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.
