When an unexpected storm disrupts young widow Alicia Russell's camping trip with her two sons, she and the boys are rescued by a mysterious man who offers them shelter for the night. Alicia is reluctant to accept Pierce Reynolds's offer, but the ferocity of the storm and the resulting damage to her own cabin leave her little choice.

Pierce's attention to the boys wins their outright worship--and reminds Alicia how much her sons have missed having a man in their lives--while his sensuality rekindles emotions Alicia had thought were long buried. But as she gradually allows herself to explore her desires, Pierce seems determined to keep his distance emotionally for reasons he can't, or won't, explain.

Well written and sensual, this hardcover reissue of one of Brown's early entries in the Bantam Loveswept line holds up well given the time that has elapsed since its initial publication in the early 1980s. The plot device of enforced togetherness is somewhat tiresome, but longtime Brown fans looking for a hardcover edition of an old favorite might like to splurge on this one. --Lisa Wanttaja