Octane

What if aggression could be eliminated from the world?Crossing modern civilization into the ancient wilds of the rainforest jungle-entwining tempestuous romance with science and mysticism-a young woman's dark secrets and troubled mind leads her on a psychological journey in search of identity, love and forgiveness. Heartbreak has followed Roxy Pendleton since birth-unwanted by her abusive father, her adoring mother, Rose, is her only lifeline. Haunted by childhood trauma and a guilty past, she longs for a world rid of angry people and pain. In the Brazilian Amazon, a rare plant belonging to the mystical Moksha tribe could answer her prayers.Enter David Bennett, geneticist and handsome next-door neighbor, who unwittingly holds not only the key to Roxy's heart but to liberating the nightly demons haunting her dreams. But when David agrees to use the rare plant in a covert government operation, the line between what's morally right and wrong becomes a tightrope he must walk in his quest to better mankind.Only . . . is the world ready to face the consequences of fooling with nature? Evocative of The Stepford Wives and The State of Wonder-this intriguing story will keep you thinking long after you've turned the last page.