#Spotlight: 'Love Thyself' by Layla Stevens

Have you ever felt like you were different, like you didn't belong?

Kellie Kingston knows that feeling all too well. She’s not who she pretends to be, instead from the inside out, Kellie is actually Kaleb.

For years, Kaleb has wanted to break free from the reins of Kellie’s lifestyle. He knows he was born in a female’s body, but with a soul of a man.

What happens when skeletons are forced to be kept in dirty closets? No one should judge a person by the gender of their body, but the passions found within their heart.

Will the people of Kaleb’s community ever be able to accept him for who he really is?

Will Kaleb ever be free to truly love himself or will southern socialite secrets keep him hidden forever?

“No, mama, I don’t. I did NOT do this for attention. I couldn't care less if you ever pay attention to me. I want to be free, mama! Can’t you see this? I

have known for years that I was born into the wrong body. Why can’t you accept it? All these years I have lived for you and for once in my life, I want to

live for me. I want to be Kaleb Kingston.”

“Your name is Kellie, not Kaleb. And for the thousandth time, I will not have this conversation with you ever again.”

“Mama, I am telling you this is going to happen. You can be with me and support me or you don’t have to. That is your choice, but one day I will be the man

that I know I am. I’m not fighting this anymore, I am done. Why can’t you see that? Don’t you want me to be happy?”

    When I picked up this story to read, I wasn't sure what it was about. When I found out it was transgender story, I was a little worried whether I would

like it or not. This story is an amazing story of a journey of discovering ones self. Kellie never felt right in her body. She's not Kellie but Kaleb.

Kaleb's journey to becoming who he was suppose to be is not easy. He has people who are accepting of him and other who are not. There are a few twists that

I didn't expect. This is definitely is must read!! A copy was received for a review. –Goodreads Reviewer.

This is an amazing journey of self discovery for Kaleb. The twists and turns kept my fingers turning the page to find out what was going to happen next.

WELL DONE!! Extremely incredible story and I can't wait for more. –Goodreads Reviewer

Love Thyself was packed with drama. But at the center of the story, and the most important part, there was Kellie. Kellie is a teenager struggling with

gender identity. But when Kellie decides to transgender into Kaleb support and secrets come from the most unlikely places. Ultimately, Love Thyself is a

story of acceptance, and a reminder that everyone wants to be loved and accepted for who they really are. –Goodreads Reviewer

    I was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma but moved to Pensacola, Florida in 1996. I have a huge family who I shocked them when I told them I was writing my first

book. I have had a love a reading since I was young. Reading has always been my escape. I can read and be a princess or a warrior. Reading for me was

always something magical. And I hope to pass that on to you all. I am blessed to be the mom of a little girl named Sage who is the light of my life. {I

call her Olga, and she hates it} I did not give birth to her but I choose her. I am blessed with great friends who have always had my back. I have a lot to

learn in this world of writing but, so far I am enjoying the ride. I have a fantastic Four that are my true loves. No names will be mentioned as they know

who they are. I Love you all very much. {I didn't included alters in that comment}. I'm very opinionated and have no filter. I speak my mind without

thinking of the consequences. Does this get me in Trouble? Yes it does every single day. But I will not change. I march to my own beat. My mom says that I can be a one man band. I am always willing to help out anyone who is in need all you have to do is ask. I never knew that writing a book would show me so much about myself. I have learned so much in a short amount of time. And I can't wait to learn more.