Wattys 2018 Shortlist!!! *First book in a two part series* June 1952-in a world of poodle skirts, convertibles, and rock and roll... At seventeen, Isadora (Izzy) Twiss is forced to accept she has a growing problem, and no matter how much she wishes it away, it just gets bigger. Having a baby out of wedlock is unacceptable. Those who do are shunned by their families and destined to lead a life of guilt and shame. She is forced to "disappear" to a remote island where a nun led home for unwed mothers lies, surrounded by nothing but wilderness. There she meets other girls, all suffering from the same predicament. They bond together, sharing in the heartache that comes with carrying an illegitimate child. Izzy dreams that one day, no matter how far-fetched, love will be hers to have and hold. When a mysterious man arrives on the island, Izzy realizes her dream just might come true.

"Lesson one. Never cross Alexander Valentino" I pressed on one of the knives in his hand. "Lesson two. Never call me Princess!" with that I gracefully cut his throat with my katana. His throat instantly started bleeding . Making the sounds of Santini drowning in his own blood, fill the room. "Remind me to never call you princess" Angelo said placing his gun away. "Never call me princess" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The moment she turned 18, Skylar Diamond was broken beyond repair by her own father. Tortured and trained in a facility to kill on command with no regrets or remorse. In seven years she became one of the most feared female assassins in the world. Her name captures the attention of a very powerful man. She gets recruited by Alexander Valentino, a most respected Mafia boss in New York City. She will help him fight a war against his enemy, but will he help her against her own war against her inner demons? Will her broken soul survive or will it shatter completely beyond repair? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This story cannot be copied or distributed in any way!