First, he learned to be himself. Only then could he believe in himself.

An otherwise unremarkable teenager discovers the Yakuza underworld-and his own dangerous connection to them-after a chance encounter. James Webb faces challenges far beyond his years: trying to love a mother battling mental illness, enduring rejection by his baseball team, and navigating friendships at school. His refuge lies in his dream of restoring a vintage Japanese motorcycle-a project that symbolizes his longing for freedom and self-expression. However, his ordinary life takes a dark turn when he discovers a Yakuza-led money-laundering scheme tied to a ruthless fentanyl dealer who has left devastation in his wake.

In Japan, a Yakuza leader nicknamed Hokusai faces his own struggles. A surprise meeting with his estranged daughter, Sora, exposes both Hokusai's vulnerability and his hopes for redemption from his dark past. After receiving medical treatment, Sora meets James, and the two teenagers fall in love. James' love for Sora and baseball propels him into a high-stakes test of character-bring down the Yakuza (and his girlfriend's father) or become the next victim.

A Bad Hand explores the intersections of innocence and corruption, family and betrayal, and courage in the face of impossible odds. With high-stakes action, romance, and heartwarming characters, this book tells a story of resilience, unexpected alliances, and the power of doing what is right, no matter the cost.