When the past won't let go, and love becomes dangerous, how far would you go to protect the ones you care about?
James has spent his life trying to escape the shadow of his mother's death and his father's bitter disappointment. Working at the Belle Vue, a run-down pub in a forgotten corner of town, he's finally found a place where he belongs-until a mysterious stranger walks through the door and changes everything.
Adam is charming, confident, and dangerous in ways James can't yet understand. Their connection is instant and electric, but in a world where being different can be deadly, their secret threatens to destroy not just James, but everyone he loves.
When violence erupts and accusations fly, James finds himself caught between loyalty and survival, truth and lies. As dark secrets emerge and trusted friends become enemies, he must confront the devastating reality that sometimes the people we love most are the ones capable of hurting us beyond repair.
A raw, unflinching exploration of love, identity, and the weight of family secrets, this gripping psychological thriller will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about loyalty, justice, and the price of being true to yourself.
Perfect for readers who loved "A Little Life" by Hanya Yanagihara, "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid, and "Sharp Objects" by Gillian Flynn.
Content warning: This novel contains mature themes including domestic violence, homophobia, and suicide. Reader discretion advised.