Life as a teenager is already a challenge. Life as a mute only adds to the chaos, but for Aubrielle Matthews, it’s just a regular day. Balancing being a gold medal gymnast, a social pariah, and backlash for her mutism is nothing new.

If that wasn't already enough, throw in Riverback Heights alum Lynx Peak.

Lynx is the golden boy who returns with some unfinished business. Despite his popularity, he faces demons from his past. On the outside, he’s handsome and rich with a carefree aura, but that’s just on the outside. Much darker and haunted things lie beneath. Lynx knew his return wouldn’t be a warm welcome, but he was shocked by all the changes in the town that never changes.

Can Brie and Lynx find the strength to overcome the poison that is Riverback Heights?

Will Lynx be able to right the wrongs of his past?

Can Brie find the voice the town stole from her? 

The Balancing Act was created by AZW, an eGlobal Creative Publishing signed author.

The Balancing Act

Would it be premature for me to say that my heart literally stopped?


Girlfriend. He wanted me to be his girlfriend. Somebody pinch me because I have to be dreaming or in a parallel universe. There had to be some explanation for this, but as I stared into those green eyes, I couldn’t deny that this was real.


His eyes remained glued to me as he waited for my answer. Why did I have to be so f*cked up that I was afraid to talk? I would’ve screamed yes if I was sure in my voice, but that was still a rocky topic. I was only comfortable still managing to try words in front of my mom. I wasn’t ready to use them around other people yet.


I nodded. Correction, I eagerly nodded my head like a lunatic on a hospital cot.


Women like Ada and girls like Noelle may want Lynx, but he wanted me. He only had eyes for me, and despite the pure, unadulterated rage I felt when Ada winked at him, it didn’t hold a candlestick to the joy I felt at him asking me to be his girlfriend.


Chapter 41: The Great Plan