[1][2][3][4] This young adult fiction book was written in 2008 funded by a grant from the University of Minnesota where Avashi had studied.

The story was inspired by Avasthi's experiences while working at a domestic abuse law clinic.

Avasthi was inspired by an encounter with a mother and her two young children, a boy and a girl, who went through a traumatic and abusive experience.

[5][6] The main character in the novel is Jace Witherspoon, who lives with his parents in River Forest, Illinois.

Gradually it comes out to the reader that Jace beat his ex-girlfriend, Lauren, after he finds out that she had been sleeping with his friend.

Jace is haunted by this, and refuses to be involved in any romantic relationships, despite feeling a strong attraction to a co-worker, Dakota.

When his mother finally returns home, she refuses to leave, despite Jace and Christian's attempts to convince her.

In addition to e-mails from readers, Avasthi also received messages from abuse victims who say the book has inspired them.