If you read this without shedding tear, uttering a mouthful of profanity or laughing like a loon occasionally then you must be dead! A fiery mix of unrecognised love, inner strength, resilience Aliana always felt she was not good enough, an outsider. The only person who made her whole was Hunter. But she decided that she wasn't good enough for him and slipped out of his life. Now older but no less self effacing and with a self esteem in the minus, she at least now has coping mechanisms and she ours her heart into the kids in her school. but Aliana has put a great big target on her back and she may just have taken on the local gang leader! Hunter hates that he lost Aliana when he went into the Navy but hen he gets word from his grandma that she is in trouble, he has no intention of letting her say No to him this time. He may be a big badass SEAL but he had a tender heart and has seen more of the depravity of mankind that is good for him. He escaped the gang life once and has no intention of letting it suck in more of his life. Aliana is older, but still his Aliana. He may not know all that has befallen her since they were parted but Hunter knows Aliana has some serious ghosts. But then he has some of his own. OMG this book is full of the feels! There are some triggers in this book that may be uncomfortable for some: bullying, attempted sexual assault, gang-related violence but all are handled with care and great love. The characters are full of life and challenges and of course that little nugget of "something" that makes you love them! Aliana is strength personified even when she cannot see it herself. Hunter may be all Alpha male but he has wonderful way of dealing with Aliana. The background characters are all fabulously quirky. Mamie and Mrs J are forces of nature. We all get to check in with the "Dawners" and meet Zed - there is a man full of mystery! It would not be a Caitlyn O'Leary book if there was not a seam of humour throughout. Whilst the story has dark elements, the characters have a way of taking the darkness and turning light upon. Won't say much accept to say "Bookclub"! OMG I snorted so much with that bunch of little old ladies!