What turns someone into a monster? Are they born that way, or is it a choice? Or can it be both?
Former Army brat Morgan Albright dreams of owning her own bar one day, but for now she’s bartending – working hard at two jobs, saving money. Life is hectic but she has her goals in place. She loves sharing a house with her best friend, Nina, and she is even finding time to date for the first time in what feels like forever.
When a seemingly random attack turns Morgan’s life upside down, she must leave the city to return to her family home in Vermont. She hopes that moving back to the small town where she can feel safe will help her to put the horror of the attack behind her but, as Morgan soon discovers, sometimes your past just doesn’t want to let you go… especially when you’re the one who got away.
Having written over 200 novels, and with 500 million copies of her books in print, you know you’re in good hands with Nora Roberts – hands that will have you clasping your own around the pages of this spine tinglingly romantic thriller.
Roberts seamlessly invites us into the life of Morgan Albright, a bright, practical, hard-working woman in her mid-twenties. Morgan has a very clear five-year plan which includes paying off her mortgage, updating her kitchen and opening her own bar. Already an experienced bartender, Morgan is able to make a quick study of her clients. So when newcomer IT-whiz Luke Hudson takes a seat and begins to chat, we, like Morgan, feel this could be the beginning of an early spring romance.
And that’s where Roberts’ genius is: lulling you into a false sense of romantic security while carefully plotting the exact moment she swiftly turns Morgan’s world upside down, placing her in the position of having to completely reinvent herself.
Roberts uses a Pubilius Syrus quote at the beginning of the novel: ‘It’s a bad plan that can’t be changed’, and at its heart, that’s what this fabulously thrilling read is all about: plans and their undoing – sometimes by the worst misadventures – that makes room for the new.
Fittingly, the novel also explores the nature of identity. When an identity theft occurs, who are we? Morgan, united with her mother and grandmother grows stronger in herself, and in some ways reaches unimaginable heights, much to her tormentor’s chagrin. It’s an excellent tale about reinvention as well as reclaiming your roots.
Roberts’ writing style is polished yet grounded. Her dialogue is relatable, her descriptions are crisp and her ability to make you tingle with anticipation of the romantic and nail-biting thrills is unparalleled. Grab this book with both hands and enjoy the ride. Note to self: beware of men who wear cashmere sweaters, and hold off hosting a dinner party in your own home for a while.
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