Men of the 65th by Talia Aikens-Nuñez

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Talia Aikens-Nunez will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Honor and Fidelity. That is the motto of the 65th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Borinqueneers, the only Puerto Rican unit in the United States Army.

Since the regiment’s creation in 1899, the men of the 65th have proudly served the US through multiple wars, despite facing racial discrimination. Their courage, loyalty, and patriotism earned them hundreds of accolades, including the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014.

But the honor and fidelity of the men of the 65th came into question in 1952, in the midst of the Korean War, when ninety-one Borinqueneers were arrested and tried for desertion and disobeying orders. How could this happen in one of the most distinguished and decorated units of the Army?

In this telling of one of the forgotten stories of the Korean War, author Talia Aikens-Nuñez guides us through the history of the Borinqueneers and the challenges they faced leading up to what was the largest court martial in the entire war. Rediscover the bravery of the men of the 65th through Aikens-Nuñez’s thorough writing and the soldiers’ firsthand accounts of the Korean War.

Read an Excerpt

The Borinqueneers successfully defended the 1st Marine Division’s retreat, but they soon realized this was only part of a much larger withdrawal of UNC [United Nations Command] troops. As the retreat continued into mid-December, news came that the enemy buildup had accelerated. Chinese and North Korean forces were gathering and converging on Hungnam. The UNC’s worst fears were coming true: they were losing ground in the war.

They had to accelerate their plans in response to protect their troops and evacuate the Korean refugees that had fled to Hungnam. They ordered troops to board ships, division by division, and sail south to Pusan… Meanwhile, the 65th and the 3rd Infantry Divisions would hold the main line of resistance, providing enough cover for everyone to make it safely out of Hungnam…With each withdrawal, the enemy continued to push the Borinqueneers and the 3rd Infantry Division.

…They were exhausted from several days of fighting…The soldiers of the 65th were some of the last to leave Hungnam. They were hurried and squeezed tightly onto the final boats. Finally, they could rest and relax. Once they left, the military would destroy the port so the enemy could not use the equipment and facilities against them.

…After they loaded onto the final ship and set sail, the dynamite detonated. The soldiers looked back and watched the port explode…everything – erupted in smoke and flame.

About the Author:

Talia Aikens-Nuñez writes chapter books, picture books, and nonfiction for children. Her daughter inspired her to write her OMG Series of books about an accidental little witch. She and her husband live on a river in Connecticut with their daughter and son.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Men-65th-Borinqueneers-Korean-War-ebook/dp/B0BNT3ZRZQ/

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Beautiful One by Mary Cope

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. A randomly drawn winner will receive a $25 Amazon/BN gift card. Click on the tour banner to see the ther stops on the tour.

How do you develop your characters and ensure they feel authentic and relatable to readers?

I start by creating a character profile, I jot down basic details like their name, age, appearance, and background. Next, I define their goals and motivations, digging deep to understand what drives them. I give them strengths and weaknesses to make them more relatable and complex. I then develop a detailed backstory for my character, exploring how their past experiences have shaped who they are. I consider their relationships with others, including family, friends, and romantic partners.

In my writing, I show my character's personality through their dialogue and actions, allowing readers to understand them better. As the story progresses, I allow my character to evolve, changing and growing based on their experiences.

I also draw inspiration from real-life people and events to create more authentic and relatable characters.

What’s the favorite part of the writing process for a writer?

My favorite part of the writing process is when inspiration strikes and I get that initial spark of an idea. I love developing that idea, fleshing it out, and watching it grow into a full-fledged story or concept.

I really enjoy creating characters and bringing them to life on the page. It's exciting to explore their personalities, backgrounds, and motivations, and to see how they interact with each other and the world around them.

The first draft is where I feel most free as a writer. I love being able to let my ideas flow without worrying too much about perfection, knowing that I can always go back and revise later.

As a published author, one of the most rewarding aspects of writing is connecting with readers who are touched or inspired by my work. It's incredibly fulfilling to know that my words have resonated with others.

How important do you think social media and online platforms are for modern authors?

I believe social media is extremely important for modern authors. Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram can help you reach an audience far beyond what you might have imagined. However, navigating social media can be challenging, especially when it comes to gaining followers and addressing issues like bots and hackers.

For example, my Facebook author page was recently hacked, resulting in being locked out of my account and losing all of my 900 hard-earned followers. It was so frustrating, I literally wanted to cry. Despite the setback, I will continue to reach out, rebuild my fanbase and try and reach new followers.

Can you share any details about your current work in progress?

I'm currently working on the sequel, "Beautiful Mess," which delves into the aftermath of the love triangle from "Beautiful One," centering on the character Elizabeth didn't choose. This character sets out on a journey of self-discovery, redemption, and rediscovering love. While I don't want to give away too much, readers can anticipate a heartfelt narrative that explores the complexities of relationships, healing and the search for inner peace.

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.

Read an 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.

About the Author:

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.

Website: https://www.marycopeauthor.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/marycope_author?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw==
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaryCope_Author
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557161136038

Beautiful One was just announced as the YA first place winner in the NEST awards.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-One-Mary-Cope/dp/1505601800

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