How to Be a Heartbreaker

Seventeen-year-old Rachel McLain is heartbroken when her boyfriend publicly dumps her at the town Sonic, saying that she’s “too vanilla.” So what, just because she does everything she’s supposed to do to be a good Cherokee girl like her family expects, that makes her boring?

Rachel is still stewing over this insult when she encounters a mysterious auntie named Meli. Meli’s like a mixture of Buffy Saint-Marie and Dolly Parton—all confidence and swagger, and her appearance causes a stir in the tight knit conservative community. Everywhere she goes, men fall in love with her. One thing’s for sure—she is the opposite of vanilla.

Rachel is determined to get Meli to teach her how to be confident. With any luck, she’ll make her ex regret breaking up with her. But when she finally tracks Meli down, Rachel discovers the truth—Meli’s a deer lady, a Cherokee spirit who is a danger to men but a protector to women and children. Meli will help Rachel, but only if she protects her secret.

As Rachel gets lessons on love and confidence from Meli, she not only begins to feel a connection with the super-cute new guy at school, but she starts breaking all the rules of what “good girls” are supposed to do—and people are starting to take note. But tribal elections are coming up, and the Chief is determined to maintain the status quo. Can Rachel gain the confidence she needs, protect Meli, and even fall in love along the way?