A continuation of the King family saga, The Shackle: escape from the knot of restraint, the first book in The KNOT Series II is an enjoyable stand-alone novel mixing elements of drama, suspense, and romance, against a backdrop of human trafficking.
During Stan's quest to reset his life following his stint in rehab, he begins working at the horse center which specializes in equine assisted therapy, with his step-sister, Gabby, who he loves but is married to another man. He takes off on a camping adventure to look for an abandoned airstrip on the outskirts of the Texas King ranch, and realizes that the airstrip is being used by a drug lord. He becomes entangled in a dangerous web of organized crime when he accidentally stumbles on a kidnap victim, barely alive. He rescues Marie, and reports the drug lord to the authorities. The aftermath of helping Marie escape, places his family and friends, including Gabby and Brett, in jeopardy. Losing trust in the authorities, after the drug lord's men break into a house on the ranch looking for Marie.
Stan teams up with his stepdad, prominent rancher Wayne King, to bring the trafficking boss to justice, giving the story a modern-day western feel.
Stan's feelings for Marie grow, as she comes to terms with her ordeal, and with therapy she discovers a surprising connection with her hero. Stan begins this journey broken in body and spirit; however, as his unique gifts and strengths are revealed, he comes into his own and shines.
