Hate the Way He Loves Me

Zoe Shaw's childhood was anything but perfect. Zoe, her sister Pam, and their mother, Martha were terrorized by Otis Shaw. The man that vowed to love and protect them had become a drunken, abusive animal that took pleasure in their suffering. But when he begins to look at Zoe with lover's eyes, she finds herself taking drastic measures to ensure that he ll never hurt any of the Shaw women again. When word gets out that Otis may be resurfacing Zoe, being the strongest of the trio, decides that it's time for them to move away and start anew. Zoe's best friend, Desmond Page, moved away a long time ago. Having had a difficult childhood of his own, he and Zoe found love and acceptance with one another and did their best to shield each other from harm. Now that she's looking to relocate, he suggests that she join him down south.

Their new home offered everything the Shaw women ever wanted; peace, security, opportunity and even the possibility for love. When Ramon Martinez introduced himself to Zoe, the attraction was undeniable, and despite her better judgment, she allowed herself to fall for the uncommonly handsome business owner. What she didn't realize was that he was also the product of an abusive home, but unlike her, he chose to follow the example set by his father. His jealousy and insecurity led him to deliver painful consequences for what he deemed inexcusable behavior. But he has clearly underestimated Zoe and the question now is which one of them will survive this battered love.