Chapter by Chapter

Rouge by Leigh Talbert Moore was a story that took me by surprise. It was one that I ended up really enjoying. A majority of the characters were engaging and full of personality. Author, Leigh Talbert Moore, does a fantastic job in spinning a tale detailing how far one would go to keep someone they love safe from any harm, and to find a new life.Rouge by Leigh Talbert Moore follows the life of main character, Hale Ferrer, who is the star of the very theatre she lives in. On the stage, her voice mesmerizes the audience, but the scenes behind the stage are far from the glitz and glamour of the theatre. The dancers provide other services to any gentlemen callers in order to earn their keep, and it seems although Hale may be safe for now due to a promise made on her mother’s deathbed, little 12 year old Teenie seems to be attracting the wrong kind of attention.Hale now knows that she must take Teenie away from the theatre in order to keep her safe and innocent. Her one true ticket out is by hoping to gain the affections of a wealthy fan of hers, Freddie Loval, and somehow get a proposal out of him so that she can Teenie with her, and away from all the dangers associated with the theatre.Hale thought she had her whole plan worked out until a new stage hand enters the scene and throws a whole new loop into everything she has worked for. Beau is shy, sweet, and sexy and seems to be absolutely smitten with Hale. And try as they might, there seems to this strong connection between them that makes it impossible to keep them apart, try as Hale might. But will Hale choose the safety that can only be found with Freddie? Or will choosing love with Beau be enough to give them the safety that she’s been working so hard to achieve.I was absolutely mesmerized by this dark and raw world created by Leigh Talbert Moore. Rouge is a story of survival, and it was difficult to tear myself away from the pages. All the details combined with this fantastic storyline made Rouge an “on the edge of your seat” type read with a beautiful love story woven into the mix.I did find myself so annoyed with the youngest of the characters, Teenie. Her fascination with falling in love and first kisses had me so frustrated. The way she would get angry at Hale for talking to Beau or showing any sort of emotion towards him. I understand crushing. I mean, we’ve all had them…young or old… but when she started going on and on about Guy and swooning over him and refusing to listen to Hale or Roland’s warnings, she still sees him alone. And helloooo…wouldn’t the warning bells start to go off when he asks for a lock of your hair? I understand being young and “in love”. Really, I get it! But I don’t remember my daughter being like that at 12. Heck, I don’t remember MYSELF being like that at 12. But then again, perhaps it had something to do with the environment Teenie’s had to grow up in, or maybe even the era in which the story takes place.But on the flip side, my absolute favorite character had to be the ever faithful Roland. How could you not love this character. Doing whatever he had to do to keep Hale safe. How he would somehow manage to play the knight in white armor and rescue her when she needs it most. I loved his personality and his humor, and I wanted a Roland of my very own! I loved how he knew how to work the secrets of the theatre to help out those who needed help (i.e. Evie), and I loved how regardless how awful and mean Hale is to him at times, he still remains ever faithful to her and loves her. He’s the best best friend ever!And Beau? Well, it’s really difficult not to fall for this big teddy bear. His devotion to Hale is so awe worthy, and how he wears his emotions on his sleeve is endearing. And the little surprises that he does for and gives to Hale is so sweet! There were a few moments where I found myself saying “awww, he remembered!”. And Freddie? Awwww Freddie…I’m rooting for ya buddy! Seriously, I loved this character too! His adoration for Hale, and his “I am your number one fan” attitude! I found him also sweet, and innocent and I feel so sorry for him! Argh! I was willing him to hear my voice, telling him to move on and to find true love… Sorry Hale…All in all, with so many characters that I could not get enough of and such an addicting story, Rouge by Leigh Talbert Moore is one book that I’m so glad to have read! Fans of New Adult / mature Young Adult reads, stories of survival, and villains that are truly heinous will devour Rouge. I can’t wait for the next installment! I need to see how this story turns out.