Severe, Ohio is like any other small town. It has its secrets. Men and women, like the small town of Severe have their secrets too. Secrets that can destroy lives. Break up marriages and get people killed. Lucille Brinkman is the matriarch of her family. Her three sons, Abe Brinkman, Teller Garrett and Drake Boner have endured her abuse both physical and mental since they were small children. The men in her life have molded these men and made them what they are as men, as husbands and fathers. What they are as sons. Their children, Donny Brinkman, Lou Boner and Peter Garrett have suffered at the hands of these man, shaped also by their own tragic, upbringing. Donny is gone now. Lou is married to Ben Jones, expecting a baby she doesn't know is his or her cousin, Donny's. Pete Garrett is a loner, struggling with the bottle and depression. Life becomes an emotional rollercoaster when his father, Teller returns to Severe after sixteen years being gone. He seems hellbent on destroying Peter's life. Secrets about the family's past are revealed through Lucille's diary. Secrets that could tear the family apart or finally help them heal. The one bright spot in Pete's life is Desi Kane. A server at Bairds Pub. He just needs to let down his guard and let her in to find the happiness he deserves. The happiness that maybe only Desi can give him. HEA, Sensitive topics, suicide and abuse that some readers might not want to read. Sexual situations. Not for readers under 18.