For Tina Ryan, falling in love is the worst thing that could ever happen to her. Love is a refuge for the weak, lonely and needy. Once she was like that herself - but no longer.

Recovering from a turbulent, tormented childhood, she has reinvented herself as Chrissie: strong, self-reliant and firmly in control. She is everything she ever wanted to be and nothing will ever be allowed to threaten that.

But she is also human. So when love does force its way into her life, leaving her utterly shocked and exposed, her new and carefully constructed personality is in peril. And nothing can ever be allowed to do that. Control must be maintained and feelings must be on her terms. No matter how dreadful those terms might be.

Praise for Patrick Redmond:

''An intense, gripping read'' Heat
''Brilliantly drawn characters'' Crime Time
''Keeps the tension going right until the last page'' Joanne Harris
''A hypnotic, compelling read'' Bookseller

For Tina Ryan, falling in love is the worst thing that could ever happen to her. Love is a refuge for the weak, lonely and needy. Once she was like that herself - but no longer.

Recovering from a turbulent, tormented childhood, she has reinvented herself as Chrissie: strong, self-reliant and firmly in control. She is everything she ever wanted to be and nothing will ever be allowed to threaten that.

But she is also human. So when love does force its way into her life, leaving her utterly shocked and exposed, her new and carefully constructed personality is in peril. And nothing can ever be allowed to do that. Control must be maintained and feelings must be on her terms. No matter how dreadful those terms might be.

Praise for Patrick Redmond:

''An intense, gripping read'' Heat
''Brilliantly drawn characters'' Crime Time
''Keeps the tension going right until the last page'' Joanne Harris
''A hypnotic, compelling read'' Bookseller