Jagged Edge

Connection: it’s something we all seek, and those lucky enough to find it know the true power it possesses; but in this often-disconnected world, it can be exhausting and near impossible to form lasting relationships. Lily Stone and Ryder Bishop are two fragile souls with a shared past of tragedy and pain who find themselves irrevocably drawn to each other. When Lily, a twenty-something editor’s assistant at Jagged Edge Magazine, meets Ryder, an urbane, ruggedly handsome venture capitalist in his thirties, their connection ignites. The intensity of their chemistry binds them together in a passion that’s unlike anything either have ever experienced. Regardless of their commitment to each other, one secret threatens to tear them apart as Ryder struggles with a piece of his past that binds them together on an even deeper level—a secret that could destroy the woman he loves.

JAGGED EDGE explores themes of childhood trauma, staggering sexual awakening, and the healing power, peace, and safety of real love. JAGGED EDGE demonstrates how the fragile human psyche can often turn inward against its persona, forcing the ego to protect itself at all costs, even if the ensuing mental anguish is devastating. JAGGED EDGE represents how women perceive themselves, and in turn how they are perceived, in our current media-obsessed culture.

Lily's father died tragically, murdered by a drunk driver when Lily was only seven years old. Shortly after, Lily suffered sexual molestation by her brother's friend. These traumas forced her ego's defence mechanisms to overreact and she developed severe Body Dysmorphic Disorder as an adult. Regardless, she still wants to find love, affection, and sexual liberation, and she works hard to overcome her triggers.

Ryder spent his life trying to disassociate from his drunk and abusive father, especially after he went to prison for the intoxicated driving incident that killed another man: Lily's father. He, too, has been unable to find a stable and loving connection with a woman, though he wants it more than anything. When Ryder meets Lily, their connection is immediate and intense; however, when he realizes who she is and what their connection is, he is terrified to tell her the truth, not wanting to hurt her even more, and not wanting to lose her.

Lily and her friend Willow, and Ryder, and his friends, Jack, Sean, and Marty, are all trying to find semblance of happiness, love, comfort, and acceptance in a society that is too often judgmental, tragic, a downright bitch. But for the well-being of their friends, they will always be there for each other.

This ensemble work demonstrates a magnitude of dynamic character development, set in an entirely believable and real backdrop of the beautiful city of Toronto.