When Rachel marries Danny Maguire, younger son of the most powerful criminal family in Manchester she thinks she can cope with his way of life. After all, he's the legitimate face of the family, isn't he? When war breaks out between the Maguires and their deadly rivals, the Law family, Rachel is dragged into the criminal underworld and she must turn her back on her old way of life and embrace this new, dangerous one if she is to survive. The Maguires also find themselves the target of The Coalition, a shadowy group made up of the city's premiere citizens who are tired of the Maguires' rule and will stop at nothing to see them fall. The Coalition's interference stirs up suspicion and paranoia within the family and Rachel is no longer sure who she can trust. When sides are taken, she finds herself facing off against those closest to her and who are also the most formidable criminals in the city. As the war increases in ferocity, Rachel discovers another woman inside herself, a strong, ruthless one who will stop at nothing to root out the traitors in the family's ranks and protect those she loves.