Beth Corrigan- granddaughter of Daisy Chain War heroine, Lizzie - knows nothing about boys, nor has she ever been interested. All the boys at her school are horrendous - particularly loud-mouthed Ryan and his sidekick Goofer. So when Alexandru, a couple of years older and a Bosnian refugee arrives to finish his studies - and take the lead role in the school production of West Side Story, Beth is surprised by the strength of her attraction for him. Alex has arrived without his family; he seems sad, but independent and outspoken. When Ryan's gang jealously pick him on, he stands his corner and fights back - only to be branded a 'gypsy' and a hothead by the townspeople. Only Beth and her family - traditionally champions of the underdog and a family of survivors themselves - offer Alex their support. But Alex is a troubled young man - and more worldly than the innocent Beth. When passionate kisses turn to something more serious, Beth feels out of her depth and Alex never seems quite within her grasp. The arrival of tearaway Tori, cousin to Beth, brings more trouble to the situation. Will Tori, unable to resist a challenge, be able to keep her hands off Alex? Is Doyle family history about to repeat itself?
