In a war in Afghanistan, can a love born amidst the harsh realities of conflict and trauma survive, or is it destined to perish? The combat zone-the Afghanistan desert, a landscape of dust, sand and relentless temperatures. Corporal Katie Walker is a British Army combat trauma medic. Katie has never wanted a man-until now. Staff Sergeant Joe Anderson is a hardened, grizzled veteran-a 'by the book' marine, committed to his mistress, the US Marine Corps. Joe has never wanted a woman-until now. The first meeting-no fancy restaurant, fine manners or glittering attire, but blood, pain and trauma. Their attraction to each other is instantaneous and intense. Because they live life on the edge, away from loved ones, is what Katie and Joe feel real or an illusion? Then Joe is gone-and may never return. Is their love strong enough to withstand the horrors of war? Or is it doomed to be destroyed by something far worse?