Enter the Giveaway ~ ONE NIGHT STANDS AND LESSON PLANS M. by Jayne LaDow #Romance

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. M. Jayne LaDow will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

In the close-knit town of Marchfield, where gossip spreads faster than a teenager’s texts, English teacher Audrey Fremont and Algebra instructor Oz Taylor find themselves at the center of a scandal—and a romance neither saw coming.

A few too many drinks at Happy Hour and a glimpse of his infuriatingly sexy shoulders lead to a one-night stand that should have ended there—but didn’t. Relentlessly organized and a bit of a perfectionist, Audrey is horrified to discover that Oz is one of her new coworkers. Yet, stolen glances in the hallway, moments in the copy room, and snarky banter make keeping it “no strings attached” nearly impossible to maintain.

With meddling friends and nosy colleagues already placing bets on their romance, Audrey and Oz can’t ignore the chemistry simmering between them. But just when Audrey thinks she’s got everything under control, a surprise confession from Oz leaves her questioning everything she thought she knew about love.

In a town where everyone’s watching, Audrey and Oz must decide: will they keep playing it safe, or risk their hearts on a love that could change everything?

Read an Excerpt

Val giggled. “Audrey and Oz were trading tongues."

“Stop it!” Audrey jumped off my lap. I missed her soft, warm body immediately.

“Damn,” Keith whistled. “You do know, Audrey, he uses that tongue to teach math."

Bobby high-fived Keith and then bent over laughing. When Bobby stood back up, her face was red. She gasped for breath between chuckles. Mel patted her back.

I stood up, brushing past my not-so-well-meaning friends to stand by Red.

“Audrey likes big axes," Val rapped while the others laughed. Audrey’s lips twitched and then straightened as she seemed to choke down the urge to join in.

“Sir Mix-A-Lot should sue your ass for butchering his song,” I joked.

And of course, Bobby jumped in. “And when Oz walks in with his big hard ax–”

“Are you buffoons drunk?” I interrupted her, crossing my arms over my chest.

Audrey turned away and let out a soft sound beside me. I heard her take a deep, shaky breath. If these idiots made her cry, they would regret it. I hated it when women cried.

I followed her, reaching over to pat her shoulder. What should I say? When she looked up at me, I braced myself for a look of wet humiliation. But Audrey’s green eyes sparkled as she burst out in laughter.

“Big, hard ax,” she gasped between giggles.

My own lips quivered, and I let out a chuckle. “My ax is pretty impressive.”

About the Author:

M. Jayne LaDow is a playwright and author who leapt into writing romance after spending thirty-three years wrangling middle school English students. Her rom-coms are hilariously inspired by her years in education, where she was regularly pied in the face, sang classroom karaoke, and dressed up like characters from novels. She resides with her very patient husband, two brilliant yet snarky children, three cuddly rescue cats, a toe-biting tortoise, and a bearded dragon who judges her life choices from his terrarium.

Website: https://mjladow.com/
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0D58S6PHL/allbooks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/M-Jayne-LaDow/61559414725278/
Substack: https://substack.com/@mjladow
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjladow/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/m-jayne-ladow
The StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/67d8f1c8-9dbf-4447-a232-b34013a37bfc
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/49955411.M_Jayne_LaDo

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Climate of Monsters ~ Breath of Fire by Mitchell Sanders #mystery #thriller

 

Climate of Monsters: Book2

 

Mystery, Thriller

Date Published: October 31, 2024

 

Saga and George against all odds must embattle the mistress of disease, Pesta, a creature of bone-chilling nightmares that resurfaces from black waters of Merrimack to the Chalrles River to bring a new plague and pestilence upon the world.

Saga Gunderson is a medical doctor that was trained in Sweden Special forces to combat terrorist groups around the world. She currently is a senior officer in Special Joint Operations Consortium (SJOC) Task Force in Sweden and Italy to track down and protect civilians from supernatural encounters. She was also tasked with protecting and serving George Fiori, the world’s last master swordsman to fight these monsters that seem to popup out of nowhere as climate change spirals out of control and the evolution and aggression of these monsters is untenable. George is a complex anti-hero who uses his deadly weaponry (armi mortali) training and neurodivergent gifts of clairvoyance and autism to unravel the mysteries and get to the source of these supernatural encounters to prevent evil from resurfacing and killing innocent victims.

About the Author

Mitchell Sanders is just another ordinary individual. As a scientist and serial entrepreneur, in his spare time he enjoys reading and writing horror books. His inspirations come from his lovely wife and best friend, Elisabeth, and three children and three grandchildren, who encouraged him to write and finish his first book. Mitch spent a good portion of his life studying biomedical sciences and advanced wound care. He has a BA in biology from Boston University with a minor in Latin language and literature, and an MS in molecular biology and a PhD in biomedical sciences, both from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). Mitch did two postdocs at the Whitehead Institute / MIT, a world-renowned nonprofit research institution dedicated to improving human health through basic biomedical research. Mitch is a worldwide expert in wound repair and regeneration. Mitch was formerly founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of a diagnostic company for sixteen years and is currently the chief scientific officer (CSO) of an international health-care tech enabled services firm. His biggest achievement is having three amazing kids (Jake, Mia, and Ben), three exceptional grandchildren (Emma, Corey, and Geo), and an endearing wife, Elisabeth.

 

Contact Link

Website

 

Purchase Link

Amazon

He Chose Me by Diamante Lavendar #Christian #Poetry

 

Reflections On Living A Christian Life

 

Christian Non-fiction/ Christian Art / Poetry / Prose

Date Published: June 12, 2024 (Blurb)/ August 22, 2024 (Amazon)

 

As a new Christian, there were many things that I didn't understand about living a Christian life. Through the years, the Holy Spirit taught me wisdom and understanding which became a guide for me regarding how to live a more loving and accepting life toward myself and others.

This book is a collection of some of those truths. It is my attempt to help those who are new to the Christian faith. I hope that it will guide readers to understand God's ways with a new perspective and passion.

Walking with God is truly a mystery and an adventure-it is the journey of a lifetime! He is our greatest treasure and our very best friend. I hope to not only convey those truths through my writing, but also to warm the hearts and souls of those who read this gift book with His love and light at the same time! God bless and enjoy!

About the Author

Diamante Lavendar is an award-winning Christian author and artist.  She writes about topics such as living by faith, finding hope to persevere in life, and overcoming pain and hardship.  She is also the founder of Timeless Reflections Magazine.  To learn more, please visit diamantelavendar.com.

 

Contact Links

Website

Facebook

Twitter:  @DiamanteLavenda

Goodreads

Pinterest

 

Purchase Links

Amazon

Kobo

Blurb

B&N

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

CURVEBALLS by Gail Taylor #SelfHelp #Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Gail Taylor will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Here you are on the brink of a journey all about self-discovery and chasing dreams. With personal stories and tools that shaped the author's path, she focuses on embracing authenticity. You'll explore how living with purpose and passion is achievable. This personal-growth book combines cutting-edge technology and music interaction, reflecting the author's belief that music can transform and positively impact individuals and communities.

Read an Excerpt

If we could look through the ideas swimming around in virtually any person’s head, we would likely find a few limiting beliefs. We can all relate to harbouring these self-defeating thoughts; however, you could build awareness around where limiting beliefs show up for you, and remove them from your mind like gardeners remove weeds from their cherished crops.

Before we talk more about defeating the beliefs that hold you back in life, we will define “limiting beliefs.” First, the adjective “limiting” is not one you would want to use frequently if you are striving to become your best self. We can focus on perceiving our possibilities and abilities as having few limits. The second word, “beliefs,” is also important to consider. We are not talking about facts when we discuss limiting beliefs. They are not necessarily logic or fact-based thoughts, such as two plus two equals four. Beliefs, limited or not, are simply ideas you have based on your past experiences. Unfortunately, they can manifest as a thought or state of mind that you think is the absolute truth and that is what can stop you from doing certain things. They can also be formed by well-meaning people trying to protect you from hurt or embarrassment.

Limiting beliefs are something you might have adopted at an early age, accepting them as facts. You didn’t do well on a math test so decided you couldn’t work with numbers . . . ever. Nerves got the best of you during a class presentation, so you avoided public speaking for the next three decades. A Grade 3 music teacher told you you couldn’t sing, so you never sang again. This is NOT cool, but I actually met a young woman in vocal classes that experienced this, and she had a beautiful voice.

Obviously, beliefs can wield enormous power over your life. The people who have mastered the power of belief are the ones who have learned that self-fulfilling prophecies often manifest in their lives. This explains the optimistic nature of the predictions they make. I fit squarely into the optimist box, and I am constantly and affectionately informed by my husband, Harold, that I wear rose-coloured glasses. Heck, I sleep in them!

I came across this saying early in my journey: “If you think you can, you’re right, and if you think you can’t, you’re right.” How can both possibilities be true? Both possibilities consider the incredible influence your beliefs have over the outcomes. Limiting beliefs can have the power to shut down your dreams before you even start to chase them. The upside is that, once you learn to recognize these adverse beliefs, you can challenge them, which results in their losing their ability to interfere with your growth.

I have found over the years that people have limiting beliefs of various types. They tend to contain phrases like, “I cannot,” “I will never,” “There is no point in trying,” and “I tried that before and it didn’t work, so no use trying again.” They often grow stronger when they are allowed to take up permanent residence in your head. Repeated enough, they become part of you. I have one I’ll share. “I grew up in a family that had no desire for material goods, so I must be damaged for wanting a sports car or a luxury coat.” You can become so attached to these limiting beliefs that you feel threatened when something or someone challenges them.

Imagine your optimistic friend is encouraging you to go back to school (for my friends, the optimist would be me). “You would be great at operations management,” the friend says. “Think of everything you could do with that degree.”

About the Author: Gail Taylor, a Canadian songwriter, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and author, is celebrated for inspiring others to take charge of their lives. With forty years of studying personal growth and peak performance, she proves that designing your own life is possible, regardless of your beginnings. Her expertise has made her a sought-after guest on numerous podcasts.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Curveballs-Unlocking-Potential-Personal-Inspirational/dp/1779622015/ref=sr_1_1

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Best Man by Willa Okati #Gay #Romance @Changelingpress

 

Gay Romance Novella

Date Published: December 6, 2024

 

Taking chances is what Alexander lives for – especially when it comes to love.

 

Alexander’s a man of uncommonly happy disposition. His luck always holds true, and he takes chances with cheerful abandon. When he sees a Christmas Eve wedding running amok and a hot best man in need of help before Bridezilla goes boom, it’s second nature for him to step in and lend a hand -- especially with regard to the delectable best man, Noah. He’ll offer that one anything he needs -- a hand, a mouth, an… ahem.

And why not? The way Alexander sees it, he’s having fun and earning good karma -- and he might just already be falling in love.

 

 

Excerpt

Copyright ©2024 Will Okati

 

If a man acted as if he belonged in any given place, people usually didn’t ask questions. Alexander took the steps at an easygoing pace and casually strolled to the lovely man’s side. “Need a hand?”

“I could use three, to be honest.” Pretty eased a double stack of linen napery on a bare table and stretched his arms, pulling each at the wrists to release the cramped muscles. Alexander could massage those for him, but… later. “Do I know you?”

Beauty and brains. “Not in the least,” Alexander replied, twinkling at him. “I was passing by and thought I’d see if Good Samaritans were still in style.”

Pretty rubbed his arms as he gave Alexander a once-over of bemusement and perhaps a bit of appreciation. “At least you’re honest. If you promise not to take off with a box of table favors or hit on one of the bridesmaids, then be my guest. I’m serious about the bridesmaids. I love my sister -- the bride -- but if one more thing sends her off the deep end --”

Alexander laughed. “Don’t worry. About the bride or the bridesmaids.” He winked. “They aren’t what caught my eye.”

“Is that a fact?” Pretty’s cheeks turning faintly pink, and the appearance of a small smile gave him away. “That makes two of us.”

“You’re honest, too. And beautiful.”

The pink darkened to crimson. “And you’re a flatterer.” That would have been worrisome if he hadn’t grinned at him and pushed one-half of the napery Alexander’s way. “If you’re sure you want to get involved in the madness… then you can be my guest.”

“You can trust me,” Alexander said, ripe with confidence. “Watch.” He took the top cloth off the stack and gave it a good snap, meant to send a long cloth billowing out.

It would have been more impressive if said cloth hadn’t turned out to be a dinner napkin.

Pretty burst into laughter. “I have to keep you now. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I turned you out to wreak havoc on general society.” His cheeks remained pink and his blue eyes lambent. He offered his hand. “Noah McMasters. Call me Noah.”

Alexander took Noah’s hand. A very nice hand it was, too, slim and smooth but firm. “Alexander.”

A hint of dimples enriched Noah’s smile. “Just Alexander?”

“I have a surname, but I’ll make you work for that one.” Alexander winked at Noah -- the name fit him as well as a tailored glove, small and lovely -- and draped the napkin over his arm. He clicked his heels together and bowed from the waist. “Right now, I await your command. Tell me what you want from me and I’m yours.”

Noah ran him over with an assessing gaze, and no, “ran him over” wasn’t hyperbole. Technically, yes, but the sense of his taking Alexander’s measure left Alexander feeling as if he’d been subjected to the tender mercies of a steamroller with amorous intentions.

Amorous, though, that was good. And clever. That was better.

“What would you have done if I’d told you that I didn’t need help?”

Alexander gave that the consideration it was due; precisely half a second. “I’d have tried my luck down a different road that led to the same place, because if all this has to get laid out before the wedding, which I’m guesstimating is less than an hour or two away --” he waited for Noah’s nod --”you need the help. So why not? And if you want me to hit the road instead, all you have to do is say. I’ll wish you well and be on my way.”

Noah snorted delicately. “I actually believe you, and that makes you different from at least seventy-five percent of the guys I’ve known.”

“Wait.” Alexander dropped his handful of cutlery with a clatter. “How many of those guys --?”

“One ‘no really means yes, doesn’t it?’ was all it took,” Noah said. “I push the rest out at arm’s length as soon as I know what I’m dealing with. I’m pretty and I’m small, but I learn quickly, I’m sneaky and I’m fast and I don’t fight by the Marquis of Queensbury rules.” He laughed. “Look at you. I can tell what’s going through your head right now, you know. Where do I find them and how do I hurt them?”

“If you’d ever let me finish a sentence, I might confirm that.”

“I find preempting the obvious saves time and I take it as a personal challenge.”

Noah hefted the crate that looked far too heavy for him onto his hip and nodded toward the tables. “I’ll say leave the linens alone, but if you’re determined to lend a hand, then get lending. Follow behind me and lay out the candles and other claptrap. Deal?”

“Aye, aye, sir.”

“Sir. I could get used to that. Come on, this way. We’ll start at the end and work our way up. I like to take my time and do it right.”

“No sense in not bringing your A-game if the situation calls for it.”

Noah chuckled. “You’re adorable when you try to flirt.” He separated the napkins from the tablecloths and handed Alexander half. “Are you coming?”

Yes, and probably very soon.

 

About the Author

Willa Okati (AKA Will) is made of many things: imagination, coffee, stray cat hairs, daydreams, more coffee, kitchen experimentation, a passion for winter weather, a little more coffee, a whole lot of flowering plants and a lifelong love of storytelling. Will's definitely one of the quiet ones you have to watch out for, though he -- not she anymore -- is a lot less quiet these days.

 

Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @changelingpress

 

 

Pre-Order Today