http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-
Forced into a bloody crime by Ace, an isolated girl April buries herpast and becomes Lily
-- until passionate love with Markus drives her to uncover dark secrets and free Ace’s hold on her.
Many of the central figures in the novel are victims of their
upbringing; however, each individual presses harder than ever to
achieve their version of the American Dream.
Ace Andrews is the thirteen-year-old child of the barbaric alcoholic
and womanizer, Steggart Andrews. Ace becomes consumed by thoughts of
eliminating his father and this obsession leaks into his other
relationships as the book unfolds: His character shifts from a
bullied, almost heroic figure to that of a cold-blooded killer who
will do anything to get what he wants.
Where Ace Andrews represents the extinguished flame of hope, Markus
Friedman is the everlasting torch, inspired by the phrase, "as long as
you believe, its magic will surround you." The fate of the main
characters is eerily intertwined in a love triangle. Infidelity,
deceit, secrets, and a desire for true love controls the characters'
motives, but mostly, they are trying to find their niche in life. This
idea of finding one's way through life will resonate with readers;
after all, the discovery of one's identity is the essence of being
human.
There are multiple storylines running concurrently throughout the
novel. The story of Ace, the blossoming love story of Markus and
Goldie, and romance between Lily and Hatter are the initial
storylines. As the plot unravels, however, nothing is as it seems and
mayhem erupts within these characters' lives. In the end they are
chasing for their happily ever after. As in real life, some get what
they want; some don't.