You met the inspiration last week when I discussed how Soul Food inspired me to write my first age-gap romance. Now, meet the woman herself.

Arielle “Ari” St. James is the kind of woman whose name turns heads before she even steps into a room. Heiress to a luxury hospitality empire and co-founder of The St. James, New York, she’s spent her life elevating the brand’s reputation while holding her family’s legacy together with precision and grace.

She’s 41, polished, and always ten steps ahead. Arielle’s the woman everyone trusts to make the impossible happen. But behind the clean lines and silk blouses, Arielle’s built a world that feels more like a cage than a crown.

What she doesn’t expect is Micah Black… a young man who doesn’t care about her title, her brand, or her perfect image. All he sees is her.

Arielle’s story, How to Lose Control in 42 Days, is a slow-burn, age-gap romance about what happens when the fixer finally fixes something for herself.

Next week, I’ll introduce you to the man who changes everything for Arielle. Until then, take in her world through the moodboard below. This is a glimpse into the woman you’ll come to know, root for, and maybe even see yourself in.

Pre-order How to Lose Control in 42 Days