The Learn-It-All Leader: Mindset, Traits and Tools by Damon Lembi Review

I received a free copy if this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Author Damon Lembi shares the secret behind the success of leaders who embrace the journey and learn the ways of becoming a successful leader for their company in the book “The Learn-It-All Leader: Mindset, Traits and Tools”.

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The Synopsis

Great leaders aren’t born. They’re not made, either. 

They’re in the making. 

They’re constantly creating and re-creating themselves, their companies, and their leadership.

Too often, the bottom line in business is valued more than the journey endured to get there. But the journey is where real growth occurs. It’s where lifelong learners reap the benefit of vital lessons, students thrive, and scholars stall out. It’s where leaders distinguish themselves from managers and progress is more valuable than achievement.

If you’re a learn-it-all leader, you embrace the journey because there you become exceptional.

In The Learn-It-All Leader, Learnit CEO Damon Lembi shares:

  • How being a “Learn-it-All” vs “Know-it-All will set you up for success and get you invited to more happy hours!
  • A three-step approach to overcoming imposter syndrome
  • How to use Purposeful Awfulizing to overcome fear and build resilience
  • Discover why treating your employees as a team rather than as family can lead to greater success
  • Why you should choose potential over experience in the hiring process
  • Learn what “Trust Tax” is and why it’s worth paying
  • How a leader’s personal model of integrity is crucial to creating trust and a thriving workplace
  • A proven model for building great teams
  • How implementing a culture of continuous learning & professional development helps attract & retain talent
  • Why you should focus on elevating strengths over improving weaknesses


With entertaining anecdotes and inspirational examples, The Learn-It-All Leader is a compelling guide to being your best and playing to winevery time.

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The Review

This was an incredibly well-written and captivating read. The author does an amazing job early on in establishing a personal connection with the reader with an intimate writing style while also demonstrating authority and expertise in the subject matter through the detailed guide and knowledge the book imparts to the reader. The applications of the author’s work to both real-life situations and business as a whole were great to see illustrated in the author’s writing.

For me, the heart of this narrative came down to the difference established between managers and leaders, and the concept of an ever-evolving growth in becoming a leader. The way author dives into the different ways in which people learn, and how those who take a more scholarly approach and can use the lessons taught in school in their everyday life make great managers, while great leaders are always learning and growing and the world is their classroom, so to speak. The emphasis put on learning on a consistent level throughout one’s life and career was so inspiring, as it gives everyone a fair and hopeful chance at improving their life and becoming more than what the world says they should be, and the applications for these lessons in a more business sense were well developed.

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The Verdict

Memorable, educational, and inspiring, author Damon Lembi’s “The Learn-It-All Leader: Mindset, Traits and Tools” is a must-read nonfiction book on business and growth as a leader. The straightforward and honest writing style and the impact of the author’s lessons and experiences will give readers the boost of hope and confidence they need to absorb not only the author’s information, but the lessons life has to teach us all in the years ahead of us. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Damon Lembi is CEO of Learnit, a global leader in corporate training solutions that has upskilled more than 1.8 million professionals in the past twenty-seven years. Damon lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and loves books, live music, and above all, spending time with his wife, Cara Mia; their two kids, Luciana and Walter; and Pablo the Puggle.

https://www.learnit.com/

The Tattoo Murders by Gary Westphalen Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A shocking and disturbed killer on a mission to recover his stolen “honor” brings an intense manhunt and two seasoned detectives eager to bring the killer to justice themselves in author Gary Westphalen’s “The Tattoo Murders”.

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The Synopsis

When the man’s honor has been stolen, it is up to him to get it back. He needs to take care of business. Settling these scores means a series of cross-country journeys that leaves a trail of death. This quest to regain Honor captures the attention of an FBI Task Force that always seems to be a step ahead of the man, but is really a step or two behind. Maybe that’s because the man is getting help from a group of insightful characters that may or may not be real. Author Gary Westphalen masterfully blends a crime thriller plot with just enough seemingly supernatural elements to keep you guessing and flipping pages nonstop in this epic adventure, which is inspired by a true story.

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The Review

This is a compelling and captivating thriller. The author does a wonderful job of diving into the psychological aspect of this thriller and exploring the chilling nature of humanity as a whole. The tension and heart-pounding action that this story infuses into the narrative are powerful and leave a lasting impression on the reader. The strong imagery the author uses in their work highlights the coast-to-coast setting in the U.S. and the atmosphere the author infuses into the narrative.

To me, what always stands out in a Gary Westphalen thriller is the true story the novel is based on and the rich themes the story touches upon. The action and suspense only serve to highlight these ideas, as the discussion around themes of mental illness, anti-humanism, and mankind’s connection to nature as a whole become prominent, as does the nature of media and communication in the 21st century and its impact on society as a whole. The chilling realities that the true story’s impact has on the author’s tale showcase the darker side of human nature, while the narrative and the true story also showcase the brighter spots of humanity and those willing to fight to protect it.

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The Verdict

Memorable, haunting, and engaging, author Gary Westphalen’s “The Tattoo Murders” is a must-read psychological thriller that readers won’t want to put down. The heart-pounding tension and rich exploration of both the investigator’s and killer’s points of view will keep readers on the edge of their seats, and the brilliant writing itself will have readers eager for more of the author’s incredible body of work. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Gary Westphalen has spent most life in pursuit of the truth. First as a journalist working for local television stations, then moving on to work for national news organizations, eventually finding himself as part of the White House reporting teams for a major television network, where he engaged in verbal sparring with every President from Ronald Reagan to Barack Obama.

He also found time to work as an independent documentary film-maker, garnering numerous major awards for his work. He went on to NASA, where he produced several major documentary productions for the space agency.

Gary’s next journalistic adventure was as publisher of a major motorcycle magazine.

Now, Gary finds himself living on a Pacific coast beach in Costa Rica, where he has reinvented himself yet again as as an author and audio book narrator. His first two books have received great critical acclaim and the pipeline is full up upcoming books.

Guest Blog Post and Blog Tour for Author A.K. Holubek’s “The Empath and the Soldier”

The Empath and the Soldier

Guest Post

Thanks for the opportunity to talk a little about my new book. In this post, I’d like to discuss one of the central themes of The Empath and the Soldier and where it originated

Growing up, I was obsessed with the movie Stand by Me. As a lonely tween and adolescent, I longed, almost ached, for the kind of friendship shared by the four main characters. In the middle of my fourth-grade year, my dad had moved us from Indiana, where I had multiple close friends, to Colorado, where I had none. For some reason I had quite a bit of trouble making new friends in our new home, and for many years I was a lonely, reclusive kid who spent hours either reading or creating imaginary worlds. So the camaraderie between the four boys in the movie was a glimpse into a world I felt I was missing out on.

Actually, looking back, I can guess why making friends was so difficult for me. I think even my pre-pubescent self knew that I was different from other boys. And it wasn’t just that I didn’t care much for sports and loved musical theater. Deep down, I knew that somehow my feelings for other boys were different than what they felt for me. I also knew that these feelings would be considered grotesque by other kids my age. I kept my distance from everyone else in order to keep them from finding out who I really was and because I didn’t think they’d like me anyway. Who wants to be around a gay kid who’d rather watch The Sound of Music than a football game?

In junior high and high school, I did hang out with people, but I never really was myself with them. It was more like I was playing the part of a typically straight, male teenager. With other boys, I pretended to like girls and be interested in “typical boy stuff.” But I wasn’t very good at this pretense, so I mostly kept quiet, earning a reputation as the tall, quiet guy who was maybe a little boring, but at least harmless.

I felt much more comfortable with my female friends. At least with them I didn’t have to feign excitement for things that were of no interest to me. But still, I held some part of me back. I was certain even they would think less of me if they knew who I truly was.

It wasn’t until my senior year of high school and into college that I finally began to make friends with whom I felt I really belonged. People who I somehow knew would accept all of me, not just a filtered version. Eventually, I came out to these friends and my instincts were proved correct; they didn’t think any less or any different of me. 

It would be impossible to adequately describe the absolute elation and contentment I felt after finding a group of friends that fit me. I finally had a crew, a squad, that I could count on, and who counted on me. I finally had what the kids in Stand by Me had. These friendships would become the benchmark against which I would measure all future friendships. I won’t call anyone a real friend until I reach the same level of comfort with them that I felt with my first group of close friends.

Finally finding “my people” in high school was such a significant point in my life, that I made it one of the central themes in The Empath and the Soldier. In the book we see the main character, Tyrran, really start to blossom as a person after finally finding a group of people with whom he feels he can relate. It’s through them that he learns self-confidence and gains self-esteem because they value him for who he is.

When I tell people about books that inspired my novel, I usually mention other fantasy books like Lord of the Rings or even the novels of Jane Austen, upon which the book’s setting is modeled. But I often forget to mention that, outside all the fantastical elements and the Bridgerton-esque backdrop, this novel is really about friendship, inspired by books and movies like Stand by Me, but also by my own experiences. One core message I hope readers take away from The Empath and the Soldier is that there’s a group out there for everyone, and if you’re at a particularly lonely or friendless point in life, know that you can and will eventually find people that fit you. It may take some time, but they’re out there. 

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The Empath and the Soldier - A.K. Holubek

A.K. Holubek has a new MM Regency period fantasy book out, The Unconventionals book 1: The Empath and the Soldier. And there’s a giveaway.

The situation seemed hopeless. But Tyrran couldn’t pretend to be ignorant of the danger and just wait for his home to disintegrate around him.

As a Favored male, Tyrran belongs to a select group of men born with one of the Four Gifts, a blessing usually reserved for women. Quiet, introverted, and filled with self-doubt, Tyrran has always struggled with living up to the responsibilities that come with being Gifted. Still, he had managed to achieve the near impossible — admission to the prestigious Lyceum Institute in Corvit, the Coarian Sovereignty’s bustling capital city. With this success, Tyrran’s future seems clear: the best education, a position in a Temple, and, one day, marriage to a young man of good fortune.

That is, until sinister forces intervene to shove him down a much bleaker path. Tyrran’s plans are thrown into upheaval when a deadly attack reveals the existence of an insidious evil festering within the ranks of the Sovereignty’s elite.

Now, he must use the privileges afforded him as a Lyceum student to uncover the secrets of a corrupt government. Targeted by relentless assassins and trying to ignore his growing attachment to the handsome exchange student Adwin, Tyrran must gather trustworthy allies to face the dangers that threaten to tear apart his nation and his home.

Bridgerton meets The Magicians in this fantasy novel about the importance of confidence and the strength of friendship.

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Giveaway

A.K. is giving away a $20 Amazon gift card with this tour:

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Excerpt

The Empath and The Soldier meme

At that moment they stopped suddenly, startled by someone crawling out of the pond almost directly in front of them. The someone turned out to be a man—an East Silacian, Tyrran noted right away, due to his black skin. He was shirtless, wearing only white tights, and he looked about Tyrran’s age. He was shorter than Tyrran and his chest, stomach, and arms were muscular—sculpted was the more appropriate term, his skin stretched tight over every muscle. His physique was compact rather than large, he had deep brown eyes, and his black hair was cut close to his head.

Tyrran had always suspected that the Silacian reputation for beauty was exaggerated, stemming from the inferiority complex Coarians held towards Silacians, whose empire was much larger, wealthier, and more advanced than the Sovereignty. But if Nyri and this man were any indication, then their reputed good looks were understated if anything.

“Good morning, soldier,” the man said, addressing Lena as he wiped water from his face with his hands. He spoke the Common Tongue with a sophisticated accent that sounded very similar to Nyri’s.

“Good morning, Adwin,” Lena replied, looking puzzled. “Did you, uh, fall in the pond?”

“Not at all. I was just going for a morning swim.” He smiled as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

“In public? In the middle of campus?”

“But of course. This appears to be the closest body of water to our college. However, by your expressions, I assume Coarian notions of decorum discourage public bathing. I did swim wearing my tights, since I know public nudity is frowned upon.”

He may as well have removed them, for what little use they were in covering his nudity. The material clung to his skin, revealing bulging leg muscles as well as other bulges that Tyrran was making a concerted effort not to stare at.

“We do tend to prefer bathing in secluded areas,” Lena said. “Spaces set aside for bathing. Like the bathhouse next to the Barracks House, for instance.”

“I did try the bathhouse, but the water is heated. Quite uncomfortable on a warm day like today. Do you suppose I shall be sent packing back to Silacia for this breach of conduct?” An impudent grin spread across his face.

“It’s early enough that I’m sure no one but us has seen you. Though I do suggest you put the rest of your clothes back on soon. Where are they, by the by?”

“My clothes? I left them further down the trail. In truth, I was swimming about the pond for exercise rather than for bathing, then I saw the two of you and thought to come greet you. And now I think I have finished with swimming. Would you mind accompanying me to fetch my clothes?”

Tyrran could see that Lena was annoyed by the request and had every intention of replying in the negative. But Tyrran didn’t want Adwin to be offended, so he quickly spoke up.

“We would be happy to.”

That earned him an evil look from Lena.

Adwin offered his arm to Tyrran. “Adwin Mekalbe, at your service.”

Tyrran grasped his forearm, “Tyrran Kens, at yours,” he replied, trying to keep his voice from squeaking.

“I assume you do not attend the Military College,” Adwin continued, as the three of them resumed walking along the trail.

“No, I’m at Roothe College. Lena and I are friends from Temple Academy.”

“Ah, yes. In Hifield City. I am truly sorry about the attacks. I do hope you were not directly affected.”


Author Bio

A.K. Holubek

The moment A.K. Holubek stumbled across a ragged copy of The Fellowship of the Ring in his elementary school library, his life changed forever. The rest of his childhood, his adolescence, and even his college years were spent living only part time in the real world. He much preferred spending time in the fantasy lands of his imagination than in the reality of life as a closeted gay kid. As real life got better, he left his fantasy worlds behind. But a few years ago, those worlds called him to return, and to share his created worlds with others who might also need a place to escape. He now endeavors to carry out this mission from his home in Baltimore, supported by his husband and two ridiculous cats.

Author Website: http://theunconventionals.com

Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/andrew.holubeck

Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/akholubek

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunconventionalsbooks/

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Delos: The Moon’s Eye (Delos Book Two) by Blake Miller Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Four teens in a magical world must go on a quest to save the Lil of Lurkur and must complete an ancient test that no one has passed in thousands of years in author Blake Miller’s “Delos: The Moon’s Eye”, the second book in the Delos series.

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The Synopsis

DELOS: BOOK TWO

The magikal world gets even larger, the adventure gets even more thrilling, and the mysteries get even more intriguing in the second installment of this epic fantasy series, where climaxes and anticlimaxes once again abound, keeping you glued to the story.

THE QUEST OF SIX WATERS

When Cynthia Summers and Kaden Krossway learn that the Lil of Lurkur has gone missing, they join up with Alec Mulsiver and a surprising fourth com-panion to find her. This leads to another trip into Lurkur Woods, a haunting discovery about what has happened to the Lil, and then to Diluvium where they must undergo the Quest of Six Waters to claim what they need to save the Lil’s life: the Seventh Water. The problem is, no one has survived the Quest in over 6,000 years. . . .

The amazing story of Cynthia, Kaden and Alec continues.

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The Review

This was a truly captivating and imaginative sci-fi and fantasy novel. The author brilliantly draws the reader into the narrative immediately, starting with a shocking encounter with a stalker searching for the twins and moving into a cosmos-spanning disappearance that could have serious ramifications. The world-building in this book is top tier, with the author doing an amazing job of using imagery to bring each world and unique territory to life in the writing while also giving newcomers a chance to fully immerse themselves into this unique story and the worlds it inhabits. 

The air of mystery and magic that permeates throughout this novel and the dazzling imagery found in the author’s writing really kept this book in my mind in the weeks of reading it. The shocking twists in the protagonists Kaden and Cynthia’s backstories and their connection, as well as the level of importance they gain as the story progresses, kept me invested in the narrative fully, and the dynamic chemistry between the friends as they set out on this adventure balanced out with the adversarial role the antagonists had on these heroes and their journey. 

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The Verdict

Gripping, magical, and entertaining, author Blake Miller’s “Delos: The Moon’s Eye” is a fantastic sci-fi meets fantasy YA and Epic Fantasy novel. The complex yet engaging aspect of the world-building felt very much like the addicting story arcs found in series like Game of Thrones, and yet the connection to Earth and our modern world blended with the cosmic level of the storytelling made this feel like GoT meets Star Wars meets any YA high-school supernatural thriller found in stores today. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of this truly incredible read today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Blake is a graduate of Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA, and Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. He currently resides in his hometown of Lexington, KY, where he is hard at work on the second book in the DELOS series.

Visit him at www.hierophantpress.com or www.delosthewhitetree.com

Contact him at info@hierophantpress.com

Follow him on Twitter @BlakeMiller_DWT for exclusive reveals about the second book in the DELOS series!

Free Me by Beck Grey Blog Tour + Excerpt

Free Me - Beck Grey

Beck Grey has a new queer romance book out (gender-fluid, gay, trans), Love in the Pacific Northwest book 4: Free Me. And there’s a giveaway.

A gender-fluid cutie, a workaholic hottie, and a hookup gone right.

Blake

No romantic relationship could ever compete with my dream job. Sure, it gets lonely, but that’s what occasional hookups are for. Work-life balance? Who cares? I certainly don’t. Until chest pains bring me to my knees and land me in the emergency room.

It’s a wake-up call I can’t afford to ignore.

When my well-meaning family encourages me to make some major life changes, like hiring a meditation and physiotherapist, whatever that is, I’m worried enough to agree.

Imagine my surprise when my practitioner turns out to be the hookup I haven’t been able to forget.

Stef

What’s a fabulously vivacious gender-fluid beauty to do when stress is high and Prince Charmings aren’t lined up at their door? Head to the club to recharge my sparkle on the dance floor. I have no intention of hooking up with anyone. Hookups are not my thing.

Usually.

Then I see the slightly older hottie in the Tom Ford suit, and all my self-restraint goes up in a blast of glitter.

When it turns out he’s my new meditation client and my friend’s older brother, I’m sure the universe is messing with me.

Because mixing business with pleasure is a huge no-no.

So why does my heart keep shouting yes?

Free Me is a low-angst, opposites attract, worlds collide, contemporary LGBTQ romance about a hookup gone right. It contains no cheating, and a guaranteed HEA.

Warnings: Transphobia by a member of the LGBTQ community on a member of the community

About the Series:

Turns out, perfection isn’t a prerequisite for happiness.

Whether it’s risking your heart on a hookup, falling for your brother’s best friend, taking that second chance when it arrives, or pursuing a relationship that doesn’t look like everyone else’s — life is complex, but love doesn’t have to be.

Snarky, sweet and spicy, Love in the Pacific Northwest is a first person POV, low-medium angst, open door, contemporary LGBTQ romance series of interconnected standalones. No cheating and a guaranteed HEA every time!

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Giveaway

Beck is giving away a $20 Amazon gift card with this tour:

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Excerpt

Free Me meme

I walk out to the bedroom balcony and look down at the patio. Blake is lounging by the pool in swim trunks and sunglasses, reading a book. He looks incredibly relaxed, and it makes my heart happy. “Hey, handsome.” He glances up and his face breaks into a wide grin. Okay, yes, we’ve been together for a few months, but his smile still makes my insides all melty and warm. “You want to come in and eat, or should I bring the food out?”

“Put on a suit and come down. This is my big plan for the day.” He gestures to the pool area and waves his book.

I lean my elbows on the railing and grin down at him. “If you’re trying to seduce me, it’s working.”

“Excellent. Step one in my evil plan is complete. Now come down here. I missed you.”

“Be down in a sec!” I hurry inside, strip out of my work clothes, then lather myself in the sunscreen that smells like coconut. Blake loves the scent, and I love how he nuzzles my neck when I use it. I pull on my tiniest black and white print swim briefs, grab a beach towel from the closet and the food bags from the kitchen counter, and hurry down to the game room and out to the patio. “Should we eat at the table or on the loungers like heathens?”

Blake glances up from his book and his eyes lock on my tiny swimsuit. I do a slow spin, giving him a good view of my ass. “Like?”

He pulls his sunglasses to the end of his nose and peers over them. “That’s new.” His voice is thick with lust. Oh, yeah. Mission accomplished.

“It is! And it’s so adorable!”

Blake licks his lips. “And so tiny.”

“I had a feeling you might like it.” I skip past him to the table and deposit the bags.

Blake practically growls and grabs my hips the moment I put the bags down. “Come here.”

I laugh as he manhandles me, hauling me close and inhaling my skin. He drags his nose across my abdomen and my cock stirs, eager to join in the fun, but my stomach growls with hunger. “Mmm. I’m fully on board with whatever you’re planning here, Darling, but we should eat before the food gets cold.”

Blake bites my hip. “We can heat it up.”

My laugh quickly turns to a gasp as his tongue teases above the edge of my suit. It’s all I can do not to press his head a few inches lower. “Blake, Darling, I have souvlaki and Greek salad.”

He hums and sits back, waggling his eyebrows at me. “You know I love Greek.”

I snort at his double entendre. “As do I, my darling. So let’s eat.” I wink at him. “Then we can eat.”

His chuckle warms every part of me. He pushes to his feet with a sigh. “If we must, we must.”

“We must.” I press up on my tiptoes and pucker up.

He obliges me, but turns my expected quick press of lips into a lingering kiss that curls my toes and has me second-guessing my stance on eating first. As I’m about to give in, he lets me go and pats my backside. “C’mon. Let’s feed you so we can move on to other enjoyable things.”


Author Bio

Beck Grey logo

Beck is a non-binary writer of sweet, sexy, LGBTQ happily ever afters. Why? Because everyone deserves all the happy! They live in the Northeastern United States with their two adorable dogs.

Weekdays are spent working their day job, but nights and weekends are devoted to writing stories involving hot characters, favorite tropes, and happy endings. Any additional time includes reading, laughing with friends, drinking red wine, and playing D&D. If there’s cake involved at any point it’s a win!

Author Website: https://www.beckgrey.com/

Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/beck.grey014/

Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/beck.grey014/

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckgreyauthor/

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21696745.Beck_Grey

Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/40899/

Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Beck-Grey/author/B09CZ69MTS

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Here is an Excerpt from Author Beck Grey’s “Free Me”

The pout gets more pronounced as I get closer. They’re obviously resigned to the fact that I’m here, and now taking full advantage. “I’m sick. I feel like poo and my nose is stuffy and won’t stop running, and you’d think that’s not possible, but I’m here to tell you it is.” I hold open my arms, food bags dangling from my fingers, and Stef walks into my embrace, tucking their face into my neck and sniffing. “I can’t even smell you, and that’s so sad. I love the way you smell.”

I kiss the top of their head and carefully close my arms around them. “Well, I brought food and some over-the-counter medicine for your cold. Hopefully, those will do the trick and you’ll be back to smelling me in no time.” 

If they can hear the smile in my voice, they ignore it. “I’m miserable. And hungry. I don’t have the energy to be hangry.”

“Well, let’s go upstairs and I’ll take care of you.”

Stef leans back and looks up at me. “You will?”

“Absolutely. I can’t have you at death’s door.”

They nod. “I am, too. It’s awful.” They turn around and head for their apartment, which saves me the effort of hiding my grin. How can one person be so damned cute?

“So, how long have you been sick?” It’s been a few days since we’ve seen each other, but we’ve been texting and calling, and Stef hadn’t mentioned feeling under the weather.

They sigh dramatically as they fling their apartment door open. “Ages. Two days, I think.” 

Looking around the apartment, I believe them. There are mugs and pots in the sink where it looks like they’ve made soup but not cleaned up. I set the bags of food on the counter and follow Stef into their room. There are tissues all over the floor and more empty mugs and bowls on the side table. Their laptop is in the middle of the bed, a movie paused mid-stream, and a half-eaten bag of lozenges open next to the pillows. Stef flops onto the bed, almost bouncing the laptop onto the floor. I can see I have my work cut out for me. 

I take off my suit jacket and tie and carefully drape them over the sofa. It seems Stef hasn’t made it to this half of the room yet, so they should be safe. I roll up my sleeves and Stef groans. “No! No fair!” They wave at me. “Sleeve rolling!” They flop dramatically back on the pillows. “No being sexy while I’m sick. It’s so unfair.”

I look down at my forearms and laugh. “Excuse me?”

“Sexy forearms!” They sigh again. “Blake, how do you not know about the forearm thing?”

I shrug. “No idea how I missed that. I’m sorry.”

Stef waves a hand in my direction. “Fine. You’re forgiven.” 

They’re bundled in a lump on the bed, complete with fuzzy unicorn slippers poking out at the bottom of the duvet, so I move the laptop to the other side and carefully unwrap them. “How about we eat something and then I’ll run a bath for you?”

The moan Stef makes would be lascivious if they weren’t actually sick. “Blake, you are a god among men.”

“Do you want to eat in the kitchen?”

In lieu of an answer, Stef groans and sits up. I reach to help them, but they stand and lean into me, head on my shoulder. “Thank you. For bringing me food, and medicine, and please don’t look at me too closely.”

I hold them tightly and kiss their forehead, which feels a little warm against my lips. “You’re still gorgeous, just in a real-person kind of way. You’ll always be beautiful to me.”

Stef settles against me. “Really?” 

I nod. “Of course. Stef, you are gorgeous on the outside, but you’re also beautiful on the inside, and in my opinion, that matters more.”

They sniff. “How come I’m only beautiful on the inside?”

“I’m sorry?” 

“There’s a scale. And you said I was gorgeous on the outside and beautiful on the inside.”

They sound like they’re pouting and I bite my lip so I don’t laugh. “Well, I didn’t know there was a scale. If you’ll tell me, I can rephrase using the proper terminology.”

There’s a pause, like they’re thinking it over and then they shrug. “All right. It goes nice, pretty, beautiful, gorgeous, stunning.” 

“Mmm. I see. Well, You’re stunning inside and out.” 

“Pfft. You’re just saying that because I’m sick. I look like heck.” 

Interview with Author Ryan Bernsten 

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I’ve been writing stories from a young age – it started by writing little plays to perform with my friends and family. For me, writing is a conduit to commune with other people, and that’s why my interest has been primarily in playwriting – it keeps the lonely writer trope at bay and keeps art from becoming a solo sport. Writing to me is so much about collaborating, and that’s why this book – which has given me the opportunity to travel across the country to talk to voters and speak at colleges and bookstores – is such an exciting endeavor. 50 States of Mind the book is only the start of the conversation.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

My impetus to write the book was a combination of a lot of different seemingly serendipitous factors: like many in the United States, the 2016 election was a wakeup call. I had been working for the Florida Democratic party, and was totally stunned by the result and hungry to dive into the nuances and contradictions of the hugely consequential election. I needed to discover what I missed – I was a Northwestern-educated 26-year-old who had chosen New York City as his home, but also a Rust Belt native who grew up in a sometimes overlooked part of the Midwest. Because of this, I could empathize with not feeling heard by the rest of the country. These preoccupations led me to write an admissions essay to University of Oxford. When I left the U.S. for the U.K. in September of 2017, I had room to reflect on the events of the past year and, fortuitously, the opportunity to pitch a thesis project to my department. The 50 States of Mind idea – the opportunity to travel to all 50 states to speak to people on the ground, seemed to be the best way to dive into the heart of a divided America and see if there were answers to be found from the people.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

I think the message of the book, hopefully, makes the reader want to turn off the news, put down their phones, and get out there to fully engage in the ever-changing story of American democracy. We are made to feel that we have to think in black and white terms (or red and blue) about the problems in our country, but there is an awful lot of nuance and gray area surrounding these topics. I think those in power intentionally divide about so many inconsequential things – forcing us to take sides in cultural discussions that have little to do with our democracy – that we lose focus on the issues that matter most and get distracted from finding meaningful ways to make change. Our communities are the perfect canvas for us to get involved and make an impact, and it’s worth considering if we’re actually doing our part to make positive change.

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4) What drew you into this particular genre?

The works of travel nonfiction by folks like Bill Bryson who allows humor to illustrate broader points about society, Samantha Allen who fuses candid memoir with travel writing, and William Least-Heat Moon with the search for meaning among the regular folks in America all helped me reconsider what travel writing should or could be. Seeing what is possible in narrative nonfiction and borrowing what I admired helped me create a work of travel nonfiction that I see myself in.

5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

I really have come to loathe social media because I think it’s tearing apart our democracy (for more details, see the full book or audiobook!), however, I do like to keep people in the loop on Instagram.

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6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

I’ve learned through the development of this book that you are only as strong as those who edit your work, and luckily I had brilliant editors along the way. The most important relationships a writer can cultivate is with someone who will give you honest feedback on relatively polished work. This could be a non-writer, but never, ever make that person feel taken for granted – buy them dinner, buy them a million drinks! These people are worth their weight in gold. And if you are a part of a writers’ group, be the person who reliably gives notes in a week or two. You’ll learn about your own writing by giving feedback to others, and you’re more likely to get careful feedback in return.

7) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

I’m embarking on a speaking tour of U.S. libraries and bookstores next month, which couldn’t be more exciting since it’s quite parallel to the journey of the book. I’m also starting to develop 50 States of Mind into a stage play in the style of The Laramie Project as I hope to use my playwriting background to bring the diverse voices of those I met along my journey to life. 

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About the Author

Ryan Bernsten is a graduate of Northwestern University and Oxford’s Creative Writing Master’s program.  Ryan is a contributor for The Infatuation and has been published in USA TodayThe FulcrumThe Oxford Political Review, and The Trevor Project, where he is the Senior Managing Editor. Ryan is an award-winning playwright whose plays have been performed across the US and UK. You may have seen him as a Slytherin contestant on Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses. ryanbernsten.com

Interview with Author David E. Feldman 

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I got into writing by reading. I was a bit of a troublemaker as a child and I often skipped school. The way I got my education, for the most part, was by reading. I first fell in love with science fiction in my early teens. I read Asimov, Heinlein, Silverberg and, particularly, Ray Bradbury, whose lyrical, descriptive style influenced my own. Later on I fell in love with John Steinbeck whose East of Eden is quite possibly my favorite non-mystery. When it comes to mysteries and thrillers I have many favorites: Harlan Coben, Lee Child, C.J. Box, John Sandford among them.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

Because I write full time, I do my best to write in such a way as to both write what I love—which is mystery-thrillers—and maximize my readership. To that end I write series. Dora Ellison is at present a six-book (five novels and a short prequel) series. My hope is that folks will read one, like what they’ve read, and continue on to read the whole series. In this book I wrote about people with special needs, which is one of several issues I choose to focus on. Who will care for these people when their families are gone? The state? If so, will they do a good job? I have a niece, Zoe, who is 24 and has never spoken nor walked. She is an inspiration!

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Well, I hope they enjoy the ride the books take them on. Beyond that, Dora cannot tolerate bullies—those who prey on people who are weaker or less fortunate. That’s an important issue for me.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I love reading this genre. Lee and Andrew Child’s Jack Reacher books have been a heavy influence. Dora has qualities in common with Jack Reacher, though my books are very different from Mr. Child’s.

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5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

I would ask Dora whether she is ever content. She is a driven woman who reflects the fact that, even at 66, I am a driven man!

6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Facebook. I am in many Facebook readers/writers groups and have benefited both by gaining readers and by learning from more experienced authors.

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7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Write, write, write. Every day. It’s a muscle. If you work it, it will strengthen. Then read your own work, then reread. Seek feedback and pay attention to it.

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

I am nearing completion of Dora Ellison Book 6—A Divisive Storm. I am also working on a standalone novel called Percival, that is a fictionalized account of my father’s life. My dad had polio at age 2 and lost nearly all the use of his left leg and some of the use of his right leg. And yet he was an accomplished musician; he taught a variety of forms of cooking. And, of course, he married and raised a family. He was an amazing man!

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About the Author

David E. Feldman has written seven books of his own and has ghostwritten many others. He has made three films, won 2 film awards and won a playwriting contest. He has an MLS degree in Library & Information Science.

You can find his books on Amazon.com and elsewhere, under his name, David E. Feldman.

They include:

The Neighborhood. (A standalone novel, about 4 fictitious families living in Valley Stream in 1973, one of whom is the first Black family in the neighborhood which was the author’s at that time.)

The Dora Ellison Mystery Series:

Storm Warnings, A Dora Ellison Short Story Prequel

Not Today, Dora Ellison Mystery Book 1 (a finalist for the Killer Nashville Claymore Best Mystery Award, 2022)

A Gathering Storm, Dora Ellison Mystery Book 2

A Sickening Storm, Dora Ellison Mystery Book 3

A Biological Storm, Dora Ellison Mystery Book 4

A Special Storm, Dora Ellison Mystery Book 5 (due out Feb. 21, 2023)

Percival (A standalone novel about a musician who contracts polio at the age of two and transcends his handicap and various mistreatments by an often cruel society, and finds joy and love. Based on the life of the author’s father.)

Pilgrimage from Darkness Nuremberg to Jerusalem

Bad Blood, a Long Island Mystery

Born of War: Based on a Story of American Chinese Friendship

How to Be Happy in Your Marriage – A Roadmap

His author website:

https://www.davidefeldman.com/books.shtml

His ghostwriting website:

https://longislandnyghostwriter.com/

His film, Everyone Deserves a Decent Life (directed, produced) won the Alfred Fortunoff Humanitarian Film Award at the Long Island Film Expo, 2014. His film, Let Me Out! (Written, directed, produced) won Best Psychological Thriller at the 2009 New York International Film Festival. His play, Love Lives On, was a winner of the inaugural Artists In Partnership Inaugural Playwriting Contest, and was produced in Long Beach, NY in Sept.-Oct. of 2022.

He has also been the owner of eFace Media (eface.com) since 1989, where he writes marketing and branding copy.

Miranda Nights (A Miranda Quinn Legal Twist) by Gail Ward Olmsted Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A former television host turned radio talk show host must help a friend’s son in legal trouble while also dealing with personal family medical drama and a troubled fanatic who escalates their attempts to get her to see the error of her ways in author Gail Ward Olmsted “Miranda Nights”, the latest in the Miranda Quinn Legal Twist series!

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The Synopsis

She has a loving husband and a successful career-who says you can’t have it all? Miranda Quinn is living her very best life… until she’s not.

It’s been two years since her legal advice TV show was canceled, but the former Assistant District Attorney has rebounded with a late-night radio show, Miranda Nights. When her closest friend’s teenage son gets arrested, Miranda tries to help but the evidence against him is overwhelming. Following a family member’s medical diagnosis, Miranda begins to wonder if her ‘happily ever after’ has been canceled as well.

But the real trouble arrives when a persistent caller, desperate for Miranda’s attention, embarks on an all-out effort to get her to see the error of her ways. Threatening messages and slanderous social media posts escalate to break-ins and arson when a fanatical fan claims to be her only path to salvation.

Miranda Nights is a fast-paced, witty story full of hidden dangers, with a strong and resilient woman at its core.

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The Review

This was an incredibly well-written and captivating read. The author does a beautiful job of continuing to build upon the cast of characters introduced in the first book while elevating their stories with these fresh problems and issues to work through. The thread of storylines helps illustrate the difficulties many face in our world today, from the shocking realities of “sexting” between teenagers in high school and the social and moral problems that it presents, let alone the legal troubles. The stalking and moral superiority that breeds violence in our country is also apparent in the main plot of this narrative and kept the adrenaline and tension alive throughout the novel.

For me, the truly great things that stick out in this book are the author’s character development and the wonderful world-building that goes on. Seeing these characters interacting on such a personal and intimate level and seeing their camaraderie throughout the book, both in everyday life and in the struggles that this narrative provides, made the story feel real and relatable. All of the characters felt fresh and unique, and yet Miranda as a protagonist shined, as she showed true strength and courage in the face of the adversity of this novel while also showing vulnerability and true emotion to those she loves, a distinct growth from the first book. 

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The Verdict

Memorable, entertaining, and thoughtful, author Gail Ward Olmsted’s “Miranda Nights” is a must-read women’s fiction meets legal thriller that you won’t be able to put down. The twists and turns in the narrative, the mystery surrounding Miranda’s stalker, and the unique psychosis that goes into his motives, made this a compelling read, as did the personal moments in Miranda’s life with her friends and loved ones. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on July 6th, 2023, or preorder your copy now!!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Gail Ward Olmsted was a marketing executive and a college professor before she began writing fiction on a full-time basis. A trip to Sedona, AZ inspired her first novel Jeep Tour. Three more novels followed before she began Landscape of a Marriage, a biographical work of fiction featuring landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, a distant cousin of her husband’s, and his wife Mary. Her latest is a pair of contemporary novels featuring a disgraced attorney seeking a career comeback: Miranda Writes and Miranda Nights (7/6/23)

For more information, please visit her on Facebook and at  gwolmstedauthor.carrd.co

Facebook   www.facebook.com/gailolmstedauthor

Amazon  www.amazon.com/author/gailolmsted

Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/gwolmsted 

Goodreads   https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8158738.Gail_Ward_Olmsted

Interview with Author Henning Kuersten 

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

My father was a physicist, so I was raised in a scientific environment. I studied Computer & Information Science and Psychology at Queen’s University in Canada and the Technical University in Munich. I have been a mountaineer, sailor, and adventurer all my life, and as an entrepreneur, I created a software company specializing in image analysis & editing software. When I heard about the Dyatlov Pass Incident, which is probably the most famous mountaineering mystery of all time, I was of course clueless like everyone, but the case lingered in my mind. I then found present-day video material describing exactly what the hikers saw on the slope of Mt. Kholat Syakhl. I analyzed the last photos from the cameras and discovered that they were not showing a lab window in the morgue, as suggested by case experts. The incident then suddenly made complete sense to me, but still, I did not anticipate writing a book about it.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

In the years following my initial discovery, I saw a number of TV documentaries about the tragedy. I have always been intrigued by real-life mysteries, like the Franklin expedition, the fate of MH370 or the Skinwalker Ranch. Since I’m a mountaineer myself, the Dyatlov mystery didn’t leave me alone. I then did two years of intense research and the big picture slowly emerged, like a long-hidden puzzle. I never wanted to write a book about my suspicion, but the revival of the avalanche theory by the mainstream media stirred me up. I knew from my ski hiking experience and professional analysis of photos from the Dyatlov camp site, that the reason for the escape and the injuries of the hikers could not have been an avalanche.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

When I decided to write a book, I tried not to succumb to prejudice and bias, but to analyze the case from the ground up. So I concentrated on original evidence like the case files, eyewitness testimonies and the “famous last frames”. Whatever evidence I came up with, it always fit the picture that started to appear. I had to discard nothing, and every question was answered, without layered assumptions or by ignoring Occam. He was philosopher from the 14the century who proposed, that the most likely answer to a problem is always the simplest one. This message is an important one for life. Try to always be open minded, keep it simple and avoid confirmation bias.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

The surviving relatives have the right to know, that the young mountaineers didn’t die in vain. The conclusions to the case open up one of the last mysteries in modern science, which has an high relevance for UFOlogy, aviation and new energy sources. The solution to the Dyatlov Pass Incident is actually quite spectacular. All of this together made it impossible for me to ignore this mystery.

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5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

I did a lot of research and discussion on Facebook, as there are several groups about the Dyatlov Pass Incident. Quora is also a good site to ask for opinions and get answers to questions.

6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

If you want to be successful with a nonfiction book, try to stay away from confirmation bias and motivated reasoning. Meaning, that you should never ignore evidence or arguments that do not fit your line of thought. Take your time, show respect to other theories, ideas and people involved in the topic, and expect to get rich only in experience. Don’t be arrogant but open-minded, test your thoughts on social media, accept criticism and the fact that there will always be people who disagree. I would have never been able to develop my theory without discussion and disagreement.

7) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

I have thought about writing a sequel, but I believe any theory should be simple enough to be presentable in a single book. If it takes two or more books, then it becomes confusing and tedious to understand. However, the scientific research concerning my theory is far from complete, and since the launch of my book in 2021 the number of pages has doubled in newer editions. In addition to ongoing research and expeditions to locations on the planet with similar anomalies, I am working on a TV documentary with a renowned UK film company, who believes my book has finally solved the mystery.

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About the Author

Henning Kuersten studied Computer & Information science at the Technical University of Munich, Germany, and Psychology at Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada. He is owner of a company specialized in software for image analysis. He is also a dedicated mountaineer who has survived a horrific incident on the 4049 meter high Piz Bernina, which, together with his professional experience in Photography and Psychology, has helped him to understand the mystery of the Dyatlov Pass Incident.