By Susan Stoker
I have always been in awe of Susan Stoker’s stories. The way she tackles topic after topic—be it kidnapping, terrorism, abuse—her books have had me hooked from the start. The fact that she portrays her women as strong enough to overcome the odds, well, it made me a fan.
And I so admire the fact that Susan Stoker touched on a subject that still a problem today, trafficking. It is not an easy subject to write, and should not be written lightly.
Some might say Gray and Allye’s story was a bit over the top—Allye was a victim of trafficking, and yet they had a relationship borne out of their need for each other, and of course, they had sex. So, which is it?
Allye was a victim, yes, but she, with the help of Gray, kept her head, managing to survive a madman’s need to add her to his collection of conquests. Gray, despite his fear of losing her, was able to see her as a strong woman, but one who needs her man to stand by her side.
For me, the fact that Allye overcame her fears to see Gray and give him a chance, is Ms. Stoker’s way of telling the reader that although victims do react differently in dire situations, women should be strong enough to eventually face their fears head-on. All they need to do is to find that inner strength—to reach out and accept the fact that they need help, and to understand that there will always be a lifeline for them to hold on to, no matter what.
If you are squeamish about the reality of trafficking, I would either suggest that you pull your big-girl panties, or go read something frou-frou, because this one is unapologetic. I could suggest, please go ahead and read Allye’s story because the topic is real and should not be hidden behind closed doors.
And if you say Allye’s reaction of keeping her cool is unrealistic in such a plot—who is to say that we women should not learn how to face situations as she did?
Bitch N Books 
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