Kidnapped in a foreign country, Lana Burns’ faith in herself and the world has been shaken to the core. Once home, she finds her world mangled by nightmares and depression. Refusing to give in to fear and torment, she searches for answers. Now she must escape a dark mental place before it swallows her whole.
Former Force Recon Marine Aaron MacPherson made it through war without a scratch, but he doesn’t count thick scars carved into his mind, threatening to unhinge his happiness forever. His equilibrium teeters on the edge, his battle moving from combat to everyday life. One wrong word from a total stranger sends him on a path to destruction.
Both Lana and Aaron have seen hell, and group therapy might show them the way out. Forging a link between them could prove perilous to their hearts. When danger strikes without warning, Aaron and Lana must use their bond to create a way to survive the night.
Dedication
Before There Was You popped into my head one day in July 2013. I had been working on another project. Lo and behold, the idea for Before There Was You refused to listen to reason and chill out or go away. I never tell story ideas to go back in the box when they scream at me that loudly. This idea was bellowing, “Write me now!” So I did. This tale burned up the pages and was easier to write than many other books I’ve written. Sometimes that’s how it works.
More amazing was how strident the hero and heroine were as they formed, demanding that I create their torn up, fragmented, and hurt lives. These are not perfect characters, and they warned me that while they were redeemable, they might take some stumbling steps trying to find their way back to themselves, to who they truly are. I’m happy to report that while these are flawed characters with big challenges, I still gave them a happy ending. That’s the way I always roll.
I dedicate this story to all those who’ve suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and in particular to the active duty and veterans of the Armed Forces who have in the past and continue to give their all for our country. May you find comfort, peace, and healing.