Falling Softly — Jayne Rylon

Darkness has crept into Sterling Compton's charmed life, relentlessly stealing what's left of her grandmother's memories. When she happens upon a compelling stranger leaning against a broken-down pickup in the middle of nowhere, grief and a gut-deep attraction spur her to take that too-safe life by the horns. From the instant Sterling emerges from her Jeep, Viho is drawn to her carefree spirit. Her innocent offer of a ride turns into the ride of his life in his truck bed -- and he forgets why he meant to avoid Compton Pass at all costs. He should have known that karma was waiting to laugh in his face. Especially when Viho figures out Sterling's father is the one who stood between him and the man he should have called “father.” Yet it's tough to hate someone who offers him a job. Especially when he and Sterling realize there's a living tie on the way that will bind Viho to her family forever -- if he can convince her she's much more to him than an obligation.