Best-selling author CJ pens a dark thriller called "The Hourglass" shortly after his wife's death in a car accident that leaves CJ guilt ridden for reasons that are unclear. He hires Brenda McAllister, a self-help author and a relationship counselor as a consultant on the advice of his publisher so he can finish his novel. The two instantly share a mutual, but decidely unwanted attraction. However, Brenda soon realizes that CJ's new novel may be a reflection of his personal demons...and she isn't without her own demons herself.