JT Whitloch can't close his eyes without seeing the body of the woman who drowned in his swimming pool two years ago. Though he doesn't remember that night, he blames himself for her death and walks away from a life that gave him everything he ever wanted...almost everything. His move to Crystal Creek gives him the solitude he longs for, but still he can't find peace. Then Gretchen Moore moves to town, and she doesn't just stir up his desire. She stirs up his past, a past with a secret so deadly it could destroy her. Gretchen wants nothing to do with JT. Because of him, someone wants her dead. The terror from his past forces them into an alliance that soon ignites their passion. Fighting these feelings leads them to the secret of the woman floating in JT's swimming pool, but the knowledge doesn't ease JT's inner turmoil. Instead, it reveals an answer that could destroy him and Gretchen. His own destruction he could accept, but he'll defend Gretchen to his death. If you like clean, swoon worthy romance with lots of spine-tingling suspense, you'll love Defending Her Heart by Laura Haley-McNeil