The Wattys 2014 "Undiscovered Gem" Stella Henry is afraid of a lot of things. As a child, her simple, comfortable home life did not prepare her for the sort of people whom she would meet as a younger teenager. Now eighteen and a freshman at Clemson University, Stella meets Charlie, who, like her, has long been keeping others at bay. Though his disposition is kind and gentle, Charlie is a boxer, and his world only reminds Stella of elements of her past she would like to forget. When both realize that they have a safe place in one another, they start to overcome their fear of other people, and of letting them get close enough to matter. In many ways, this is a story about allowing people to matter to our lives, and about meaning something to them, in turn. At some point in your day, in your routine, in your life, you will matter to someone. That is a special kind of power, do be careful with it. "We love people not so much for the good they've done us, as for the good we've done them." Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace

❝ They watched the stars, night after night ❞ { Watty 2015 Winner Copyright © republicans. All Rights Reserved }

It started on Wattpad but now is EVERYWHERE with an upcoming film adaptation by Wattpad WEBTOON studios coming to Tubi. Stay tuned for film release updates! In the meantime, read the original story that inspired the film. KISSING IS THE EASY PART is published by Wattpad Books. Please order from the link in my profile. *** Being beautiful might as well be Flora Morgan's only talent. Some of the words she hates include economy class, second-hand clothes, and budget. She likes fashion, dating, not being on time and getting what she wants - until she meets Sean, who is like the clock striking midnight; he erases all her magic power. He is as mature and sophisticated as the dark roasted coffee he drinks, while she is like a lollipop: colorful, dazzling on the outside but empty calories and artificial sweeteners on the inside. The attraction is instant, but getting a kiss is only the first step. To keep their fire burning, they must accept each other's differences and decide if what they're building is strong enough to survive trials, jealousy, expectations, and the fear of becoming someone they no longer recognize.

"It is your choice," he said, stepping so close to me that our lips were almost touching. "Either do what I say - or get another job." My heart stood still as I gazed up into his deep, dark, dangerous eyes... In a world where women's only role in life is to sit at home and look pretty, Lilly is determined to fight for her freedom. There's only one problem: a powerful man blocking her way.

"Promise me this one thing - don't fall in love with me." I only knew his name. Not his story. But he knew mine. And he made sure he took a part of my life, my story, when he left.