Showing results by narrator "Madeleine Dauer" in All Categories

At twenty-one, I had been prepared to give up my dream of touring with a rock band to become a father after getting my ex-girlfriend pregnant. But when she told me she'd gotten an abortion, I was devastated. Now five years later, I bump into her little sister, who I haven't seen since high school, while she's grocery shopping with four-year-old Logan. Sparks flare between Callie and me that didn't exist before. But soon I grow suspicious when I realize her deaf "son" is the same age as my own child would have been.

Sophia Whittington is the girl next door. And Dillon Cunningham hates her with the fire of a thousand suns . . . Only, it's not hate as much as . . . something else. The things that happened between them in high school, coupled with the loss of his dad, are a big part of what drove Dillon to decide that his future would be far, far away from Solano Creek, his family, and especially, Sophia.

What should I do with my life? Whether you're just starting out on your journey or you've found yourself at a crossroads and feel the need to change direction, each of us wants to know what our purpose is on this Earth. We want our work and our lives to have meaning and impact far beyond our immediate context. But how do you know what you were meant to do? And once you know...then what?

This audiobook covers a 10-step process to plan, practice, and rehearse a presentation on any business topic. You'll review techniques to identify your audience, purpose, and main message. You'll strategize about ways to include all necessary information and eliminate unnecessary details. You'll practice how you'll carry yourself as you speak and also practice asking and answering questions. All the book's techniques can help you build confidence and deliver an engaging, effective presentation.

It's not that I don't believe Silas when he tells me who he really is. It's that I don't want to. Of all the families in all the world, that boy had to be a Fairfield. In retrospect, I should have guessed as much. A guy sneaking around the Acre Hotel, so irrationally handsome it leaves me breathless? There's only one bloodline he could've come from. One night. That's how long it takes before I'm hooked. Silas shows me, over and over again, that he isn't like his family. He comes from a life of bad luck and hard work, like me. We could have something incredible. And for a while, we do.

I've kept my secret—that I'm only a half-blood demon—hidden my entire life. But stepping into Blackthorn Academy has unveiled me to the four most powerful men in the kingdom, and now I'm their willing captive. Secrets have a life of their own, and some of them are more eager to come to light than others. The four royals and I have been trying to uncover my power, only to learn that it's more dangerous to me than my half-blood heritage. It's not only my secrets that are revealed, some of theirs come to light too, and put us all in mortal peril.

At Blackthorn Academy, they already despised me for what I am. I expected the same at court, but nothing could have prepared me for how much worse it would get. The capital, Medianoche, was supposed to be my safe haven, yet the ancient castle hides more dangers than the academy. Old secrets come to light, and I find myself tangled in royal intrigue that's far beyond my control.

Who needs a man? They're nothing but a distraction. A disappointment. They sweep you off your feet, promise you forever. Then, as soon as another beautiful woman shows them interest, they leave you crying alone on the sidewalk with your dreams of a life together crushed. And the sexy playboy who keeps showing up everywhere I go is the definition of distraction and inevitable disappointment. I can live without that heartbreak. I have everything I need to make me happy - a job, school, friends, and family that I love. Yep. Mind made up. It's just a shame my heart didn't get the memo.

When I skipped town six years ago to pursue my music career, I wanted to start a new life and escape the memories of my broken family. The one thing I knew I wouldn't be able to forget was Hailey Wilkins—my best friend and the girl I left behind. Now my days are filled with my band's nonstop touring, late-night recording sessions, and eager groupies. But when I hear that Hailey is in a coma, I drop everything to be by her side.