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Marilyn, who has lived the latter half of her life in South Dakota, comes home to her native Wyoming when she learns of her mother’s impending death. Specifically, she has learned that her mom wants to tell her something—to clear the air—before passing away. When she arrives home for the first time in so many years, Drew, whom she dated in school, is drawn back into her life. We learn of the horrendous living situation Marilyn faced as a young girl back when her father was still alive. His betrayal of their daughter-father relationship was the sickest, most unforgiving kind: her father sexually assaulted her.
Before long, Marilyn begins to receive threatening phone calls from an unknown individual. She finds safety and comfort in being back with Drew, who has come to stay with Marilyn in South Dakota, and over time the two fall in love. Eventually, the two are kidnapped by the threatening woman and man who had attacked Marilyn earlier. Who are they, and what do they want? Why have they targeted Marilyn? Has something from her past come back to haunt her?
Atkins is a gifted storyteller, creating characters of true depth with whom the reader can identify, as well as crafting a tender, honest story with many twists and turns. The author’s book has some nicely-executed romantic and sensual scenes between the main characters. Powerful is the way it lays bare a range of heartfelt emotions—not only concerning Marilyn’s abuse as a child but also in the deep love and non-judgmental mutual respect inherent in Drew’s unfettered love for Marilyn (and vice versa). Atkins’ tale is a romance, sure, but it’s also an action/adventure and a heck of a mystery.