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I'm Already Gone (Second Chance love story inspired by true events
***THIS STORY IS INSPIRED BY TRUE EVENTS***
Lily
Ethan and I were supposed to last forever.
High school sweethearts. Husband and wife. A family built on love.
Until he destroyed it.
One betrayal shattered everything I thought was unshakable, leaving me with no choice but to walk away from the only man I had ever loved.
Four years later, I’ve learned how to survive without him.
Now I’m carrying a truth heavier than his betrayal.
For the sake of our children, I have to find the courage to tell him.
Even if it means letting him back into my life.
Even if it means giving him the chance to fight for forgiveness.
Inside these pages you’ll find:
- A beach setting (perfect summer read)
- A love story fractured by silence, secrets, and distance
- Chronic illness representation
- A fiercely protective teenage son
- Second-chance romance
- Marriage in crisis (brief cheating on page)
- Soul-deep groveling that had to be earned
- An emotionally devastating journey toward forgiveness
-Inspired by true events
CONTENT WARNINGS: SPOILERS IF YOU READ THROUGH THE FULL LIST IN THE BOOK AND ON MY WEBSITE. This book is based on real-life events and intended for mature audiences.
Lily
Ethan and I were supposed to last forever.
High school sweethearts. Husband and wife. A family built on love.
Until he destroyed it.
One betrayal shattered everything I thought was unshakable, leaving me with no choice but to walk away from the only man I had ever loved.
Four years later, I’ve learned how to survive without him.
Now I’m carrying a truth heavier than his betrayal.
For the sake of our children, I have to find the courage to tell him.
Even if it means letting him back into my life.
Even if it means giving him the chance to fight for forgiveness.
Inside these pages you’ll find:
- A beach setting (perfect summer read)
- A love story fractured by silence, secrets, and distance
- Chronic illness representation
- A fiercely protective teenage son
- Second-chance romance
- Marriage in crisis (brief cheating on page)
- Soul-deep groveling that had to be earned
- An emotionally devastating journey toward forgiveness
-Inspired by true events
CONTENT WARNINGS: SPOILERS IF YOU READ THROUGH THE FULL LIST IN THE BOOK AND ON MY WEBSITE. This book is based on real-life events and intended for mature audiences.
449 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2026
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September 14, 2026what the actual hell is this book lol this was so ridiculous and stupid that i can't even stay mad at the cheater xD did the author have a mushroom trip or something.
mmc he cheats emotionally and physically with his assistant
fmc and mmc seperate
she has a kid with om
she gets cancer
gets back together with the cheater because what better way to die than next to a cheater
she dies
he ends up connecting with ow who is the EXACTE copy of his dead wife and sharing a " passionate kiss " with her
he dies and reunites with the fmc in heaven ( as if that's where cheaters go)
😂😂😂
mmc he cheats emotionally and physically with his assistant
fmc and mmc seperate
she has a kid with om
she gets cancer
gets back together with the cheater because what better way to die than next to a cheater
she dies
he ends up connecting with ow who is the EXACTE copy of his dead wife and sharing a " passionate kiss " with her
he dies and reunites with the fmc in heaven ( as if that's where cheaters go)
😂😂😂
August 24, 2026
Advance review copy. 🤍
First this is not a typical read for me. However, I have read every one of ISA Bella’s books and wanted to say I still had. With that being said this was by far one of the hardest books I have ever read. ISA Bella however, being the author she is has done a beautiful job writing this story. Lily and Ethan have a love so strong they get a 2nd chance.
With that being said this story touches on an extremely hard subjects and has some very triggering aspects. I highly recommend looking at those first. Your mental health matters. (She does not it’s based on true events)!
It’s honestly hard for me to write this review. It was an extremely emotional and difficult read for me. Not just touching on the cancer aspect, but the relationship struggles between Lily and Ethan.
For me Lily and Ethan’s story is one that shows just how important life is. Not just living but living and being present in those that matter to you. Listen and truly listen not just to respond.
I know I’m not really telling you a lot about this one. I really don’t want to go into any details other than it’s one heck of an emotional roller coaster. I definitely recommend on second thought just grab the tissues because they will be needed. I do recommend reading it. But again check the triggers.
First this is not a typical read for me. However, I have read every one of ISA Bella’s books and wanted to say I still had. With that being said this was by far one of the hardest books I have ever read. ISA Bella however, being the author she is has done a beautiful job writing this story. Lily and Ethan have a love so strong they get a 2nd chance.
With that being said this story touches on an extremely hard subjects and has some very triggering aspects. I highly recommend looking at those first. Your mental health matters. (She does not it’s based on true events)!
It’s honestly hard for me to write this review. It was an extremely emotional and difficult read for me. Not just touching on the cancer aspect, but the relationship struggles between Lily and Ethan.
For me Lily and Ethan’s story is one that shows just how important life is. Not just living but living and being present in those that matter to you. Listen and truly listen not just to respond.
I know I’m not really telling you a lot about this one. I really don’t want to go into any details other than it’s one heck of an emotional roller coaster. I definitely recommend on second thought just grab the tissues because they will be needed. I do recommend reading it. But again check the triggers.
August 25, 2026
If you need a good cry pick this up! It’s about a marriage in trouble, second chances, and grief. It follows Lilly and Ethan and their life together. The struggle, the heartbreak, and the healing. This is an emotional roller coaster! Maybe a HEA or not… just depends on your own perspective! Overall a great story!!
August 31, 2026
Author IsaBella truly knows how to bring the reader into the lives of her characters. As I read, I’m Already Gone, I felt as if I lived Ethan and Lily’s story myself. I felt their laughter, pain, and sorrow deep within my own heart. My life will truly be changed forever after reading this story. I’ll be honest, I’m not one for second chances in my own life but after reading I’m Already Gone, I have changed my mind! Second chances are always worth fighting for! This is an emotional roller coaster that is worth riding on!
September 7, 2026
I.S.A. Bella has such a way of pulling me completely into a story, and I’m Already Gone put me through every possible emotion. This was the kind of book that left me sitting with the weight of everything the characters were going through long after I finished a chapter. It is an incredibly heavy and heartbreaking story, but I thought the chronic illness representation was handled with so much care and honesty. Ethan and Lily’s relationship was messy, painful, and far from perfect, but their love still felt incredibly real.
What stood out to me most was that their healing wasn’t rushed or made easy just for the sake of giving us a romance. It took more than four years for them to truly find their way back to one another, and that felt exactly right considering the depth of the betrayal and broken trust between them. There is no set timeline for forgiveness, especially when you think you have an entire lifetime to make things right and suddenly realize that time may be much shorter than you ever imagined. I also loved the support system Lily had surrounding her through her sister, her family, her children, and eventually Ethan again.
The emotional growth and healing throughout this book were what really made the story hit so hard for me. I appreciated that the illness wasn’t magically fixed with some convenient cure just to create a traditional happily ever after. Instead, the ending was bittersweet, heartbreaking, and still somehow full of love, which made their reunion feel even more meaningful.
This book absolutely broke my heart while also reminding me how important forgiveness, family, and making the most of the time we have can be. If you can handle the tears, the ache in your chest, and that constant lump-in-your-throat feeling, I definitely recommend picking this one up. I’m Already Gone completely wrecked me, and even though it was a difficult read emotionally, it was exactly the kind of story I needed.
What stood out to me most was that their healing wasn’t rushed or made easy just for the sake of giving us a romance. It took more than four years for them to truly find their way back to one another, and that felt exactly right considering the depth of the betrayal and broken trust between them. There is no set timeline for forgiveness, especially when you think you have an entire lifetime to make things right and suddenly realize that time may be much shorter than you ever imagined. I also loved the support system Lily had surrounding her through her sister, her family, her children, and eventually Ethan again.
The emotional growth and healing throughout this book were what really made the story hit so hard for me. I appreciated that the illness wasn’t magically fixed with some convenient cure just to create a traditional happily ever after. Instead, the ending was bittersweet, heartbreaking, and still somehow full of love, which made their reunion feel even more meaningful.
This book absolutely broke my heart while also reminding me how important forgiveness, family, and making the most of the time we have can be. If you can handle the tears, the ache in your chest, and that constant lump-in-your-throat feeling, I definitely recommend picking this one up. I’m Already Gone completely wrecked me, and even though it was a difficult read emotionally, it was exactly the kind of story I needed.
September 1, 2026
This book right here is exactly why I.S.A.Bella is one of my favorite authors ever. The way her writing sucks you into a story and puts you through all of the emotions! I need to know who to send my bill to for emotional trauma because I had no right to be sobbing through this whole book the way I was.
This story is extremely emotional and difficult but the chronic illness representation was outstanding! Ethan and Lily's love is endgame for me. That type of love and commitment is what all marriages should strive for. Lily was very lucky in that she had herself an amazing support system through her sister and family, but... also in her kids and eventually Ethan. What did it for me was the healing. It took them over 4 years to come back around and heal from the damage that was done, as it should because when trust is broken, there is no timeline for how long healing should take. Not when you think you have the rest of your life to make up for your mistakes and especially when you have no idea how long the rest of your life actually is. Usually in these types of stories, the characters find some mysterious cure and they live happily ever after and even though this story did not go that route, the happily ever after did come when they reunited in the end.
This story is heartbreaking and also heartwarming. If I can scream this recommendation from the rooftops, I would. If you can handle the tears , the ache in your chest, and the constantly feeling like there's a lump stuck in your throat, this is definitely the one. I needed a story like this to completely wreck me in the way that it did and put important things back into perspective for me. I highly highly recommend reading this one!!!
This story is extremely emotional and difficult but the chronic illness representation was outstanding! Ethan and Lily's love is endgame for me. That type of love and commitment is what all marriages should strive for. Lily was very lucky in that she had herself an amazing support system through her sister and family, but... also in her kids and eventually Ethan. What did it for me was the healing. It took them over 4 years to come back around and heal from the damage that was done, as it should because when trust is broken, there is no timeline for how long healing should take. Not when you think you have the rest of your life to make up for your mistakes and especially when you have no idea how long the rest of your life actually is. Usually in these types of stories, the characters find some mysterious cure and they live happily ever after and even though this story did not go that route, the happily ever after did come when they reunited in the end.
This story is heartbreaking and also heartwarming. If I can scream this recommendation from the rooftops, I would. If you can handle the tears , the ache in your chest, and the constantly feeling like there's a lump stuck in your throat, this is definitely the one. I needed a story like this to completely wreck me in the way that it did and put important things back into perspective for me. I highly highly recommend reading this one!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC 💜 I’m Already Gone
I can begin to describe this beautifully written book. I told I.S.A BELLA I stayed up all night reading her book. I tell you I ugly cry and laugh out loud. It also hits home. So many similarities with my life. I also walked beside someone with cancer and treatment (My Wonder Woman Carmen)
Ethan and Lily. High School sweethearts, husband and wife. Ethan my groveling hero. Such a kind heart. Lily, my strong heroine with a beautiful soul. When their marriage is in crisis and Lily feels Ethan’s betrayal they divorce. Four years passes and they never stopped loving each other. But when life happens Lily has to decide letting Ethan back into her life. They give you an emotionally devastating journey towards forgiveness. Jake, Maddy, Ollie my heart broke for them. Get your tissues because you will ugly cry 😢🤧 (I know I did)
I.S.A BELLA I’m sorry you also had to walked beside love ones with cancer and treatment. And you were right. This book did make me cry and angry. It transported me back in time to see the bad moments of cancer I saw my Carmen go through. But I cried remembering the good times we spent together. The sisterhood we had. (I was her Tia and she was my Sadie😉) You Isa have a gift and I cannot tell you how incredibly gifted you are. The soul and emotion I felt in this book. The connection. Thank you for sharing your writing with the world. Like you I will never forget Ethan and Lily 💜 Highly recommend this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️’⭐️
📖Inside these pages you'll find:
💜A beach setting.
☀️A love story fractured by silence, secrets, and distance.
🩷Chronic illness representation.
💜A fiercely protective teenage son.
☀️Second-chance romance.
🩷Marriage in crisis (brief cheating on page).
💜Soul-deep groveling that had to be earned.
☀️An emotionally devastating journey toward forgiveness.
#secondchanceromance #romancereaders #summerreading #smalltownromancebooks #booksthatmademecry
I can begin to describe this beautifully written book. I told I.S.A BELLA I stayed up all night reading her book. I tell you I ugly cry and laugh out loud. It also hits home. So many similarities with my life. I also walked beside someone with cancer and treatment (My Wonder Woman Carmen)
Ethan and Lily. High School sweethearts, husband and wife. Ethan my groveling hero. Such a kind heart. Lily, my strong heroine with a beautiful soul. When their marriage is in crisis and Lily feels Ethan’s betrayal they divorce. Four years passes and they never stopped loving each other. But when life happens Lily has to decide letting Ethan back into her life. They give you an emotionally devastating journey towards forgiveness. Jake, Maddy, Ollie my heart broke for them. Get your tissues because you will ugly cry 😢🤧 (I know I did)
I.S.A BELLA I’m sorry you also had to walked beside love ones with cancer and treatment. And you were right. This book did make me cry and angry. It transported me back in time to see the bad moments of cancer I saw my Carmen go through. But I cried remembering the good times we spent together. The sisterhood we had. (I was her Tia and she was my Sadie😉) You Isa have a gift and I cannot tell you how incredibly gifted you are. The soul and emotion I felt in this book. The connection. Thank you for sharing your writing with the world. Like you I will never forget Ethan and Lily 💜 Highly recommend this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️’⭐️
📖Inside these pages you'll find:
💜A beach setting.
☀️A love story fractured by silence, secrets, and distance.
🩷Chronic illness representation.
💜A fiercely protective teenage son.
☀️Second-chance romance.
🩷Marriage in crisis (brief cheating on page).
💜Soul-deep groveling that had to be earned.
☀️An emotionally devastating journey toward forgiveness.
#secondchanceromance #romancereaders #summerreading #smalltownromancebooks #booksthatmademecry
September 13, 2026
So, I came across this book because I saw it on FB and it looked interesting. The tropes were right up my alley. But then I read the one star review and laughed. That is what made me buy the book even more. First, the FMC did NOT have multiple partners. Second, the author clearly stated what the triggers were in the blurb description and inside the book. And lastly, the cheating trope was NOT the main point of the story. It was the FMC chronic illness and her journey going through it. THAT is the story. It was beautifully written with love and respect. Plus, it's inspired by real life events.
The FMC was strong and I loved her personality, especially the way she handled herself with everything that was being thrown at her. And Ethan...boy I wanted to knock some sense into him after he betrayed her, but he definitely groveled HARD to win back not only her trust, but her love for him.
All the characters were amazing! And how much they adored Lily was beautiful.
Without giving too much, it is so worth the money to buy it and so worth the read if you are new to the author like myself. I will definitely be buying the paperback copy and checking out her other books. Don't let the one star (False review, I may add) ruin your chances of reading the book. It's beautifully written. But CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS. The full list does contain spoilers.
The FMC was strong and I loved her personality, especially the way she handled herself with everything that was being thrown at her. And Ethan...boy I wanted to knock some sense into him after he betrayed her, but he definitely groveled HARD to win back not only her trust, but her love for him.
All the characters were amazing! And how much they adored Lily was beautiful.
Without giving too much, it is so worth the money to buy it and so worth the read if you are new to the author like myself. I will definitely be buying the paperback copy and checking out her other books. Don't let the one star (False review, I may add) ruin your chances of reading the book. It's beautifully written. But CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS. The full list does contain spoilers.
September 2, 2026
The way this book touched my heart and resonated with me on so many levels, I cannot even start to put into words. There were so many moments during Ethan and Lilys unforgettable journey I truly felt like my heart was being shattered into 1000 pieces. And then the rest of the time I was simply smiling, ugly crying and rooting them on so so hard.
Because the things they endured both together and separately and the emotional toll it took on their life / anyone else it would break. But seeing how these two face the challenges in their way, overcome a broken marriage and the feeling of betrayal. How they learned that love and forgiveness and second chances is far more important than anything else. This is definitely a journey that makes you realize what truly important in life. That relationships and marriages are not always easy. Sometimes we have to fight for our happy ending. I have to say one of the things I loved most about Ethan and Lilly is that they were far from perfect and yes just like we all are in one way or another- they had flaws, because that right there made them so likable and relatable for me.
2 minutes
Because the things they endured both together and separately and the emotional toll it took on their life / anyone else it would break. But seeing how these two face the challenges in their way, overcome a broken marriage and the feeling of betrayal. How they learned that love and forgiveness and second chances is far more important than anything else. This is definitely a journey that makes you realize what truly important in life. That relationships and marriages are not always easy. Sometimes we have to fight for our happy ending. I have to say one of the things I loved most about Ethan and Lilly is that they were far from perfect and yes just like we all are in one way or another- they had flaws, because that right there made them so likable and relatable for me.
2 minutes
September 10, 2026
Lily and Ethan’s story DESTROYED me!!! I mean full out ugly, snotty crying! Severe book hangover with this one.
I always know I’m in for a fantastic read with I.S.A., but this was so beautifully crafted and heartbreaking I felt like I was right there with them.
Ethan’s bad decisions cause Lily’s world to get tilted right off its axis. Divorce, kids, finding a new normal while trying to heal her heart, Lily is a strong woman who still loves her ex husband, but has to put her well being first. When a health issue is discovered, Lily tries to handle it on her own until it gets too bad that Ethan steps up and steps in to help Lily on her journey to recovery. Over time, good, hard conversations happen and they slowly start to rebuild their relationship.
There are some real, hard things that happen in this book and it’s not an easy read by any means, but it is so worth reading.
Somehow, right after ripping my heart out and my family concerned about my wellbeing with how hard I was crying, I.S.A. managed to make a lovely and perfect happy ending in a very unexpected way that made me smile and cry all over again!
Chef’s kiss for the emotional roller coaster!!!
I always know I’m in for a fantastic read with I.S.A., but this was so beautifully crafted and heartbreaking I felt like I was right there with them.
Ethan’s bad decisions cause Lily’s world to get tilted right off its axis. Divorce, kids, finding a new normal while trying to heal her heart, Lily is a strong woman who still loves her ex husband, but has to put her well being first. When a health issue is discovered, Lily tries to handle it on her own until it gets too bad that Ethan steps up and steps in to help Lily on her journey to recovery. Over time, good, hard conversations happen and they slowly start to rebuild their relationship.
There are some real, hard things that happen in this book and it’s not an easy read by any means, but it is so worth reading.
Somehow, right after ripping my heart out and my family concerned about my wellbeing with how hard I was crying, I.S.A. managed to make a lovely and perfect happy ending in a very unexpected way that made me smile and cry all over again!
Chef’s kiss for the emotional roller coaster!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! What an emotional roller coaster that actually tore me completely apart and then beautifully healed me back together. A sign of hope in a time of difficult challenges. This hit home for me so hard. Although this story deals with a worse diagnosis of breast cancer than my current breast cancer diagnosis, it rattled me to my core because this could be me.
This was such an amazing story of life’s struggles, first loves, second chances, family, sacrifice, forgiveness, sickness and healing. I loved how real these characters were and all the real situations they faced.
This author is absolutely amazing at capturing you and making you feel as though you are there as the story plays out. It feels tangible with her words. Her heart is written on every page. I have read several of her other books and will always read anything she writes.
Be prepared to ugly cry with this story! This was a chef’s kiss of a story!
This was such an amazing story of life’s struggles, first loves, second chances, family, sacrifice, forgiveness, sickness and healing. I loved how real these characters were and all the real situations they faced.
This author is absolutely amazing at capturing you and making you feel as though you are there as the story plays out. It feels tangible with her words. Her heart is written on every page. I have read several of her other books and will always read anything she writes.
Be prepared to ugly cry with this story! This was a chef’s kiss of a story!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
5/5... This book absolutely wrecked me in the best possible way. The emotions felt so raw and real, and I was completely invested in Lily and Ethan’s journey from beginning to end. The heartbreak, the longing, the forgiveness, and the emotional growth all hit me so deeply. The grovel was EVERYTHING. It felt earned, and I loved seeing the emotional vulnerability and the effort that went into rebuilding what had been broken. There were so many moments that made my heart ache, but also so many that made me smile.
And that last 20%??? I was CRYING. Like full-on emotional tears. The final portion of this book completely broke me and then put my heart back together again. This was such an emotional, beautiful second-chance romance that reminded me why I love books that make you feel everything. Lily and Ethan will definitely be staying on my mind for a while.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
And that last 20%??? I was CRYING. Like full-on emotional tears. The final portion of this book completely broke me and then put my heart back together again. This was such an emotional, beautiful second-chance romance that reminded me why I love books that make you feel everything. Lily and Ethan will definitely be staying on my mind for a while.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 1, 2026
This is a beautifully written love story about redemption, second chances, life altering moments and an unforgettable couple, Ethan and Lily and those they love! The heartache that Lily experiences is one that will never leave and no woman should ever experience but she handles what life gives her with grace, understanding, a heart full of love for those around her, especially her children and Ethan. When their childhood flirting becomes so much more as adults to heartbreak Ethan never forgets or gives up and when given the opportunity he becomes the man Lily always knew he could be and the joy, happiness, sadness and shared love will be with them all. My heart broke for Ethan and the kids and all they lost but what Lily gave them before she leaves allows them to live full lives filled with family and love! Ethan lives a life full of all the accomplishments their children and grandchildren achieve and knows he’s lived a life worth sharing when given the chance!
August 31, 2026
Review:
✨I’m already gone✨
By I.S.A. Bella
✨ Marriage in Crisis
✨ Second Chance Romance
✨ Chronic illness representation
⭐ 5/5
Lily and Ethan
This is truly a romance that stays with you for a while. Lily and Ethan’s journey is so, so emotional and it will make you laugh and cry.
A marriage in crisis, which leads into a divorce and a heartbreaking journey through groveling, forgiveness and a hard way to earn all that.
You can’t say a lot because it would be spoiling on some levels and it is best to go all in without that and read it with an open mind.
But let me say something, and that is a first for me, please check the triggers.
Be prepared for a ride you will not forget and hold tissues at your side.
✨I’m already gone✨
By I.S.A. Bella
✨ Marriage in Crisis
✨ Second Chance Romance
✨ Chronic illness representation
⭐ 5/5
Lily and Ethan
This is truly a romance that stays with you for a while. Lily and Ethan’s journey is so, so emotional and it will make you laugh and cry.
A marriage in crisis, which leads into a divorce and a heartbreaking journey through groveling, forgiveness and a hard way to earn all that.
You can’t say a lot because it would be spoiling on some levels and it is best to go all in without that and read it with an open mind.
But let me say something, and that is a first for me, please check the triggers.
Be prepared for a ride you will not forget and hold tissues at your side.
September 1, 2026
I'm speechless. As soon as this book was out, I bought it and started reading it right away! Lily and Ethan were everything. Their love is exactly what love is supposed to look and feel like. He betrayed her but took care of her when he found out she had cancer. Took on her son, as if he were his own, and repaired his broken relationship with children, especially his teenage son. Without saying too much to avoid spoiling the book for you, but I highly recommend this book. It makes you feel everything! I loved it. This story will always be in my heart because it happens in real life. If I could give this book 10 stars, I would! Thank you ISA for writing another beautiful and heartwarming story. ;)
September 12, 2026
WOW! What a story. Please read the triggers! This book was beautifully written. Lily is a strong, devoted wife/mother. Until her Ethan, her husband betrays her. It doesn't last long, but it still hurts your heart for what he did. Four years later, they are divorced and she receives the worst news any person can receive. It's a heartbreaking story full of redemption, second chances, warmth, and love. So much love between ALL characters. Oh, Ollie, my sweet little boy. Loved his character so much. He reminded me so much of my nephew. Again, read the triggers before you dive into this story. I can't say too much without spoiling the book, but it is worth the read. It is worth the tears you will shed. It's a 10+ star read for me! I am definitely going to read more from this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
Thank you I.S.A Bella & The Next Step PR for the ARC copy!
This book is so beautiful. I cried almost throughout the entire book. 😭😭😭 It’s about redemption, asking for a second chance, and how Ethan learns from his mistakes and fulfills his promise to make it up to Lily and their children for the rest of his life. 😭❤️
This is such a powerful representation of chronic illness that really makes us aware of how tough it can be for both the patient and their family/caregivers, and how much love, patience, and support are needed to get through it. 🥺🤍
Overall, it’s such a beautiful and realistic story to read! ❤️
Thank you I.S.A Bella & The Next Step PR for the ARC copy!
This book is so beautiful. I cried almost throughout the entire book. 😭😭😭 It’s about redemption, asking for a second chance, and how Ethan learns from his mistakes and fulfills his promise to make it up to Lily and their children for the rest of his life. 😭❤️
This is such a powerful representation of chronic illness that really makes us aware of how tough it can be for both the patient and their family/caregivers, and how much love, patience, and support are needed to get through it. 🥺🤍
Overall, it’s such a beautiful and realistic story to read! ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was so, so sad and you will definitely be crying a lot. Ethan and Lily have this picture perfect marriage and sweet children. And then, over time, Ethan becomes hyper focused on work and makes one big mistake, which costs them their marriage. They still love each other though, but betrayal is something that Lily just can’t forgive. A few years go by and she is diagnosed with cancer. It brings them back together and he takes on a caretaker role. We go through this whole journey of what she goes through and how Ethan just can’t live without her and vice versa. It’s not your typical happy ending either but you will be satisfied and crying your outs at the epilogue. This was difficult to read sometimes because it’s just so sad and you can feel their love for each other. And their sweet kids? It’s so emotional but so worth the read. I enjoyed the writing and their love story.
September 1, 2026
All I can say is WOW. This book was so emotional but beautiful at the same time. Author ISA BELLA has a way with her words that sucks you in from the first page to the last. I read this in one sitting! I couldn't put it down. Lily was a strong and devoted FMC. Ethan was likable even after he betrayed her. I loved him even more once I got to part 2 of the book! And the children? LOVED them all. All the characters, including the side characters were likable and relatable. ISA is one of those authors that I will always buy and read her books. If you love second chance, groveling done right, strong blended families, and emotional reads... buy this today! You will not regret it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A very emotional book so read the TWs so that you can read to your comfort level.
It's a marriage in trouble for Ethan and Lily -- he makes a choice that undermines the foundation of their relationship and faces the consequences of those actions. The family has to learn to live as a different family unit. But when Lily gets some unexpected news, she has to learn to lean on her friends as well as Ethan.
Their second chance is fraught with angst, heartache, tough love, and emotional healing.
Don't pick this one up unless you are in the mood to cry 😢💔
It's a marriage in trouble for Ethan and Lily -- he makes a choice that undermines the foundation of their relationship and faces the consequences of those actions. The family has to learn to live as a different family unit. But when Lily gets some unexpected news, she has to learn to lean on her friends as well as Ethan.
Their second chance is fraught with angst, heartache, tough love, and emotional healing.
Don't pick this one up unless you are in the mood to cry 😢💔
Review of advance copy received from Author
READ YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS ⚠️
your mental health matters.
Just know this the story about Lily and Ethan is an emotionally hard read to get through. It will touch on subjects matters such as Cancer. Which was a very hard topic for me but Isabella has a way with her words that will help you get through that. I read this because it helped me because Son's Dad recently passed from Cancer and it just ravaged his body.
I am absolutely obsessed with her books.
But like all other sensitive subject matters make sure you check your warnings before you read.
your mental health matters.
Just know this the story about Lily and Ethan is an emotionally hard read to get through. It will touch on subjects matters such as Cancer. Which was a very hard topic for me but Isabella has a way with her words that will help you get through that. I read this because it helped me because Son's Dad recently passed from Cancer and it just ravaged his body.
I am absolutely obsessed with her books.
But like all other sensitive subject matters make sure you check your warnings before you read.
September 12, 2026
Normally, I can't read cheating books, but gave it a chance for a friend. It hurt to read when the husband did finally give in and cheat on the wife and they divorce. However, I think it was worse that less than a year after splitting, she has a kid with someone else. 🤢 That gave it a DNF with me, which has only ever happened twice in my entire life. I hate when the characters go out and have kids with multiple partners, that is so gross! I was actually willing to give it a try until the end, but nope. That ruined it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am a blubbering mess and I do not cry while reading.
This is a beautiful love story, with lots of tests, dramas, love and laughs along the way. Ethan and Lily's story is heartwarming and heartbreaking in equal measures and a beautifully written story that pulls you in so that you can't put the book down.
One of the most heartfelt stories I have read in a good while, and will stay with me for a long time 💔❤️
This is a beautiful love story, with lots of tests, dramas, love and laughs along the way. Ethan and Lily's story is heartwarming and heartbreaking in equal measures and a beautifully written story that pulls you in so that you can't put the book down.
One of the most heartfelt stories I have read in a good while, and will stay with me for a long time 💔❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
What an emotional roller coaster! I’m Already Gone had me laughing, crying, and just sitting there pondering life. This was one of those books I read in one sitting because I honestly could not put it down. It beautifully shows the true power of love while also touching on the heartbreaking reality of cancer. This book definitely took me on a journey of emotions, and it’s one that will stay with me for a while. ❤️📖
September 1, 2026
Another beautiful story. AMAZING! Loved every bit of it. The characters (including the side characters: Ebony, Sam, Marcus, the kiddos), the plot....all of it! I never cried so much over a book! But this story is based on real life events so the feelings are genuine. You feel what the characters are feeling. I laughed, got angry, sad, smiled a lot, and cried...a lot. You won't regret it. It's worth the read. I promise. BEST love story of 2026!
September 7, 2026
This story shattered my heart and then put it back again. This was such an emotional rollercoaster ride. But so well worth it. These two had gone through so much. A marriage they thought was rock solid, only to find out it wasn’t. Walking away and rebuilding life. Then being given devastating news. I laughed and (no I didn’t cry. Yes I did), was hurt and happy. This was such a well written heartfelt story. It was truly amazing.
September 3, 2026
The story of Lily and Ethan brought emotions out of me I haven't felt in years. It allowed me to let feelings out that I had refused to let out for so many years. The way this story was written, in such detail, I felt like I lived through it. I felt love, happiness and sorrow. If I could give 10 stars, I would. I miss Lily and Ethan already!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Blubbering crying fool!! I don’t normally cry at books but I was sobbing. Get out your Kleenex because you are going to need it for this amazing book! Isabella is a magician with her words! Make sure you read all the TWs.
September 2, 2026
This is an amazing story that I couldn’t put down. Grab the tissues…..you’re going to need them. It’s a gripping marriage in crisis, second chance romance. It’s a beautifully written, emotional roller coaster ride. I Loved it.
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