grandfather reviled as Scotland's most ruthless businessman. And when she learns of a murderous uncle, horrible memories resurface. She could turn to Ian who has declared his love for her. But can she trust him, his love? Can she afford not to?