Zoey has spent much of her life caring for her mom and her little sister, defending them from her violent father. She sacrificed her wants and dreams to keep her family together. Her father, just released from prison, has discovered where they're hiding in California, and has come looking for them. Tristan. A former Marine and now member of the Coast Guard, has promised Will, his best friend and Zoey's brother, that he will take care of Zoey and her family while Will is in Afghanistan. Their relationship turns from protector to something more. But when Zoey's father shows up the confrontation will change Zoey's world forever. -- adapted from jacket and perusal of book