Transformation, empowerment, love, and music come together in the book, Beautiful One by Mary Cope, and nothing is more beautiful to a book nerd like a free excerpt, an opportunity to pick the writer's brains, AND an awesome giveaway!
Book Details:
Beautiful One
by Mary Cope
Publication Date: September 6, 2023
Genre: YA Romance
Synopsis:
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 in to what her heart truly wants.
EXCERPT
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.
Author Interview
Wagging Tales Press was honored to sit down with Mary Cope and delve into the creative mind that brought readers Beautiful One. In this featured author interview, we get the opportunity to see what makes a writer's mind tick as well as gain some insightful advice for those scribes out there interested in penning their own creative pursuits.
They say if you want to be a good author, you must be a good reader. Who is your favorite author and why?
Selecting a favorite author is challenging for me, but I definitely have a soft spot for YA writers. If pressed to name one of my favorites, I'd lean towards Stephanie Meyer.
The Twilight series, with its blend of romance, fantasy, and suspense, holds a special place in my heart. Meyer's unique approach to the vampire genre, highlighting the romantic connection between a human and a vampire, resonated with readers, including myself. Her series presented a fresh perspective on supernatural romance. I thought it was great!
Writing is a marathon—not a sprint—and sometimes it can be difficult to keep your energy going. Are their any words of wisdom or favorite quotes that have inspired you to keep at it? Do you have a favorite quote and, if so, why?
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill
The reason I chose this quote is because it emphasizes the importance of resilience and perseverance. It acknowledges that success is not the end of the journey, nor is failure the ultimate defeat. The key is the ability to bounce back and keep going.
Whether in personal endeavors, professional pursuits, or facing life's uncertainties, this message serves as a reminder of the nature of success and the importance of maintaining courage and determination throughout the process.
What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?
In telling a story, for me, the effectiveness of language is the key. I try to choose my words carefully to convey my ideas accurately and evoke the desired emotions. My goal is to communicate effectively and engage with my reader. I strive for clear, concise writing that is easy to understand, eliminating any filler or redundant information. Ensuring my writing flows logically capturing my reader from the start.
Okay. Let's get personal. Any weird things you do when you’re alone?
I’m not sure if it’s weird but it’s definitely something I do when I’m alone, and that is… sing. Despite having a pretty terrible singing voice, I can't help but belt out tunes when I'm by myself, especially in the car. Singing alone is great! I can choose any song and sing it however I like without fear of judgment. It's a fantastic stress reliever, allowing me to immerse myself in the music and lyrics, forgetting about any worries or concerns for a while.
What are four things you can’t live without?
Excluding my family and friends, I would say my number one, can’t live without, is coffee. I absolutely love it! The aroma, the flavor, the caffeine. There's just something comforting about holding a warm cup in my hands. Coffee is definitely my vice. Along with the delicious taste, coffee gives me a much-needed boost and helps me stay alert and focused. Making it the perfect companion for powering through a busy day of writing.
Secondly is my love of facial products.
I am obsessed with facial products. Using them is like a form of self-care for me; it feels good to pamper myself. Plus, there's something satisfying about finding the right product that addresses my specific skin concerns. Seeing improvements in my skin boosts my confidence and makes me feel good about myself. Additionally, the beauty industry's marketing and social media influence play a role too; it's hard for me not to be curious about products that promise glowing skin when they're all over my feed! Overall, using facial products is a way for me to prioritize myself and indulge in a little bit of luxury in my daily routine.
Third is music. Whether I’m listening to classical, country, pop, or rock. Music fills my soul. Listening to music resonates with my emotions. I love the way a specific song can evoke memories, feelings, or experiences. For me, music is a definite can’t live without.
Lastly, watching an early morning sunrise. I have always been an early riser. Watching the sunrise brings me such a peaceful feeling. From the quietness of the morning to the beautiful colors the skyline creates, those peaceful moments bring a sense of calm before the busyness of the day begins.
Author Bio:
Mary Cope is a passionate romance writer known for her ability to craft characters that feel undeniably real. Drawing inspiration from both her personal experience and vivid imagination, Mary’s words resonate with readers. A romantic at heart, Mary believes true intimacy is what love is all about.
Author Links:
Website: https://www.marycopeauthor.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaryCope_Author
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This sounds like an interesting story.
Sounds like a really good read. Thanks for sharing.
We appreciate you featuring BEAUTIFUL ONE today.