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.
Keywords: interracial couple, enemies-to-lovers, damsel-in-distress, forbidden love, workplace romance, troubled past, drug addiction, family drama, abusive relationships, Broadway romance, playwright and muse love story, Age-gap romance, single POV, trigger and content warnings, domestic violence survivor, exploited minor, cycle of abuse, rising star actress, Off-Broadway theater drama, adoptive family, emotional healing fiction, new beginnings after abuse, inspirational women’s fiction, love and betrayal, actress and playwright romance, contemporary romance, female empowerment fiction, strong female protagonist romance, toxic men and relationships, pursuing dreams against odds, dark past to bright future story, breaking free from toxic love, Parson fashion school, New York City setting, finding true love after abuse
You’ll enjoy this series if you like these authors: Colleen Hoover, Tarryn Fisher, Christina Lauren, Penelope Douglas, L.J. Shen, Sylvia Day, K.A. Tucker, Anna Todd, Pepper Winters, Vi Keeland, Jodi Ellen Malpas, Anna Huang, Sierra Simone, A.L. Jackson, R.K. Lilley, Mia Sheridan, Brittainy C. Cherry, Tillie Cole, K. Bromberg, Jay Crownover, Samantha Young, Helena Hunting, Elle Kennedy, Meghan March, Mariana Zapata, and Laurelin Paige.
After retiring from a thirty-year career in corporate America, GiGi Meier is delighted to be writing 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 and YouTube. Whether attending a book club or hosting a game night, she loves connecting with new people and making friends.
www.GiGiMeier.com
Books by GiGi Meier:
Standalone Book
Coyote
Sammie and Carlos’s forced proximity
cartel, kidnapped, Military hero, dark romance
The Cañon Series
Tomlin
The start of Dani and Tomlin’s
slow burn, enemies-to-almost-lovers
Tomlin Takahashi Duet #1
The Cañon Series, Book #1
Takahashi
The conclusion of Dani and Tomlin’s
friends-to-lovers, happily ever after
Tomlin Takahashi Duet #2
The Cañon Series, Book #2
Hamilton
Hamilton and Molli’s second chance,
small town, police officer romance
The Cañon Series, Book #3
Isla
Isla and Gabe’s opposites attract,
age gap, forbidden love romance
The Cañon Series, Book #4
The Cougars and Cubs Series
Paolo
Taylor and Paolo’s reverse age gap,
forced proximity, office romance
The Cougars and Cubs Series, Book #1
Sebastian
Sebastian and Chloe’s reverse age gap
Opposites attract, Christmas romance
The Cougars and Cubs Series, Book #2
Giovanni
Giovanni and Kacie’s reverse age gap
Protector, Alpha male romance
The Cougars and Cubs Series, Book #3
Kadus
Kadus and Bex’s reverse age gap
Best friend’s brother, rockstar romance
The Cougars and Cubs Series, Book #4