Hunger and Goldfish Crackers

Bliss grows up in a trailer park, her life defined by hunger, neglect, and violence. Her mother is an addict, her stepfather abusive, and her only solace comes from her older brother Axel and his best friend Nash. The "Goldfish crackers" code is their secret warning for danger, a lifeline in a world where safety is rare. Axel and Nash do their best to protect Bliss, sneaking her food and comfort, but the darkness of their environment is inescapable. Even as a child, Bliss knows her family is broken, and she dreams of a life where she is loved and cared for. The trauma of these years shapes her, teaching her to be small, quiet, and grateful for scraps—both literal and emotional.

Cinderella in Blue

Years later, Bliss is Bethany-Melissa, living in privilege with her biological father in Providence. She's dating Caleb, a wealthy, successful man, and attends a glamorous charity ball in a blue gown. Despite the outward perfection, Bliss feels like an outsider, her role reduced to "look pretty and be quiet." Caleb's attention is fleeting, and her own desires are lost in the swirl of business talk and social expectations. When her estranged brother Axel calls during the event, using their childhood code, Bliss is thrown back into panic and fear. The call ends with a gunshot, shattering the illusion of safety and forcing Bliss to confront the darkness she thought she'd left behind.

Gunshot in the Night

Bliss flees the ball, commandeering Caleb's car to find Axel. Her search leads her to Saint View, the town she escaped, and to Psychos, the bar Axel owns. The place is intimidating, filled with rough characters and memories of a life she tried to bury. She meets Rebel, a brash bartender, and Nash, now a grown man and Axel's business partner. Axel is missing, and Nash's concern is palpable. The old protectiveness resurfaces, but so does the tension between Bliss's new life and her past. The search for Axel is frantic, and the sense of impending doom grows as Bliss and Nash race to his home.

Saint View Psychos

Bliss and Nash arrive at Axel's house to find him dead, shot execution-style on his porch. The trauma is immediate and overwhelming. Nash shields Bliss from the worst of it, but the loss is shattering. The police are indifferent, quick to label Axel's death as gang-related and close the case. Bliss is left with unanswered questions, guilt over their estrangement, and a growing sense of danger. Nash becomes her anchor, but the old wounds between them—of abandonment, secrets, and unspoken feelings—begin to resurface. The world she built in Providence starts to crumble as the past refuses to stay buried.

Blood on the Porch

Bliss returns to Caleb's house, seeking comfort, but instead faces suspicion and violence. Caleb, drunk and jealous, accuses her of infidelity and physically assaults her, echoing the abuse Bliss witnessed as a child. The trauma is compounded by shame and self-blame, as Bliss internalizes the idea that she is "ruined" and unworthy. The next day, she hides her bruises and goes to work at the daycare, clinging to normalcy. The cycle of abuse, both past and present, becomes inescapable, and Bliss's sense of self-worth is eroded further. The contrast between her public persona and private pain grows starker.

Aftermath and Abuse

At the daycare, Bliss meets Vincent, a new hire with a mysterious past and a gentle touch with children. His presence is both comforting and unsettling, as he quickly notices the signs of abuse on Bliss's face. Vincent's own darkness simmers beneath the surface, but his empathy draws Bliss in. Meanwhile, Caleb's control tightens, and Bliss is caught between the expectations of her privileged life and the reality of her trauma. The threat of Axel's killer—and the debts he left behind—looms, as a masked man breaks into her bedroom, demanding payment and threatening violence. Bliss is forced to confront the legacy of her brother's choices and her own vulnerability.

New Faces, Old Wounds

Vincent's protectiveness deepens, and his attraction to Bliss becomes clear. He follows her, rescues a dog hit by Caleb, and quietly inserts himself into her life. Caleb's jealousy and violence escalate, culminating in a public confrontation at the daycare. Vincent intervenes, breaking Caleb's hand and making a chilling promise to protect Bliss at all costs. The lines between savior and threat blur, as Vincent's own capacity for violence is revealed. Bliss is drawn to both Nash and Vincent, each representing different facets of her past and possible future. The debts Axel owed become Bliss's burden, and the criminal underworld of Saint View closes in.

The Debt Collector

Bliss learns she has inherited Psychos—and its illegal sex club and drug operation. Nash and Rebel guide her through the hidden world Axel built, revealing the scale of the business and the risks involved. The masked debt collector returns, making it clear that Bliss is now responsible for Axel's obligations. The threat is both financial and physical, as the man hints at sexual violence if she fails to pay. Bliss is forced to choose between selling the bar, risking everything to run it, or turning to the police—who have already written off Axel's murder. The allure of power and money is intoxicating, but the danger is real.

Secrets Behind the Bar

Bliss is initiated into the world of Psychos' sex club, witnessing live performances, drug deals, and the complex web of relationships among the staff and patrons. Nash becomes her mentor and protector, but also a source of forbidden desire. Rebel encourages Bliss to embrace her sexuality and power, while warning her of the dangers. The club becomes a place of both liberation and peril, as Bliss navigates her new role as owner. The lines between victim and survivor blur, and Bliss begins to reclaim her agency, even as the threats against her mount.

The Man in Black

The masked debt collector's visits become more menacing, and Bliss's fear grows. She is caught between Nash's insistence on protecting her and her own determination to stand on her own. The club's illegal activities attract attention from rival gangs and the police, and Bliss is forced to make difficult choices to keep herself and her family safe. The mystery of Axel's murder deepens, with suspicion falling on those closest to him—including Nash. Bliss's trust is tested, and the danger becomes increasingly personal.

Sex, Power, and Money

Bliss's relationships with Nash, Vincent, and War (the Slayers MC VP) become increasingly complicated, as desire, jealousy, and loyalty collide. The sex club's parties are both lucrative and dangerous, drawing in powerful men and women from across Saint View. Bliss is forced to confront her own desires and boundaries, experimenting with power and submission, and discovering strength in vulnerability. The pursuit of money and security for her family drives her deeper into the criminal world, even as the risks escalate. The threat of violence—both from outside and within—becomes ever-present.

Shattered Engagement

Bliss's engagement to Caleb ends in public humiliation and violence. Caleb's true nature is revealed, and Bliss finally breaks free from his control. The fallout is immediate, as her social standing and financial security are threatened. Friends and family react with shock and judgment, and Bliss is forced to rely on herself and her new allies in Saint View. The end of her relationship with Caleb marks a turning point, as Bliss embraces her identity as both survivor and leader. The cost of freedom is high, but the alternative is unthinkable.

The Sex Club's Secret

Bliss takes charge of Psychos, organizing a masked party that becomes a turning point for the club and for herself. The anonymity of the masks allows for both liberation and danger, as old secrets and new desires come to the surface. Nash and War vie for her attention, each offering different forms of protection and pleasure. Vincent's darkness becomes more apparent, as his alter ego Scythe threatens to emerge. The party is a success, but the risks are higher than ever, and Bliss must decide how far she is willing to go to protect what she has built.

War's Grief, Bliss's Fire

War's father is murdered, and his mother left in a coma, sending shockwaves through the Slayers MC and Saint View. War's grief is raw and violent, but Bliss's presence offers him solace and distraction. Their sexual connection is explosive, and Bliss finds herself drawn to his strength and vulnerability. The funeral brings together the criminal underworld, and new alliances are formed. Bliss's own transformation accelerates, as she embraces her power and sexuality, even as the dangers multiply. The past and present collide, and the stakes are raised for everyone involved.

Choosing the Darkness

Bliss fully commits to running Psychos, accepting the risks and responsibilities of her new life. She confronts Nash about her suspicions, leading to a painful but necessary reckoning. The truth about Axel's payments to Nash is revealed, clearing Nash of suspicion but deepening the sense of betrayal and loss. Bliss's relationships with Nash, Vincent, and War become more complex, as she navigates love, loyalty, and desire. The criminal world of Saint View is both seductive and deadly, and Bliss must decide what kind of leader—and woman—she wants to be.

The Bodyguard's Kiss

Vincent's role as Bliss's protector deepens, and their connection becomes more intimate. A date between them is interrupted by violence, revealing Vincent's capacity for both tenderness and brutality. His dissociative identity disorder (DID) is hinted at, and the threat of his alter ego, Scythe, looms. Bliss is torn between her attraction to Vincent and her fear of his darkness. The boundaries between love and danger blur, and Bliss must confront her own desires and fears. The past continues to haunt them both, and the future is uncertain.

Accusations and Apologies

Bliss's investigation into Axel's murder leads her to suspect Nash, straining their relationship to the breaking point. The discovery of suspicious payments and emails fuels her doubts, but the truth is more complicated. Nash confesses to taking the fall for Axel in the past, and the depth of their bond is revealed. Bliss is forced to confront her own prejudices and fears, and the process of forgiveness begins. The web of secrets and lies is slowly untangled, but the threat of violence remains ever-present.

The Masked Exchange

Bliss prepares for a crucial meeting with Axel's supplier, determined to renegotiate the terms and secure her future. The tension is palpable, as the risks of betrayal and violence are high. Vincent insists on accompanying her, and their partnership is tested by the dangers they face. The criminal underworld of Saint View is unforgiving, and Bliss must rely on her wits and her allies to survive. The balance of power shifts, and new threats emerge from unexpected quarters.

Cliffside Confrontation

The meeting at the bluffs turns deadly when Caleb is revealed as the masked debt collector. He attacks Bliss, intent on rape and murder, blaming her for his own failures and humiliations. Bliss fights back, calling for Vincent, but is overpowered. The trauma of her past and present converge, and her survival hangs in the balance. The darkness of Saint View is laid bare, and the cost of power and freedom is made brutally clear.

Scythe Unleashed

Vincent arrives at the bluffs, but his internal struggle with his alter ego, Scythe, threatens to paralyze him. Bliss, recognizing the danger and the necessity, calls out for Scythe, giving him permission to take over. The transformation is immediate and terrifying, as Scythe's violence is unleashed on Caleb. The cycle of trauma, vengeance, and survival comes full circle, and Bliss is forever changed. The story ends on a note of both triumph and uncertainty, as the darkness within and around them is embraced—and the battle for control continues.

Characters

Bliss (Bethany-Melissa Arthur)

Bliss is the emotional core of the story, shaped by childhood trauma, neglect, and abuse. Her journey is one of survival, self-discovery, and transformation. She is fiercely loyal to those she loves, but struggles with self-worth and the legacy of her past. Her relationships with Axel, Nash, Vincent, and War are complex, marked by both dependence and a growing sense of agency. Bliss's evolution from victim to leader is fraught with pain, but also with moments of empowerment and joy. Her psychological depth is revealed in her struggles with shame, desire, and the need for control. She is both a product of her environment and a force for change, navigating the darkness of Saint View with courage and vulnerability.

Nash Sorensen

Nash is Axel's best friend and Bliss's childhood guardian. He is defined by loyalty, guilt, and a deep sense of responsibility. Nash's relationship with Bliss is layered—part brother, part mentor, part forbidden desire. He is both a source of comfort and a reminder of the past, struggling with his own demons and the weight of secrets. Nash's willingness to sacrifice for those he loves is both his strength and his weakness. His development is marked by moments of tenderness, anger, and self-doubt, as he grapples with his feelings for Bliss and his role in Axel's life and death.

Vincent Atwood (Scythe)

Vincent is a man of contradictions—gentle with children, ruthless with enemies, and haunted by dissociative identity disorder. His alter ego, Scythe, is a manifestation of violence and trauma, a legacy of a brutal family and a life on the edge. Vincent's relationship with Bliss is marked by both tenderness and danger, as he struggles to keep Scythe at bay. His need for control and his capacity for violence make him both a savior and a threat. Vincent's psychological complexity is central to the story, as he embodies the duality of love and destruction, protection and predation.

Axel Fuller

Axel is the ghost at the heart of the story, his murder setting the plot in motion. He is both a victim and a perpetrator, caught in the web of Saint View's criminal underworld. Axel's love for Bliss is genuine, but his choices—and secrets—have devastating consequences. His legacy is one of both protection and danger, and his absence is felt in every chapter. Axel's psychological depth is revealed through the memories and regrets of those he left behind, and his death is both a tragedy and a turning point.

Caleb Black

Caleb is the embodiment of privilege corrupted by entitlement and violence. Outwardly charming and successful, he is inwardly cruel, controlling, and abusive. His relationship with Bliss is marked by manipulation, jealousy, and escalating violence. Caleb's need for power and control drives him to increasingly desperate acts, culminating in his attempt to murder Bliss. His psychological profile is that of a classic narcissist, unable to accept rejection or failure. Caleb's downfall is both inevitable and necessary, a cautionary tale of unchecked privilege and toxic masculinity.

Rebel

Rebel is a bartender at Psychos and one of Bliss's first real friends in Saint View. She is brash, unapologetic, and fiercely loyal. Rebel's own history of trauma and survival gives her a unique perspective, and she becomes both a guide and a confidante for Bliss. Her humor and honesty cut through the darkness, and her willingness to embrace her sexuality and power is both inspiring and challenging. Rebel's development is marked by moments of vulnerability and strength, and her friendship with Bliss is a source of both comfort and growth.

War (Warrick Maynard)

War is the vice president—and later president—of the Slayers MC, defined by loss, loyalty, and raw sexuality. His father's murder and mother's coma leave him adrift, but his connection with Bliss offers both solace and passion. War is both a protector and a predator, his grief fueling both violence and tenderness. His relationship with Bliss is explosive, marked by mutual desire and a shared sense of being outsiders. War's psychological depth is revealed in his struggle to balance power, vulnerability, and the need for connection.

Sandra

Sandra is Bliss's friend from Providence, embodying the values and prejudices of the privileged world Bliss is trying to escape. She is both supportive and judgmental, quick to gossip and slow to understand. Sandra's role is to highlight the contrast between Bliss's two worlds, and her suspicions and accusations serve as a catalyst for Bliss's own doubts and fears. Sandra's psychological shallowness is both a source of humor and a reminder of the limitations of privilege.

Nichelle

Nichelle is Bliss's stepmother, struggling to maintain the family's facade of wealth and stability. She is both supportive and complicit, caught between her own needs and the demands of her husband and children. Nichelle's relationship with Bliss is marked by both affection and distance, as she navigates the complexities of blended family life. Her psychological depth is revealed in moments of vulnerability and quiet strength.

Little Dog

Little Dog is a small, injured animal rescued by Vincent after being hit by Caleb. She becomes a symbol of vulnerability, resilience, and the possibility of healing. Little Dog's presence in the story is both literal and metaphorical, representing the capacity for kindness and the need for protection in a world defined by violence.

Plot Devices

Duality and Dissociation

The narrative structure of "Start a War" is built on dualities—past and present, privilege and poverty, victim and survivor, love and violence. Vincent's dissociative identity disorder (DID) is both a literal and symbolic manifestation of the story's central themes. The use of Scythe as an alter ego allows for the exploration of trauma, memory, and the capacity for both tenderness and brutality. The shifting perspectives between Bliss, Nash, Vincent, and War create a mosaic of experiences, each revealing different facets of the central mystery and emotional arc. Foreshadowing is used throughout, with the "Goldfish crackers" code, the masked debt collector, and the recurring cycles of abuse and survival. The sex club and its masked parties serve as both a literal and metaphorical space for the exploration of identity, power, and desire.

Analysis

"Start a War" is a dark, emotionally charged exploration of trauma, survival, and transformation. At its core, the novel is about the ways in which the past shapes the present, and the struggle to reclaim agency in a world defined by violence and power. Bliss's journey from victim to leader is both harrowing and inspiring, as she confronts the legacy of abuse, poverty, and betrayal. The story refuses easy answers, instead embracing the complexity of human relationships and the duality of love and destruction. The criminal underworld of Saint View is both a setting and a metaphor, a place where masks are both protection and prison. The novel challenges traditional notions of femininity, power, and morality, offering a nuanced portrait of a woman who refuses to be defined by her circumstances. The lessons are hard-won: survival requires both vulnerability and strength, and true freedom comes from embracing the darkness within as well as the light. In a world where safety is never guaranteed, "Start a War" asks what it means to fight—for love, for justice, and for oneself.

Last updated: December 2, 2025