Sixteen-year-old Tessa Johnson has never felt like the protagonist in her own life. Sheâs rarely seen herself reflected in the pages of the romance novels she loves. The only place sheâs a true leading lady is in her own writingâin the swoony love stories she shares only with Caroline, her best friend and #1 devoted reader.
When Tessa is accepted into the creative writing program of a prestigious art school, sheâs excited to finally let her stories shine. But when she goes to her first workshop, the words are just...gone. Fortunately, Caroline has a solution: Tessa just needs to find some inspiration in a real-life love story of her own. And sheâs ready with a list of romance novel-inspired steps to a happily ever after. Nico, the brooding artist who looks like he walked out of one of Tessaâs stories, is cast as the perfect Prince Charming.
But as Tessa checks each item off Carolineâs list, she gets further and further away from herself. She risks losing everything she cares aboutâincluding the surprising bond she develops with sweet Sam, who lives across the street. Sheâs well on her way to having her own real-life love story, but is it the one she wants, after all?
Elise Bryant was born and raised in Southern California. For many years, Elise had the joy of working as a special education teacher, and now she spends her days writing swoony love stories and eating dessert. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Long Beach. Happily Ever Afters is her debut novel. You can visit her online at www.elisebryant.com.