Beyond the Scars

After years of physical and mental abuse, Tommy Chadwick finally finds the strength to leave Colin, his tormentor. But Tommy soon finds that escaping his violent boyfriend was only the first step on his path to recovery. Now he must overcome feelings of worthlessness in order to rebuild his battered self-esteem. Tommy's lack of self-confidence prevents him from going out ... at first, but then has him ricocheting from one man to another, desperately trying to please them in his search for love and acceptance. After being rejected on New Year's Eve, and then beaten after leaving the gay bar, he agrees to accompany his best friend, Sarah, to a martial arts club. There Tommy meets Marcus, a strong older man, who at first becomes his friend, introducing Tommy to new interests, and later, tentatively asks him on a date. Will Marcus be the man to help Tommy put his past behind him and fall in love for real?