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Isla
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.
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.
492 pages, ebook
Published April 1, 2024
About the author
Gigi Meier
20 books155 followersGIGI 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.
Learn more about GiGi:
www.GiGiMeier.com
www.instagram.com/authorgigimeier
https://www.facebook.com/groups/autho...
https://gigimeier.substack.com
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.
Learn more about GiGi:
www.GiGiMeier.com
www.instagram.com/authorgigimeier
https://www.facebook.com/groups/autho...
https://gigimeier.substack.com
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 26, 2026
Please don't attack me for being the only person who doesn't give this book rave reviews. While I certainly didn't dislike this book by any means, there were just one too many aspects of the book that kept pulling me out and this is primarily why I didn't give it more than a 3 star rating. 3 star ratings are still good books. (At least the way I rate books, I still consider 3 stars to be good).
Overall, I will say I enjoyed the book. It kept me engaged from beginning to end. I thought it was well written and though I didn't read any of the others in the series, I didn't feel like I was missing anything. I thought the author did a great job discussing what can happen in abusive relationships and I really felt for Isla, for both her past and her present.
But like I said, I kept getting pulled out of the story for several reasons:
First things first-Travis. I could not understand why Isla was attracted to Travis to begin with. Travis was a terrible character from the get go. He was brash, conceited, arrogant and abrasive. All things that made Isla dislike him instantly. As she should. As most people would. However, things change in an instant and the next thing we know, she's attracted to Travis and they're in a relationship. Based off of Isla's past, the constant predatory attention and abuse she has suffered, I cannot under any circumstances believe that Isla would fall for someone like Travis. I truly believe that she would have known better and would have kept her distance. And it was because of this that I almost felt like this did her character a huge disservice. I would have found it more believable if Travis were the quintessential, charming, I say all the sweet words to the girl who's never heard them and lure her in, kind of abuser. Then I would have believed Isla falling for him and gotten into the book easier.
Second-Timing. Based off the description of this book I made the assumption that this story takes place during the duration of a running play, with the abuse getting worse over time. Plays that do well can run for months-years. This story takes place in the span of about three weeks and only focuses on the rehearsals and opening night. Again, this took me out of the story because yes, while the author described an abusive relationship very well, it happened far too quickly. The reality is that it takes time for the manipulation to occur and escalate, time for the abuser to remove the people closest to the abusee and time for physical abuse to escalate. None of which this book had.
Third-Chemistry/lack of. I hate to say it, but I felt zero chemistry between any of the characters and that included Isla's relationship with Gabe.
Fourth-The ending felt too abrupt for me. Like Travis gave up too quickly. I do appreciate that Isla stood up for herself. That we didn't need a man to come in and rescue her, but it only took one time and suddenly Travis was moving on and that was that.
What I did find most interesting in this book was Travis's behavior. I was beyond fascinated with his constant need to make Isla into his perfect little doll and I wanted to learn more about the driving force behind this. I suspect mommy issues, but unfortunately we learn nothing about it.
This sounds like a scathing review, but it's not. As I said, I did enjoy this book. It was only these points that kept removing me from the story and as such became a distraction for me. I'm sure others will enjoy it, especially as I am the only one rating it less than a 4.
Overall, I will say I enjoyed the book. It kept me engaged from beginning to end. I thought it was well written and though I didn't read any of the others in the series, I didn't feel like I was missing anything. I thought the author did a great job discussing what can happen in abusive relationships and I really felt for Isla, for both her past and her present.
But like I said, I kept getting pulled out of the story for several reasons:
First things first-Travis. I could not understand why Isla was attracted to Travis to begin with. Travis was a terrible character from the get go. He was brash, conceited, arrogant and abrasive. All things that made Isla dislike him instantly. As she should. As most people would. However, things change in an instant and the next thing we know, she's attracted to Travis and they're in a relationship. Based off of Isla's past, the constant predatory attention and abuse she has suffered, I cannot under any circumstances believe that Isla would fall for someone like Travis. I truly believe that she would have known better and would have kept her distance. And it was because of this that I almost felt like this did her character a huge disservice. I would have found it more believable if Travis were the quintessential, charming, I say all the sweet words to the girl who's never heard them and lure her in, kind of abuser. Then I would have believed Isla falling for him and gotten into the book easier.
Second-Timing. Based off the description of this book I made the assumption that this story takes place during the duration of a running play, with the abuse getting worse over time. Plays that do well can run for months-years. This story takes place in the span of about three weeks and only focuses on the rehearsals and opening night. Again, this took me out of the story because yes, while the author described an abusive relationship very well, it happened far too quickly. The reality is that it takes time for the manipulation to occur and escalate, time for the abuser to remove the people closest to the abusee and time for physical abuse to escalate. None of which this book had.
Third-Chemistry/lack of. I hate to say it, but I felt zero chemistry between any of the characters and that included Isla's relationship with Gabe.
Fourth-The ending felt too abrupt for me. Like Travis gave up too quickly. I do appreciate that Isla stood up for herself. That we didn't need a man to come in and rescue her, but it only took one time and suddenly Travis was moving on and that was that.
What I did find most interesting in this book was Travis's behavior. I was beyond fascinated with his constant need to make Isla into his perfect little doll and I wanted to learn more about the driving force behind this. I suspect mommy issues, but unfortunately we learn nothing about it.
This sounds like a scathing review, but it's not. As I said, I did enjoy this book. It was only these points that kept removing me from the story and as such became a distraction for me. I'm sure others will enjoy it, especially as I am the only one rating it less than a 4.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2024
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.
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.
April 7, 2024
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!!
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!!
April 7, 2024
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.
April 9, 2024
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.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews