by: Mary Cope
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance
Release Date: September 6, 2023
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Transformation, empowerment, love and music come together in the book, Beautiful One.
Elizabeth Ryan is a beautiful, shy, naïve high school senior. Having never dated she meets the boy of her dreams, Aidan Mitchell. Despite his history of womanizing Liz is drawn to him. Soon Liz becomes the envy of all the girls on campus, when they become a couple and her dream boyfriend sweeps her off her feet and into the dating world that is all too new and strange for her. When other guys start to take notice of Liz, Aidan is troubled with fits of jealousy.
Elizabeth then meets the ruggedly handsome, Spencer Hayes and they quickly bond over their passion for music. Liz begins to struggle with the feelings that spark between them. In the end Elizabeth finds herself torn between helping Aidan overcome his jealousy and anger and giving into what her heart truly wants.
Blogger Note: The book contains aggressive behavior from a boyfriend towards his girlfriend. Author states there is no domestic violence and calls the book, “Very PG 13, but has a message of empowerment and strength.”.
What was scary or intimidating about being a first-time author?
When I set out to write my book, I had no idea what I was getting myself into, which was probably a good thing. I didn’t have any expectations; I wrote purely for enjoyment. The real intimidation began when my book was finished, and I was ready to submit my manuscript. Writing is so personal and sharing my work with others felt like exposing my innermost thoughts and feelings to scrutiny. The fear of judgment and rejection was overwhelming, and I struggled with self-doubt and insecurity as a result. I poured my heart into my writing, but there was always this nagging voice in the back of my mind asking, "What if no one likes my book? What if it's not good enough? What if no one wants it?"
After the self-doubt passed, I faced the challenge of navigating the publishing industry, which presented more intimidation. There were so many different options and avenues to consider; I found it difficult to know where to start or who to trust, and I worried about making the wrong decision.
But despite the intimidation, being a first-time author has been an amazing experience. I have learned so much about myself and my writing throughout this process. There were definitely scary moments and frustrations, from sharing my work with others to navigating the publishing industry and overcoming self-doubt. But despite these challenges, the journey has been rewarding, teaching me resilience and determination. It has given me a sense of accomplishment and pride, knowing that I have created something that is truly my own. And while the journey has been challenging at times, I wouldn't trade it for anything. It has been a journey of self-discovery and growth, and I am grateful for every moment of it.
The music changed from one song to the next, and I realized I was having fun. My feet were killing me, but I didn’t care. I had been keeping track of how many guys I’d danced with. Currently I was at seven. I smiled at Melissa when she and Mason were dancing intimately even though the song was upbeat.
I was laughing, sweating, and dancing my butt off. This was the best time I’d ever had.
Then my heart stopped.
I felt a lump in my throat and a pit in my stomach when I saw him, dressed in black jeans and a black button-down shirt. He was movie-star perfect as he sauntered across the dance floor. When I tore my gaze from him, I noticed the accessory that graced his forearm. A leggy blonde wearing a short red dress. Figures.
I was torn between wanting to excuse myself and run or torture myself and stay. Foolishly, I opted for the latter. My heart twisted with jealousy watching Aidan gyrate to the music while his pretty dance partner sexually rubbed up against him. The pain was agonizing. Like a train wreck. I wanted to look away, but I couldn’t.
I was laughing, sweating, and dancing my butt off. This was the best time I’d ever had.
Then my heart stopped.
I felt a lump in my throat and a pit in my stomach when I saw him, dressed in black jeans and a black button-down shirt. He was movie-star perfect as he sauntered across the dance floor. When I tore my gaze from him, I noticed the accessory that graced his forearm. A leggy blonde wearing a short red dress. Figures.
I was torn between wanting to excuse myself and run or torture myself and stay. Foolishly, I opted for the latter. My heart twisted with jealousy watching Aidan gyrate to the music while his pretty dance partner sexually rubbed up against him. The pain was agonizing. Like a train wreck. I wanted to look away, but I couldn’t.
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We appreciate you taking the time to feature BEAUTIFUL ONE and Mary Cope. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThe excerpt sounds interesting. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGreat cover and this looks like a very good book.
ReplyDeleteI like the subject for young people to learn from. Beautiful Cover!
ReplyDelete