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My father used to warn me, “If you allow a woman to be left hungry for the presence of her husband, she is liable to starve and will begin to crave trash.” Something I had to learn for myself ... the hard way.
I’ve spent my whole life trying to be the perfect son. I followed every rule, checked every box my parents handed me. Their schools. Their career path. Even their choice of wife—Isi, my childhood best friend. I married her because it was what they wanted. What they expected. But somewhere along the way, I lost myself. Every decision I made wasn’t mine, and the resentment I buried finally boiled over. I didn’t mean to betray Isi. I didn’t mean to hurt her. But now, I can’t avoid the truth staring me down: the life I’m living isn’t mine, and I don’t know if the woman I married is the one I would’ve chosen for myself.
Isi didn’t deserve this. She gave up everything to be the wife my family wanted for me, sacrificing her dreams for a picture-perfect life we were supposed to share. But the cracks I’ve been hiding are impossible to ignore, and I’ve shattered what little foundation we had left. Now, she has a choice: fight for what’s left of us or walk away and reclaim the pieces of herself I helped break. Day One is my story. Our story. A raw, unflinching look at what happens when love, duty, and desire collide—and the wreckage that’s left behind. Will Obi and Isi find redemption in the wreckage, or is the allure of a fresh start too strong to resist?
From award-winning writer Taccara (TL) Martin comes the first book from the Unmasked Fiction Podcast series. Will Obi and Isi find redemption, or will they be tempted by the allure of starting over with new lives and different loves?
Marriage in Crisis | Friends to Lovers to Enemies? | Cheating & Redemption | Family Expectations / Arranged-Adjacent | Deep Angst & Emotional Realism | Forbidden Desires
I’ve spent my whole life trying to be the perfect son. I followed every rule, checked every box my parents handed me. Their schools. Their career path. Even their choice of wife—Isi, my childhood best friend. I married her because it was what they wanted. What they expected. But somewhere along the way, I lost myself. Every decision I made wasn’t mine, and the resentment I buried finally boiled over. I didn’t mean to betray Isi. I didn’t mean to hurt her. But now, I can’t avoid the truth staring me down: the life I’m living isn’t mine, and I don’t know if the woman I married is the one I would’ve chosen for myself.
Isi didn’t deserve this. She gave up everything to be the wife my family wanted for me, sacrificing her dreams for a picture-perfect life we were supposed to share. But the cracks I’ve been hiding are impossible to ignore, and I’ve shattered what little foundation we had left. Now, she has a choice: fight for what’s left of us or walk away and reclaim the pieces of herself I helped break. Day One is my story. Our story. A raw, unflinching look at what happens when love, duty, and desire collide—and the wreckage that’s left behind. Will Obi and Isi find redemption in the wreckage, or is the allure of a fresh start too strong to resist?
From award-winning writer Taccara (TL) Martin comes the first book from the Unmasked Fiction Podcast series. Will Obi and Isi find redemption, or will they be tempted by the allure of starting over with new lives and different loves?
Marriage in Crisis | Friends to Lovers to Enemies? | Cheating & Redemption | Family Expectations / Arranged-Adjacent | Deep Angst & Emotional Realism | Forbidden Desires
- GenresRomance
177 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2023
About the author
Taccara (T.L.) Martin
12 books150 followersTaccara, widely known for her contemporary romance novels and award-winning fiction podcasts, has amassed a devoted following of over 100,000 readers and listeners alongside her husband, Kenyon, using the power of storytelling. A former relationship coach, she now effortlessly weaves lighthearted charm with brooding, complex heroes, crafting romances that delve into the shadowy depths of love while balancing humor and heart in perfect harmony.
Writing as T.L. Martin, award-winning author Taccara Martin immerses readers in the captivating world of dark romance—and occasionally, rom-coms featuring brooding, enigmatic men.
While staying true to the witty banter and deep emotional themes her readers love, she weaves in adventure, suspense, and an irresistible touch of spice.
Passionate about portraying healthy relationships, Taccara draws endless inspiration from her own love story. Married to her "forever book boyfriend," Kenyon, she credits the safety and security of their relationship as the wellspring of her creativity and romance-driven narratives.
To learn more about Taccara, explore her award-winning fiction podcasts, or sign up for her mailing list, visit TLMartinWrites.com.
Writing as T.L. Martin, award-winning author Taccara Martin immerses readers in the captivating world of dark romance—and occasionally, rom-coms featuring brooding, enigmatic men.
While staying true to the witty banter and deep emotional themes her readers love, she weaves in adventure, suspense, and an irresistible touch of spice.
Passionate about portraying healthy relationships, Taccara draws endless inspiration from her own love story. Married to her "forever book boyfriend," Kenyon, she credits the safety and security of their relationship as the wellspring of her creativity and romance-driven narratives.
To learn more about Taccara, explore her award-winning fiction podcasts, or sign up for her mailing list, visit TLMartinWrites.com.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 25, 2024
Easy read. I liked that they were friends so it wasn’t like a forced arranged marriage situation. Happy how it ended. Happy that they sought out therapy and also that they took time to discover more about themselves!
May 4, 2024
Marriage redemption story
This book had me in my feeling, we follow childhood sweethearts Isi and Obi. Their parents were friends in Nigeria and agreed to their children marriage before they were even born. Luckily for them they adored each other, as they grew up, they lived to please each other. Obi when to America to complete his studies and start his career journey, he realised that the life that his family and his childhood sweetheart expects him to live is the total opposite of what he envisioned for himself. because of this he seeks the comfort of another women, whilst his wife Isi was waiting on him in Nigeria. She finds out about his cheating on social media. She come to America to try and salvage what left of their marriage but this task is proven to be difficult. Will she ever get over his betrayal, can she forgive him, can he be open enough to tell her the truth about the life he wants to live.
This book had me in my feeling, we follow childhood sweethearts Isi and Obi. Their parents were friends in Nigeria and agreed to their children marriage before they were even born. Luckily for them they adored each other, as they grew up, they lived to please each other. Obi when to America to complete his studies and start his career journey, he realised that the life that his family and his childhood sweetheart expects him to live is the total opposite of what he envisioned for himself. because of this he seeks the comfort of another women, whilst his wife Isi was waiting on him in Nigeria. She finds out about his cheating on social media. She come to America to try and salvage what left of their marriage but this task is proven to be difficult. Will she ever get over his betrayal, can she forgive him, can he be open enough to tell her the truth about the life he wants to live.
May 5, 2024
This was an amazing love story about not only figuring out who are you - but also who you are inside of your marriage outside of tradition. The author did an amazing job with pulling at every emotion. Throughout this novella i laughed, had joy, felt anger, felt love and was a heartbroken with a little spice in between. I loved every minute of it.
November 5, 2024
In this poignant exploration of love and betrayal, we meet Isi and her husband, Obi, a Nigerian couple grappling with the disintegration of their marriage. While Isi spent the majority of their union in Nigeria, Obi was establishing his career in America. Under the pretense of securing a stable home for them, eight years passed without Isi joining him. In reality, Obi had succumbed to the allure of freedom in America and developed a relationship with another woman.
This narrative deftly navigates the emotional complexities of remaining committed to a marriage marked by profound hurt; and captures the intricate dynamics of love, loss, and personal growth, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the challenges of marital commitment. The characters are well-developed, and their struggles resonate deeply, offering insights into the ways individuals can reclaim their identities amid adversity.
This narrative deftly navigates the emotional complexities of remaining committed to a marriage marked by profound hurt; and captures the intricate dynamics of love, loss, and personal growth, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the challenges of marital commitment. The characters are well-developed, and their struggles resonate deeply, offering insights into the ways individuals can reclaim their identities amid adversity.
June 11, 2024
Really Good
I am not sure how I stumbled upon this book but it was really good. There was a lot of character development in such a short period of time. The story tugged on quite a few emotions. The fact that Obi loved Kenya really bothered me. I understand how they stumbled into a relationship but I felt he was still hung up on her even though he was with Isi. I’m glad Isi didn’t take the opportunities she had to “get back” at Obi. Very good book. Definitely recommend.
I am not sure how I stumbled upon this book but it was really good. There was a lot of character development in such a short period of time. The story tugged on quite a few emotions. The fact that Obi loved Kenya really bothered me. I understand how they stumbled into a relationship but I felt he was still hung up on her even though he was with Isi. I’m glad Isi didn’t take the opportunities she had to “get back” at Obi. Very good book. Definitely recommend.
August 30, 2024
Finishable
I finished it. Neither of the main characters was likable in the traditional sense. I finished the book because I'm no quitter but it wasn't an enjoyable read. This is one way to do life but it lacks joy and I want joy in my life and romance novels. Maybe this was miscategorized.
I finished it. Neither of the main characters was likable in the traditional sense. I finished the book because I'm no quitter but it wasn't an enjoyable read. This is one way to do life but it lacks joy and I want joy in my life and romance novels. Maybe this was miscategorized.
February 11, 2025
wow! ISI and Obi
I was skeptical about this one at first but after getting into… really getting into it, I found myself captivated by the work between ISI and Obi. The struggles and the emotional impact each action had. If someone is going to make me like something I normally hate… it’s Taccara!
But I am still team Kenya!!
I was skeptical about this one at first but after getting into… really getting into it, I found myself captivated by the work between ISI and Obi. The struggles and the emotional impact each action had. If someone is going to make me like something I normally hate… it’s Taccara!
But I am still team Kenya!!
February 13, 2025
When I first started reading the book I almost stopped. I continued reading and it was better than I thought. It was a good book to reading. The ending left me wanting more ,I'm starting the next book
March 10, 2025
♥️
All the feels! Their love and relationship was such a journey. Sometimes I wanted to reach through the book and shake Obi but he I was so proud of his growth. Both amazing characters!
All the feels! Their love and relationship was such a journey. Sometimes I wanted to reach through the book and shake Obi but he I was so proud of his growth. Both amazing characters!
Read
March 12, 2025Beautiful complicated romance
This was beautiful rollercoaster of a relationship journey. I was totally gripped from start to finish and itcettainly reinforces how important communication really is. On to book 2.
This was beautiful rollercoaster of a relationship journey. I was totally gripped from start to finish and itcettainly reinforces how important communication really is. On to book 2.
May 10, 2025
This was such a great introduction to the author’s work. I truly enjoyed the story and the rich culture woven throughout. I found myself rooting for the couple the entire time.
It really made me reflect on what it must be like to live apart from your spouse — the distance, the changes, the secrets, and the unexpected growth that can come from it. So much unfolded in such a powerful way.
Overall, a beautifully written and deeply engaging read.
It really made me reflect on what it must be like to live apart from your spouse — the distance, the changes, the secrets, and the unexpected growth that can come from it. So much unfolded in such a powerful way.
Overall, a beautifully written and deeply engaging read.
May 10, 2025
Cute romance
Read
October 8, 2025This was struggle love to the max. I despised Obi so much and the fact everyone was pushing Isi back to him like he was the price… I can’t.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews