Isabelle and James: An Ironwood Novella

by Quinn Coleridge

Ironwood City, Colorado 1891 Isabelle Delacroix never expected to find her destiny in the alley behind her mother’s dried goods store. Yet after discovering a wounded stranger lying in a pool of his own blood, her ancient, Gypsy magic testified she had done just that. Risking her family’s displeasure and town gossip, she takes the man in and tends to his injuries. As he recovers, Isabelle is drawn to the troubled soul despite the darkness she senses within him. Killer, thief, and crime-lord, James Scarlett always knew he would come to a bad end, regardless of his supernatural gifts. No one could commit all the sins he had without paying a great price. Bruised and broken, Scarlett is shocked when a blue-eyed farm girl appears in the alley and saves him from destruction. He fights Isabelle’s influence at first, but in time, his evil veneer begins to crack. Will the taint of Scarlett’s past allow him to reform? Or is it already too late?

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2018

About the author

Quinn Coleridge grew up in the Pacific Northwest, where she learned to love rain storms and reading books by a crackling fire. As time went on, she studied literature and writing in college, traveled, met a man with the most beautiful eyes, got married, and had lots of kids. (She blames the eyes.)

Since moving to the desert, Quinn doesn't see much rain or crackling fires these days, but she still loves books.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just....Wow! I honestly didn’t want to like James. My expectation, before reading this novella (side note-this is longer than your average novella but not quiiiiite novel length) was validation for my feeling about James. Instead, I ended up reading the story of a painful struggle and a beautiful love, fighting to overcome a man’s personal demon. In this case, literally. I was introduced to a strong, compassionate and loyal woman in Isabelle (I LOOOVE having a female character that I can admire!) and was devastated at her heartache and inspired by her courage and strength. This story was just so much more than I expected in so many ways and I can’t wait to read how James and Isabelle’s story continues. Simply amazing.

[Book Geek Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book branches off from the first two, but you must read them first or else you won't quite understand the meaning behind some of the things that happen. It's the love story between James (who is the villain in the other books), and Isabelle (a minor character in book 1). I very much enjoyed reading their backstory, seeing their motivations—especially those of James. It is so heartbreaking toward then end, but gives so much more depth to James in the other books.

But even though you need to read the other stories first (in my opinion), this story is rich and fully developed. It is violent, there is some implied sex. Life is so hard and unfair. It breaks your heart. But I loved it. Can't wait to see more from this author.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! I loved getting more of the story behind these two characters. It made me love james. Isabelle was fierce. It kept my interest the whole time. It was hard to put down. Highly recommend.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted more of Hester's saga and was surprised to have a story about James. But, it added so much depth and poignance to James and the story arc. I can't imagine how important this will be to the future. I just love this series! So unique. So fascinating. I hope there are many more to come!

[Virginia Fournier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was interesting to find out why James is the way he is. Many of the characters from the second book are in this story. Hester isn't the main focus, but she is there in a very important role. I hope Isabelle is prominent in the next book. I can hardly wait for it.