This story continues from the end of 'King.' Vail had been kidnapped months ago by a slavery ring, and rescued by Castel and her brother's dogged determination to do anything to rescue her.
Vail's brother and Castel took her in at fourteen, hiding her in their dorms to keep her safe. Castel always made her feel safe and even after all these years, he is the only one that helps keep her nightmares away. This foundation of trust, helps her tremendously to heal.

These two have loved each other for years but let outside forces keep them apart. As Vail goes through the difficult process of recovering from being raped and beaten and all the emotional trauma, she also tries to push Castel away. Castel received his wake up call with Vail and decides he will never let her go again. He shows amazing strength and insightfulness managing all the extremes that Vail goes through, even when he slips he returns to her.

Ashby brings us into Vail and Castel's world, making us feel all the good, bad and horrible and brings us out the other side to recovery, hope and love. This isn't a pretty story but it will grab you and won't let you go until the last page. I am very thankful I was given an advanced reader copy to review, it was a true pleasure to read.

I voluntarily received this book for an honest review. ( )