by John Hart
First published 2011
Michael protects his younger brother Julian at Iron Mountain Home for Boys, where orphans learn to survive through violence. When a boy dies brutally, Michael escapes and shoulders the blame. Twenty years later, he works as an enforcer for New York organized crime. His reputation keeps him alive in a world where fear replaces frequent killing. Everything changes when he meets Elena, an innocent woman who shows him love. Michael wants to start fresh with her, to build the family he and Julian never had. But his mob boss is dying, and the boss's son seeks revenge for what he sees as Michael's betrayal. Michael takes Elena, who knows nothing about his criminal past, back to North Carolina where he was born. He returns to find Julian and face the dangers he left behind. The journey leads him back to Iron Mountain Home, the place he has spent his life avoiding. Michael must confront his past to protect the people he loves.
Genres: mystery, crime, thriller, action, family-drama
Vibes: dark, emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family, second-chance
Setting: Iron Mountain Home for Boys, New York, North Carolina
Period: 20 Years Later
421 pages · Hardcover · Thomas Dunne Books
Content warnings: abuse, violence