In this intense novel based on the love affair between Lori Braun and Tyler Cartwright, an innocent e-mail relationship turns into a violent cycle of assault, seduction, and sadomasochism. The couple met in the Manhattan martial arts studio of Master H in late 1999. While Lori lived near the studio, Tyler lived in Connecticut, and their relationship took shape in the form of hundreds of e-mails. Before long, they could not resist their physical attraction and began traveling to see each other—despite Tyler’s wife and three-year-old son and Lori’s situations with Master H and ex-boyfriend Mouse. As Tyler’s marriage failed, his aggression became uncontrollable. He unleashed his cold violence on Lori, delighting in watching her suffer physically, sexually, and emotionally. He used tools, and sometimes just his fists. But every time she was at the verge of leaving, he seduced her back into submission. During this year-long battle, Lori found herself caught between caring for someone she loved and fearing for her life whenever he was near.

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*Based on a true story. Scroll down to “Struggle, Tequila, and Tyler” to begin reading. Narrative details are written in black; e-mail exchanges are green and indented. Click on photos to enlarge.