Stubborn Mariah Hollander has not had a smooth life; some events that affect her happened before she was even born. But she survived it all and she has the scars to prove it. After being in an abusive relationship, Mariah is not sure what kind of man she will attract next and is afraid to test the waters.Then she meets the intense and equally stubborn Dr. Marcus Alexander and the sparks that fly between them cannot be ignored. Marcus has issues of his own and they threaten to ruin his chances to be happy with Mariah, the only woman he has ever loved. Marcus is convinced Mariah is the only woman he can fully and safely open his heart to but Mariah must convince herself that she deserves Marcus' unconditional love.