Months after waking from a car accident that took everything David held dear, he's trying to settle into a new life at CRU. There's only one problem. Well, three, his roommates: Bobby, Chris and Austin. They want to experience life now that they're out from under their parents' watchful eyes, and for David to partake in the fun with them. David feels he's experienced enough life already and just wants to be left alone. Bobby sees how David watches him, Chris and Austin. He's convinced their hard-ass roommate just needs a little nudge and David would open up. When Bobby comes back to the dorm unannounced, looking for an English paper for class, Bobby finds out why David's been holding them at arms length and becomes determined to help his roommate rejoin the world of the here and now. The only problem is: David has more secrets he doesn't want anyone to know about. NOTE: There are references to rape, and some graphic violence, in the story.

David McCourt has suffered so much pain in his life that he has lost the ability to process emotions in any reliable way. After surviving a brutal attack and mutilation at the hands of hateful fellow students, David’s friends and the enigmatic Dr. Ito fight to save him, trying to salvage what’s left of David by offering him a safe home and their unwavering support. But hate doesn’t dissipate overnight and all the love and support in the world, from David’s friends and the desperately confused but devoted cowboy, Jackson, can’t keep the world or David’s past at bay. With every setback, every new bit of violence offered, David blames himself, certain that he is the cause of all the strife around him. When David’s past shambles come back into his life, all bets are off, and it may take more than even Dr. Ito can scheme up to save them all. NOTE: There are references to rape, and some graphic violence, in the story. PLEASE NOTE: This title was previously released under a different publisher. This is a reedited second edition.

Abby, Jun, Henry and Neil are four sstudents at Capstone Ridge University in late 70s and early 80s. The first three years of college life the friends bonded at the dorms, worked together in their studies—forming a life-long friendship—and decided to go to graduate school together. Once the decision was made they knew they wanted a house together. Abby, being the rich boy of the bunch, fronted a lot of the money for their house, earning him the master suit of their craftsman style house on steroids. Too bad about that bathroom. Jun, the nerd of the group, has the carpentry experience they all need to get the house in working condition. Henry and Neil just do the grunt worked handed down to them and try to keep their heads down. As the friends work through the senior year and prep for grad school, they will hit road blocks and uncertainty—not to mention a few flames. Abby, himself, trying to make it through the year with his undying attraction to Neil remaining concealed. But a few flames and a dress may ruin his 'secret'.