National bestselling author Allison Hobbs delivers a powerful novel
about a father and son whose relationship is challenged after the son is
suspected of crimes in his new neighborhood.Ten years ago when Malik
Copeland was a hopeless addict, he signed away the parental rights to
his son, Phoenix. It cut him to the core when his ex-wife allowed her
new husband to adopt Phoenix and give him his last name. After getting
clean and sober and moving across the country, Malik meets Sasha, a
professional and business owner who is the single parent of a young
child, Zoe. Together, they build a life together and Malik adopts Zoe.
He is a caring stepfather and doting husband, and life couldn't be
better. Out of the blue, Malik receives a call from the mother of his
now thirteen-year-old son, telling him that the boy wants to get to know
him. Malik and Phoenix establish a long-distance relationship, and after
a visit during spring break, Phoenix decides that he wants to stay with
his father--permanently. Phoenix moves in and the Copelands are one big
happy family. Malik's life feels complete as he and his son continue to
bond. Handsome, intelligent, and well-mannered, Phoenix is a joy to be
around, and Sasha and Zoe adore him. Over time, however, Phoenix begins
to exhibit antisocial behavior, and Malik fears that his son's congenial
persona is merely a façade. And when a young child goes missing,
evidence points to Phoenix and Malik has to ask himself how far he'll go
to protect his own flesh and blood.
