Paper Doll Lina: A Novel

by Robyn Lucas

One rip is all it takes to expose the devastating truth behind a seemingly perfect life.

Lina Henry is a wife and mother who likens herself to a pretty paper doll. She lives in a beautiful home in the Atlanta suburbs. Her husband, David, is a well-to-do investment banker. She’s raised two wonderful teenagers. To the outside world, the Henry family is perfect. What no one knows is that Lina’s paper doll life is being torn apart in a controlling and abusive marriage. When Lina develops an unexpected friendship with another man, and reconnects with her former best friend, she begins navigating a way out of the emotional minefield that is her home.

But as David senses his loss of control, he becomes more dangerous, and Lina must do everything in her power to protect herself and her children. In order to take back the happiness she deserves, Lina must first rediscover the strength and the fearlessness of her three-dimensional self.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, Chick Lit, Adult, Audiobook, Womens Fiction

Audio CD

First published September 1, 2021

About the author

survivor. sur·vi·vor/sərˈvīvər/noun. a person who survives, especially a person remaining alive after a tragic event.

Robyn Lucas has always been a storyteller.

Being the middle child will do that.

After finding her way to Atlanta, GA by way of Hawaii, USVI, Miami, and South Carolina, Robyn Lucas developed a successful career in communications and marketing. Her background came in handy when her teenagers developed an award-winning mental health app which boasts over 100,000 downloads.

When Robyn is not writing, she enjoys spending time with her teens, Neflixing everything, reading, and snuggling with her dog, Trooper.

Reviews

[Melany · Rating 5 out of 5]

L-O-V-E-D this book! Such a great story and a powerful meaning for women to overcome their fears, be their best selves and to stop settling for things when they deserve better! Loved the ending as well! Cute romance novel with some domestic issues thrown in.

[Readwritedesign · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Books Forward PR and Netgalley for this copy.

This book is necessary. I wish it wasn't, but it is. Robyn Lucas writes a shockingly accurate story about the hidden crime of emotional abuse.

Lina can't put her finger on what's wrong with her relationship. She wants David to be happy with her, but she just seems to mess things up. Over and over again David tears her down with his words. Soon, Lina feels like nothing more than a paper doll that can barely hold herself together. What will be the breaking point? It's never what you'd expect, and it doesn't always produce results. TW there are instances of everything on the power and control wheel.

It's scary what has been normalized in marriages. If you feel like something is "off" with your relationship, please read this book.

I also really appreciated the outside perspectives as well as those in the family unit. The abusers reach is staggering.

[Susan Z (webreakforbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a debut! Seriously, how is that possible? All the stars for this one.

This book grabbed me from the beginning and never let go. Lina is married to David, a controlling narcissist. She is befriended by a mega superstar, Noah, who is sexy as hell, but more than that, he allows her to see the real possibilities of life and love.

I am pretty sure my blood pressure was elevated throughout most of this book as I witnessed the lengths David would go to control Lina and manipulate those around him to believe his narrative. My heart broke for Lina, and real people like her all over feeling like a prisoner in their marriage.

Lina was a fighter, so courageous and a fantastic mom, whose love knew no limits.

[Barbara Powell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t really get into this. And tbh had it not been a buddy read I probably would have DNF’d. There was potential for a good story but so much of it was monotonous and repetitive and then other parts were just way out there.
What should have been a suck you in story of an inter racial couple with a history of domestic violence and controlling, emotional abuse was just meh at best. The main character jumped from her abusive relationship to a new relationship with someone famous without any thought of time to herself or to therapy or anything. There was so much potential here and it missed it.
Thanks to Netgalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

[Erin Byrne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved parts of this book. It ebbed and flow but found it romanticizing domestic abuse in some ways. Setting up situations that aren't realistic. No one is going to come rescue you, there's no celebrity to catch you and most likely no one to pay all your legal costs....I would have much rather read a more realistic picture of domestic abuse and what women typically have to go through to get out and free themselves, because this wasn't it.

[AFIFA ALAM RAISA · Rating 5 out of 5]

A vivid glance at the world of a domestic abuse victim.

Lina Henry's perfect life is nothing but an illusion. While suffocating with her two children under the authority of her manipulative husband who is growing wilder with time, she develops an unexpected friendship with a renowned actor and finds her best friend re-entering her life. With their unconditional support and an ardent desire to regain her former, strong self, she must fight a battle to break free from the clutches of the abuser.

The brilliance of the author has been reflected on her book. The story is not meant to be read; it is meant to be felt. It lets the reader see through Lina's eyes. It lets Lina's tears roll down the reader's cheeks. It lets Lina's heart beat in the reader's chest.

One of the best things about the work is the beautiful portrayal of the relationship between the siblings and their mother, and how the bond kept growing stronger as they gradually realized what they were being subjected to. Words would never be enough to describe Lina’s love for her children. Lina was born strong and motherhood made her stronger.

The book comes with an essential reminder that abuse exists in more than one form. Be it physical, mental, or emotional, abuse can annihilate the inner world of a victim.

I would recommend this book to everyone irrespective of gender.

[Melanated_booklover · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an ok book. The paper dolls theme became extremely repetitive, Lina’s inner dialogue became annoying, and the scene where it all came crashing down was not realistic….

Spoilers
Why didn’t MiMi just ignore her dads FT?
Why did Lina allow Noah to sleepover in a hotel room with adjoining rooms to her kids then venture out to the common area together if she was still hiding her relationship?

I also didn’t like the celebrity romance aspect of the book. She had bigger things to deal with than a romance and his issues too.

My favorite part of this book was her relationship with Nancy. Solid Character. Would love to see her as a main one. I finished the book because I was waiting for something big to happen. I guessed the ending. I wish there was a little more than “he tried to kill me and I finally got away”. Didn’t seem like the type of husband to let it go after losing everything so publicly. I also wish Lina had defended herself more than a small push. This is a black woman main character and not once did she try to go upside his head with a frying pan or throw some hot grits on him.

All that being said. Decent read for the beach or a rainy day. Enjoy!

[Leanna Mattea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well written story about the effect that spousal abuse inflicts on everyone involved. Verbal, emotional abuse, generally will evolve into physical abuse, and destroys families and relationships.
David is a successful businessman, who has provided his family with the big house, expensive cars, good schools, while making Lina and her children’s lives a nightmare. He isolates her from her friends, doesn’t allow her to work, while controlling every aspect of her life, criticizing everything she does, how she looks, while reminding her what he provides for his family.
This is a must read! Great storyline, wonderful characters, and extremely emotional. My thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Robyn Lucas for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one surprised me with how much I got into it. A bit of breath of fresh air since I normally read psychological thrillers, if was kind of nice to read something different.

Lina is a married, mother of 2 children who will do anything to support her family. Her kids are getting bigger and bigger through social media and have even made TV appearances regarding “kids to watch out for.” Lina couldn’t be prouder. Only problem is: she had to hide her kids’ success from their dad—her husband. He is a bit controlling and doesn’t like Lina meeting new people. Especially not people like Noah, a famous actor. Of course, Lina and Noah cross paths and sparks fly. Can Lina ever be happy? Or will her husband do everything in his power to continue to control Lina and their kids?

[Nia Forrester · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was heartwarming and very easy-to-read, considering it was in part about a very grim subject. It's tough to write an almost lighthearted slow-burn romance where the conflict one of the main characters faces is an abusive partner. But Robyn Lucas pulled it off. 'Paper Doll Lina' was by turns funny, cute, and poignant, and definitely not at all formulaic. While trying to extricate herself from the coercive control of her husband, Lina makes an unexpected new friend. Noah is a famous actor, drawn to the down-to-earth and sometimes quirky Lina when they meet by chance on the set of a talk show. While Lina tries to regain control of her life and perhaps save her marriage, what she's building with Noah makes her question whether it ought to be saved. I loved that Lina is not your average romance novel heroine, and that the landscape of her life included two teenagers who had to be part of her calculus about whether to leave her husband and how.

I enjoyed watching her and Noah grapple with their feelings, as well as the very real potential complications if their friendship were to become more. And as a bonus, this book was a great education (or 'reminder' depending on where you sit) of how spousal abuse can present in myriad ways. From beginning to middle to end of the book, the progression of the reveals about the truth of Lina's marriage mirrored the progression of abusive behavior-early on, you wonder whether what just happened was actually abusive, or perhaps just ... mean. Then the meanness reveals itself as callousness, and then as something worse and more systematic than it first appeared. Until finally, there is no question in the reader's mind--Lina's husband is a danger to her, and their children.

I think this is a great book club read. Could provoke some thoughtful discussions, and will definitely entertain. Looking forward to seeing more from this author. My one quibble was the ending. It felt abrupt, especially given the careful build of the realization of the scope of the abuse, and the development of Lina and Noah's relationship. Nevertheless, a satisfying read. Recommended if you like your reading light, but not frivolous.

[Rissy]

Have you ever wanted to reach in a book and save a character? It happened to me with this book.

Robyn captured so much in this book, from racism to sexism, intimate partner violence to lack of results from law enforcement, and the impact the abuse has on those closest to you.

I appreciated that the romance was not the main focus in Lina's story. Watching her regain control over her life and protect her children was gut-wrenching at times. There were so many times when I wanted someone to step in, but it was a journey she needed to take on her own. In addition, we were able to see her rebuild relationships with her family and friends. Those parts of the story were necessary for her growth, and I'm happy the author highlighted them.

CW: racism, sexism, fatphobia, miscarriage, domestic violence, sexual violence, many forms of abuse

[Marie Swepson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one pulled at my heart strings in such a good way. I've had family members that have experienced domestic violence (TRIGGER WARNINGS) and I think that gave me a different perspective as I read this. I found myself constantly rooting for Lina, hoping she would catch a break sooner or later. And I loved the relationship between her and Noah hoping secretly that it would last forever.

While I didn't always liked how Lina handled situations I know this is a more honest depiction how thing go more often than not. I think the author did a really great job of bringing in reality to this story even if it's hard to read sometimes.

[Shameka · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not like this book at all. I feel terrible saying that because the author tried to tackle a serious topic (domestic violence) and I appreciate what she tried to do, but it didn't work for me.

The story itself just wasn't well written. The plot was so far out there that it wasn't even remotely believable. There were so many inconsistencies in the story. For example, Noah (Lina's love interest) is one of the biggest stars in the world, so famous that Lina is stalked by the paparazzi once the relationship is revealed. But before this he and Lina hung out in public without being noticed by anyone. Make it make sense.

I don't even know what the purpose of the side relationship was in the first place. I really hate stories where it is clear that the main character needs some serious therapy but instead the author gives them a love interest to "save" them from their circumstances. The only time Lina stood up to her husband in this book was when Noah showed up to her house (with her husband there) and demanded to speak to her. The scene itself was completely unrealistic (I mean who behaves like this). When her husband was abusing their children all she did was scream no and stood there while it continued to happen. It was bad enough that the children were abused by their father, but then Lina brought her children into her affair and involved them in the conflict with their father all because she had to be with Noah. What she should have done was put the brakes on everything until after she ended her marriage and provided some counseling and stability for her children but that would have been too much like right.

Anyway it took me over 5 months to read this book and I hate read almost every page. If this book resonated with someone, I'm glad. Just because a story doesn't work for me doesn't mean it's not enjoyable to others. Unfortunately I cannot recommend this to anyone but if you decide you still want to give it a try be warned that the descriptions of domestic violence may be triggering for some people.

[Stacy40pages · Rating 3 out of 5]

Paper Doll Lina by Robyn Lucas. Thanks to @amazonpublishing and #amazonfirstreads for the gifted e-Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lina’s life may seem perfect but she feels like a paper doll, existing only to be played or ripped up by her husband. When she strikes up an unlikely friendship she realized she doesn’t have to stay.

A difficult, but important read, this story allowed us a close look at an abusive relationship. We can see the toll emotional abuse takes on Lina before we are even introduced to her relationship. We could see how her children were affected. It was very realistic. The only aspect I didn’t like was the side romance. Most women struggling to leave an abusive relationship don’t have a celebrity romance on the side. I did appreciate that his financial resources weren’t used as her escape, but not everyone has the possibility of that fall back. I would have enjoyed the story more without that aspect.

“She was back on the carousel. Up and down. Round and round. It was dizzying. Being married to David was like running on sand - she could take steps toward her destination, but it never felt solid or stable. If she stood still too long, her footing would disappear altogether, swallowed up by the rising tides of his moods.”

Paper Doll Lina comes out 9/1.

[Gill Webster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bones of a good story

Some really effective scenes, particularly the domestic abuse and its development. But some of the intriguing elements of the relationship, inter-racial/mixed marriage are not touched on. Just a few mentions such as preparing her children for police encounters. They’re 14 and 16….don’t wealthy black kids get stopped and searched in the States? Can I swap my teenagers for these? Always polite, considerate and non-angsty? Interesting first book but consider including some more challenging issues in your next book.

[Uriahe DeVore · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing was basic/boring and a little cheesy but the relationship between Lina and David was a good depiction of emotional and mental abuse. The themes in this book were very good.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review Of
PAPER DOLL LINA
By Author, Robyn Lucas
Gifted & Published by {Partner} @Bookforwardpr @Amazon @LakeUnion
On Sale: 9/1/21 - Purchase Link in my Bio
******
This was like reading one of the worst forms of horror, one of abuse that is delivered unto you by someone you’re supposed to trust and love. Someone that’s supposed to love you; that wouldn’t hurt you purposely…under any circumstances. Yet in this story you become frightened and the Author writes so convincingly that you almost feel the shame, sense of worthlessness as a woman and almost as if you deserve to be abused and have someone control you. And why? Because the Author writes this fabulous work of fiction from a place she knows all too well, as she has been abused in real life and writes with understanding and knowledge I hope none of us will ever understand, but glad she has spoken to help and save others, to give them a voice and maybe save a life.

What starts off so innocently in love, can quickly become a tool of manipulation. Lina is overwhelmed with the flowers and gifts and feels so loved by David. He really wants a large family one day but why must they move so fast, so soon? They both reach their career goals and are living a great life with expensive things, that is until Lina suffers a miscarriage and David makes Lina quit her job because he blames her job and working as the cause. This is just the start to the keen precision of how an abuser gains control over another. Using mental, emotional, physical and controlling behavior to wear down a person they are supposed to love. And what Lina has coming grows steadily and surely, never predicting what’s to come in her future. David will use the kids, the money and everything in his power to get what he wants; when he wants and Lina has got to be on show for all to see what a wonderful life that they have. But everyone you meet and the strengths Lina didn’t know she still possessed, will lead to a chilling confrontation where nothing will ever be the same again. I will reread this book again and again.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lina Henry has been married to David for years; he provides for her and their two teenage children very well. From the outside, they may even look like the perfect family. But Lina never knows which David she will get from moment to moment. She must dance on eggshells with her words and actions as to not evoke David’s jealousy, anger, and verbal assaults. She feels as if she’s being held hostage in her own life.

When Lina gives her kids an opportunity to shine, it puts her and the kids straight in the path of David’s fury. Fortunately, a new friendship and the rekindling of a trusted old friend may be the saving grace Lina needs to escape this cruel marriage once and for all.

Paper Doll Lina is a powerful, heartbreaking story of what countless women go through in abusive relationships. Lucas expertly conveys the fear and terror of verbal and emotional abuse, gaslighting, and physical harm as well.

𝘐 𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘴, 𝘢𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴, 𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘢 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘩𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯.

💟 No one has the right to make you feel less than or unworthy. 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿! If you feel unsafe or are in an abusive relationship, please get help.
NATIONAL DOMESTIC ABUSE HOTLINE: 1-800-7999-SAFE

Thank you to @robynlwriter @kccpr @amazonpublishing and @letstalkbookspromo for this gifted copy.

[Rafia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never sobbed harder in my life. Whew. This book was a whole damn roller coaster. If Lina was a real person I would go to her right now and shower her with all my love and kisses. The author did an extremely good job in creating this book and building up to the plot. I felt like I could not catch my breath and had to keep on going. I devoured this book in five hours. I literally read non stop and I am so glad that I did. Its just… everything is so real…its so true. My heart goes to anyone who faces such abuse. And the thing is even if its verbal abuse, that shit rips you up from the inside and ugh I felt terrible for Lina. I am so glad she got her happy ending!

[Paulette Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! A realistic, sometimes harrowing portrayal of domestic abuse that held me in its grip from beginning to end. Lina’s story is both scarily relatable and inspiring as she works to free herself from her abusive marriage while keeping her sanity in the shadow of her husband’s crazy-making, delusional behavior.

Though she walks a difficult, sometimes terrifying minefield at home, Lina’s emerging belief in her self-worth gives her the resilience and courage to make tough choices for the sake of herself and her children.

Robyn Lucas is a writer to watch! I cannot wait for her next book, MAYBE SHE’LL STAY, out soon.

Gift this book to someone you love who needs to hear the message within its pages.

[Cari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another one for Booklist. Loved it. Excited to read more from Lucas.

[Valerie Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really pulled at my heart. I really loved how the author wrote this. I don't see how anyone could not feel for this storyline. Absolutely loved it.

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit of an ordeal book. Lina rook a long time to get out of the relationship with an abuser.

[Belinda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not sure why but I couldn’t get into this book. I only got a little way through and found I wasn’t relating well to the main character. I found aspects of the story far fetched. Maybe I’ll pick it up again some other time.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning Novel

If you've been or are in a relationship where there are control and domestic abuse issues... if you've ever felt gaslighted (or wanted to understand what that meant), this book will probably be a hard read but may be a good one that leads to better understanding and healing. This novel is written with such deep characterization that the author creates a vivid, visceral experience for the reader, showing us precisely what Lina’s interior world is like. She is dogged by her husband's comments made to her over the years; they've become her torturous inner reality/monologue that makes her second-guess herself constantly. While this book is certainly heavy, it is beautifully written, and ultimately, we see flickers of light in the darkness. How wonderful that this heroine had such incredible outside support (and the kids are amazing), even though her husband, of course, tries to take those outsiders away from her. He keeps her hidden at home, controlling so many aspects of her life, like not letting her work and cutting off other ties to the outside world. While most parts of this did not fully reflect what happened in one of my primary relationships, I was surprised to see bits and pieces of my experience. While I found that difficult at times—as this book certainly brought the feels—it actually helped me put that in perspective... something I didn't expect from a novel. But what an incredible blessing.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: Domestic abuse, gaslighting, controlling relationship

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

[reedthread · Rating 5 out of 5]

so good.. so good guys

[Radwa · Rating 1 out of 5]

This felt like a diary, and not in a good way. It's a domestic story of Lina, who's been in a bad marriage for many years with a manipulative and abusive husband, and for some reason she can't seem to dump him.

Her thought process is incomprehensible, as it goes like this:
My husband hits me, I should leave him, but I can't, because he plays with my mind, but he insults me, I can't take this, but maybe he's right, he cheated on me, but maybe that's work pressure, I think I should leave him, but what will my kids say? He's forcing me to get pregnant with IVF,k but then again I promised him a big family. He hits me but I want us to be a family... etc.

In these type of stories, I either continue reading for the good writing or the intriguing characters, if the story seems so bland. But his had not story, no characters development, no realistic dialogue or characters, no good writing, no plot. I believe I gave it a fair chance before DNFing at 60%.


I thank Netgalley for the digital ARC

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book….no review will ever do it justice. Every single day people live in abusive relationships. Every day the system fails them. The lucky people? They have friends like Nancy and Ashish who fight for them, and help them.

I loved the kids, Mimi and Danny. The funniest line was “My food baby is back.” I was laughing so hard.

The kids also suffer from the effects of domestic abuse. They are often used as pawns by the abuser. This book shed so much light on gaslighting and what it truly is.

Lina….what a strong woman. She fought and fought for not only herself but her kids. Always putting them first and making sure they would be okay.

This book was very heavy, but so well written and emotional. Incredible book.

[Brandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trigger warning: domestic violence, emotional abuse, physical abuse, rape, financial abuse

I am of two minds regarding this book. On the one hand, it is heartbreaking and so difficult to see Lina go through literal hell. I had such a hard time reading all of this, honestly I hated it in a lot of parts. It’s terrible to watch the pain and anguish of someone going through domestic violence. It hurt my heart.

On the other hand, it was well written and very thoughtful, does a good job delving into Lina’s psyche. I also loved how supportive Lina was of her kids efforts, and how supportive her friend Nancy was.

Overall, this is not a book I will reread.

[Susan Finck · Rating 2 out of 5]

I stayed up til 3:30 to finish this book. Not because it was a great read, or even a good one for me. I just wanted it out of the way so that I could move on to something much more to my liking. Until recently I was one of those people who absolutely had to finish every book I started. Working on trusting my instincts. Putting it down when I realize I’ve made a mistake. So many books to read and so little time. DNF here I come.