Aubrey Duncan understands loss. She understands pain and helplessness. And she understands wanting to save someone at the cost of herself. She knows what rock bottom looks like and she is determined to crawl back up to the top after the sudden death of her younger sister. She blames herself for her part in the tragedy, convinced that she could have done something, anything, to help her.

Longwood University is Aubrey's fresh start. Her chance to put the past behind her and move on. To find her path and live in a future untainted by her bitter memories. And she is determined to help others in a way she was unable to help her sister.

When Aubrey decides to help facilitate an addiction support group on campus while working toward her degree in counselling, she hopes it will be her chance at redemption. Some comfort from the grief she continues to feel every day. And most importantly, a place to support someone else in the way she had failed to support her sister.

What she doesn't count on is to be derailed from her plans by an all-consuming fascination with group member, Maxx Demelo, who hides secrets behind a carefully constructed mask. He is an enigma. A mystery in a gorgeous blonde hair, blue eyed package. He shows only what he wants others to see. But Aubrey glimpses another Maxx hidden below the surface. A Maxx who is drowning in his own personal hell.

And Maxx stirs in Aubrey needs both dark and addictive. She is torn by her desire to save him and an inexplicable urge to join him in his downward spiral.