Leaving behind a shadowy past marred by a drug-addicted mother, her mother’s abusive drug dealer boyfriend, and the torment of a truck driver exploiter named Rick. Isla Frank is bound for the vibrant lights of New York City as a new fashion design school student with the love and support of her adopted dads.
Fate intervenes when her roommate persuades her to attend an off-Broadway audition. Little does Isla know that this single decision will alter the trajectory of her life. Caught in the crosshairs of the captivating and eccentric playwright Travis Jackson, she becomes the subject of his intense fascination. Drawn to her petite frame, the soft hues of her eyes, and her demure presence, Travis yearns to sculpt her into his next Broadway star and lover.
The enchantment of her playwright boyfriend’s affection and the whirlwind success of her breakout role in his latest theatrical masterpiece is an intoxicating spell. Bliss reigns until an ominous night shatters the facade. In the midst of a drunken rage, Travis's hand strikes her delicate cheek, leaving a mark not just on her skin but on their relationship. Amid apologies and forgiveness, a pattern emerges — a relentless cycle of abuse that threatens to eclipse her newfound radiance and evokes the haunting memories of her difficult childhood.
A twist of fate intervenes when an ardent patron of the arts happens upon Isla's poignant performance in Jackson's ill-fated Broadway play. Captivated by her soul-stirring portrayal and oblivious to the torment she silently bears, Gabe Gannon discovers the truth backstage. Telltale bruises mar her body, hidden behind the heavy stage make-up and costumes, that he cannot ignore. He’s driven to help, even though his intentions might not be as noble as they should be.
Isla is a single POV, age-gap, damsel-in-distress, forbidden love, enemies-to-lovers, romance containing dark themes. Content warnings are available on the author’s website.
GIGI MEIER retired from a thirty-year career in corporate America to write romance novels about strong female characters and their complicated, swoon-worthy men. She loves telling stories and figuring out why her characters do what they do. With heartbreaking angst, panty-dropping lust, and enviable love, her stories linger long after you close the book.
When GiGi is not eating over her laptop, she likes to spend time in the pool with her children, walk her furry babies, and film videos for Instagram. Whether working out with her trainer, attending a book club, or hosting a game night, she loves connecting with new people and making friends.
Thank you to Gigi Meier for the ARC!. The fact this was an ARC copy, in no way affects my thoughts about this book. Wow,! What a huge story. Isla is in the big city, persuing her dream of becoming a designer. After meeting the director and local creep, of the play she has managed to get herself involved in , everything in her now settled life turns to custard. I didn't like Travis from the start he definitely gave off creepy vibes! And poor Isla, with her past, was sadly attracted to him.
But there's always a flip side, well, nearly always, and in this case, that flip side came in the form of Gabe. Genuinely caring, Gabe is exactly what Isla needs in her life. He's so patient, until he's not!!!
I loved this story, it had so much to tell, but. . . .I felt Isla was like a fish out of water. It was as though she belonged more in a Bronte sisters novel, than a modern story. Her inner monolog just didn't seem to fit in with the modern setting. But, just how I felt. All in all, a great story, there are possible triggers for some people.
Let’s start with the cover! Omg what a beautiful image!!! I’ve literally looked at this too many times to count! For those of you who have read the previous books Tomlin, Takahashi and Hamilton, you will know exactly who Isla is, and what she has gone through. This book is DARKER than the previous books and does come with some pretty serious CONTENT WARNINGS. Which I recommend looking into before opening this book.
Isla is a survivor! She has been through 3 lifetimes worth of heartbreak, pain and betrayal in her short 18yrs, more than anyone should have to endure. Your heart will swoon and feel optimistic that she’s finally getting her happiness only for things to not be as they seem (I’ll stop there so I don’t spoil it!!)
READ IT!! It’s worth it! Also, shout out to Gigi, I saw that acknowledgment and girl we love you!! Here’s to more books!!
This is probably my favorite book of this series. The complexity of the different characters are written so well. We have our FMC, Isla, who is determined, ambitious, and wiser than her years. Our villain, Travis, is charming, charismatic, yet dark. And then we have our Guardian Angel, Gabe, who is kind, thoughtful, and compassionate. The love triangle with these 3 will give you all the feels.....happiness, anger, anxiety, fear, and elation. I can't remember the last time I felt so much emotion from one book.
This was a great book. Definitely kept this reader on the edge of her seat. I was interested, invested, and could not put this one down. It was a roller coaster ride that’s for sure. I really and truly enjoy this authors style of writing and this one was definitely one of my personal my favorites. Isla is a character that will definitely stay with me for awhile. Another great read by this Author.