Ellwyn’s Blog

Double Takedown Book Tour

What happens when a closed case cracks wide open?

Double Takedown

A Mike Stoneman Thriller #6 

by Kevin G. Chapman 

Genre: Mystery, Thriller 

What if everything you thought you knew was wrong?

The glittering lights of Broadway are just a cover for the dark secrets hidden behind the curtains.

NYPD homicide detectives Mike Stoneman and Jason Dickson are about to find out how many layers one story can have in their latest case.

As they prepare to testify in a high-profile murder trial, they begin to question if they got it wrong. The Broadway director claims evidence was planted to frame him and that Mike and Jason developed tunnel vision.

If they did, can they live with themselves, knowing that an innocent man might be convicted . . . and that someone else got away with the perfect crime?

With orders to stay away from the closed case, Mike and Jason are plagued by doubts and can’t let it go.

When new evidence leads to even more questions, the detectives race to put the pieces together and uncover the whole truth.

But their unauthorized investigation could lead to catastrophic collateral damage, could cost them their badges, and the director may still be guilty.

For fans of intense crime thrillers and complex characters, Double Takedown is a must-read.

What readers are saying:

“A fantastic story with delicious plotting! A crime thriller that’s more than a cut above the rest.” ~Anna Willett, author of the Cold Case Mysteries featuring Detective Inspector Veronika Pope.

“The sixth installment in the Mike Stoneman Mystery series, Double Takedown is a mind-blowing and perfect detective mystery read.” ~Feathered Quill Reviews https://featheredquill.com/double-takedown/ 

“Mike and Jason are probably my two favourite detectives. Their side stories with their wives and families enhance what is already sure to be a great read. Another page-turner, you won’t put this down till the end, I promise!” ~@Roxxisreading

“A compelling mixture of mystery, police procedural, and thriller. I couldn’t put it down.” ~ Guy Wheatley author of From the Delta Mud.

“As a retired Homicide Investigator after thirty years, trust me when I tell you that Double Takedown reads as real and as gritty as any case that I ever worked. A mystery tour de force for the ages.” ~ Frederick Douglass Reynolds, Award Winning author of Saint Bloodbath, and Black, White, and Gray All Over.  

“In this gripping installment to the Mike Stoneman detective series, we dive into the underbelly of the theatrical world where drugs are routine and the line between accident and foul play blurs. I couldn’t put it down.” ~Daniel V. Meier Jr., Award winning author of the Sam Adams Investigator series.   

Amazon * Audible * B&N * BookShop.org * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCH2CZCN

Audible: https://www.amazon.com/Double-Takedown-Mike-Stoneman-Book/dp/B0DLLLPY46

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/double-takedown-kevin-g-chapman/1146139502?ean=9781958339237

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/double-takedown-a-mike-stoneman-mystery-kevin-g-chapman/21708047?ean=9781958339237

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/double-takedown-mike-stoneman-6-mike-stoneman-thriller-by-kevin-g-chapman

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217285611-double-takedown

Excerpt

FORTY-FIVE MINUTES INTO THE FIRST ACT of the ballet, Rachel pulled down her sparkling purple facemask and whispered into Jason’s ear, “What’s going on down there?”

They were seated in the next-to-last row of the orchestra level. At the front of the house, partially illuminated by the stage lights, someone was standing.

Rachel could not see who it was, but could hear the buzz of people talking. Then, a woman’s scream attracted everyone’s attention. Necks strained to see. More people stood.

The music stopped in the middle of the piece. The performers continued dancing for several seconds on a silent stage.

The conductor, standing on a raised podium so she could see the stage and the orchestra pit, turned toward the audience.

She was talking into her headset microphone. There was another scream. Then the conductor’s voice boomed over the sound system.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please remain in your seats. We have a medical emergency in the front row. If there are any doctors in the house, we need assistance right away.”

Rachel’s EMT training kicked in before the conductor finished saying “emergency.”

She leapt over Jason’s lap, then kicked off her heels as she sprinted barefoot down the long, sloping path toward the stage.

Dozens of people began filming on their phones. Despite the conductor’s instruction, half the house seemed to be standing.

Mike jumped up as soon as he saw Rachel leave her seat. He grabbed Jason’s sleeve. “Let’s go, we need to work crowd control down there. Michelle, call 9-1-1.”

Jason and Mike were forty feet behind Rachel. When they reached the front of the theater, a small group of gawkers had already gathered in the aisle. 

“NYPD! Please take your seats and keep this aisle clear for emergency services!” Jason shouted, his baritone carrying throughout the auditorium. 

Mike gently eased several men in formalwear away from the space between the front row and the orchestra pit.

Jason did the same. The two detectives took up positions on either side of the aisle, casting authoritative glares at anyone who seemed interested in venturing toward the commotion in front of the stage.

Jason glanced down the front row and saw Rachel’s bare back hunched over someone lying on the floor.

The straps of her purple dress flashed in the house lights, which had come on. Rachel and two men worked together to drag a figure on the floor toward more open space.

Jason saw black shoes and pants, but could not see the man’s face. An usher ran down the aisle, holding a small red case that Mike assumed was an automated external defibrillator.

He dashed past the two cops and handed the device to Rachel, who had taken charge of the emergency situation.

Rachel barked instructions while prepping the AED, then administered an electric charge to the victim’s now-bare chest.

On the elevated stage, twenty dancers leaned over the edge to watch.

One minute later, an actual EMT team barreled down the aisle with a gurney on wheels carrying their own equipment.

Rachel remained on her knees, working on the supine man, while the two tuxedoed doctors stepped back.

The public address system announced that there would be an intermission in the performance due to the medical emergency and asked everyone to calmly return to the lobby.

As the crowd slowly rose and meandered to the exit, those still filming remained standing until Mike, Jason, and several ushers shouted them into submission and herded them toward the doors. 

On the floor, the EMT crew loaded the unconscious man onto their gurney, then hustled out an emergency exit door at the left corner of the stage.

As soon as the crew passed them, Jason and Mike rushed toward Rachel. Jason gently pulled her to a standing position.

She hugged Jason in her bare feet as Mike stood back. Before Jason and Rachel disengaged, a tap on Mike’s back caused him to spin around.

Michelle held out Rachel’s sparkling heels with a concerned expression. 

“Don’t like following instructions, huh?” Mike said.

Michelle flashed a tiny smile. “I told the usher I’m a doctor and he let me stay.”

“Thanks,” Rachel said, slumping into a front-row seat and working to slide back into her shoes.

“Do you know who that was on the floor?” Michelle asked.

Rachel stood. “Oh my God. You couldn’t see, could you? It was Alex Bishop.”

“The lead in Godfather? He was just nominated for a Tony!” Michelle grabbed Mike’s sleeve.

“He was,” Rachel said, “but unless the EMT crew works a miracle, he won’t be there to win it.”

**Don’t miss the rest of the series!** 

Find them on Amazon! 

Giveaway

Hardcover copy of Double Takedown (US only), 

$20 Amazon giftcard – (WW) – 1 winner each!

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://bit.ly/DoubleTakedownTour

About the Author

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Kevin G. Chapman is an attorney specializing in labor and employment law. In 2021, Kevin finished the first five books in the Mike Stoneman Thriller series: Righteous Assassin (Kindle Book Award semi-finalist), Deadly Enterprise (Kindle Book Award semi-finalist), Lethal Voyage, (Winner of the 2021 Kindle Book Award, CLUE finalist, RONE finalist), Fatal Infraction (Best Police Procedural of the year – CLUE Award), and Perilous Gambit.

In late 2022, Kevin published a stand-alone mystery/thriller titled Dead Winner (CLUE Award – Best Suspense/Thriller of the year).

Then, in 2024 came The Other Murder, winner of the CLUE Award Grand Prize (best suspense/thriller of the year) and finalist for the National Indie Excellence Award. Now, in 2025, Mike Stoneman is back in book #6, Double Takedown.

Kevin is a resident of Central New Jersey and is a graduate of Columbia College and Boston University School of Law. Readers can contact Kevin via his website at www.KevinGChapman.com.

Website * Facebook * FB Group * Twitter * Instagram * Bluesky * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Website: https://kevingchapman.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078121015900

FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/703027696777079

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kgchapman

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

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kevingchapman.bsky.social

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kevin-g-chapman

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kevin-G-Chapman/e/B00J1GJZNM

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5194743.Kevin_G_Chapman

The Poseidon Project Book Tour

Molly, accompanied by her son and his boyfriend, embarks on a high-stakes mission to rescue her kidnapped husband, unraveling secrets while racing against the clock to prevent a technology from falling into destructive hands.

The Poseidon Project

The Herb Society Mysteries Book 1 

by E. William Podojil

Genre: Techno Thriller, Adventure, Romantic Suspense 

Molly Halloran and her friends have a secret past. 

Their bucolic retirement is suddenly upended when Molly’s husband is abducted and held for a steep ransom.

Now she, her friends, her tech executive son, Lukas and his Air Force pilot boyfriend must race against the clock and travel halfway around the world to meet the kidnappers’ demands. 

But when they learn why her husband has been abducted, they realize how high the stakes truly are. Molly and her friends now must face their past in order to save the future. But not only their futures; the world’s.

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo * WildRosePress * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW1BKWS3/thewildrosepr-20

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-poseidon-project/id6504495950

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-poseidon-project-e-william-podojil/1145692104?ean=2940185972137

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/E_William_Podojil_The_Poseidon_Project?id=7d0aEQAAQBAJ

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-poseidon-project-2

WildRosePress: https://wildrosepress.com/product/the-poseidon-project/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-poseidon-project-the-herb-society-mysteries-book-1-by-e-william-podojil

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213070731-the-poseidon-project

Book Trailer:

Exerpt – The Poseidon Project, by E. William Podojil

It was a map of currents in the Persian Gulf. Taylor studied the map and asked everyone to move closer so they could see the screen. “Okay, so this is the northeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. There’s Qatar, Abu Dhabi, and up here toward the point is Dubai,” Taylor explained. 

“That’s the Strait of Hormuz, right?” Donna asked.

“Yep, and right next door is Oman. Dubai is closer to Oman than it is to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE,” Lukas pointed out. 

“So what does this have to do with John?” Linda asked. “Other than showing us where Dubai is located, what are you suggesting?” 

“Not suggesting anything right now, but wanted to show you something,” Taylor replied. “Lukas, can you click the animation on this map?”

Suddenly the arrows within the map started to move as Taylor studied it. “See how the currents churn counterclockwise? That’s pretty consistent from what I remember. The current is affected by salinity and water temperature, so as it churns, it creates a system of lower pressure in the middle…more or less a gyre.” 

Lukas pointed his finger to follow the current. “So if Dad’s boat was found off the coast of Palm Jumeirah, his paddle and life vest would have likely circled this gyre and ended up right back where they started.” Taylor nodded. 

Molly jumped in. “The search is supposedly focused on where they found the kayak, but Taylor, you’re saying the boat had probably traveled a bit. John would have only been missing hours by this point, not days. How could his kayak still be relatively close to Dubai?”

“I’m going to take a stab here,” Taylor jumped in. “If currents were relatively predictable and there were no storms, which I don’t imagine there were since John probably wouldn’t have ventured out. But let’s assume it was normal, in thirty-six hours, John’s boat would have been closer to the coast of Iran than to Dubai.” 

“The search was focused on the waters off Dubai. That’s what the embassy told me,” Molly responded. 

“Mom, add that question to your list when you call the embassy. Ask them where the search has been conducted and where it will go next.” 

Molly jotted that down. A question had been on her mind. “Isn’t the Persian Gulf pretty crowded with ships? I read there are traffic jams going through the Strait of Hormuz.” 

Taylor nodded. “You have hundreds of oil tankers from the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, and Saudi Arabia going in and out of the gulf every day. It’s a prime target for terrorists and also disputes between Oman, United Arab Emirates, and Iran. Iran has threatened to shut off the Strait due to sanctions imposed by the Americans.” 

“So it’s a pretty busy place,” Molly confirmed. 

“And a disaster waiting to happen,” Donna commented. 

“Which is why it’s so heavily patrolled,” Lukas added. “I read that about twenty five percent of the world’s oil passes through the Strait and Persian Gulf every day.”

“Molly,” Taylor asked, “Lukas said the kayak was found by a pleasure boat out on a fishing trip, correct?” 

Molly nodded. “That’s what the embassy told me.” 

“Fishing areas usually begin about forty miles offshore. I wonder why the boat that found the kayak was closer to shore…five miles wasn’t it?” Taylor asked. 

“Maybe it was more like a booze cruise,” Linda commented. 

“Mom, I think that could be another question for your call tomorrow,” Lukas added.

It was already ten p.m. and Molly and her guests were fading. “I’ve got my alarm set for three a.m. tomorrow so I can speak with the embassy during their business day. We spent so much time talking we didn’t have time to check flights.” 

“We can do that tomorrow,” Linda answered. “I’m way past my bedtime.” 

After cleaning up, Linda and Betty boarded Donna’s golf cart. “No way I’m walking home tonight,” Betty said. “Too many coyotes out. We’ll see you tomorrow, Molly. I hope the embassy has some good news.” 

Lukas walked Taylor to the door. Molly gave him a big hug. “Thank you for talking to us tonight. You sure know a lot about the world. I feel more informed, but there is something that doesn’t add up. You touched on it, Taylor, and it’s been nagging at me.” 

“And what part was that?” Taylor asked.

“The paddle and the life vest. Why wouldn’t everything be in roughly the same place; the kayak, paddle, and the life vest, regardless of whether John’s body was in it,” Molly pointed out. “I can’t understand why search and rescue has not turned up anything else. 

“I don’t know, Molly. I thought about that, too. The search and rescue part of me is wired into my DNA.”

“Well, good night and I hope to see you again, Taylor.” Molly returned back into the house leaving Lukas and Taylor alone on the front porch. 

“Well, you are a bountiful supply of information,” Lukas thanked him. “Thanks for engaging my mom and her friends. That was sweet of you. I think you gave my mom a bit of hope.” 

Giveaway 

$20 Amazon 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://bit.ly/ThePoseidonProjectTour

About the Author 

E. William Podojil is an international business executive and novelist. He has traveled extensively and visited over sixty countries while living in Europe and the United States.

Podojil works as an executive business advisor, and strategist while also pursuing his love of storytelling and writing. Podojil’s first novel, The Tenth Man, was published in 2004.

His second novel, The Poseidon Project, was be released in August, 2024 by The Wild Rose Press, and is the first in The Herb Society Mysteries, a series of adventure thrillers.

His novels and other writing are showcased on his website www.ewpodojil.com. Here he also writes a personal blog with humorous stories of his life and travels with his husband and three sons. He and his family currently reside in Northeast Ohio.

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Threads * Bluesky * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Website: https://www.ewpodojil.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EWPodojilauthor

X:  https://x.com/EWPodojil

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

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ewilliampodojil

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ewilliampodojil.bsky.social

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/e-william-podojil

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/E.-William-Podojil/author/B001K8O4YO

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/173768582-e-william-podojil#

The Dream Rider Saga Trilogy Book Tour

Will Dreycott is a superhero. In his dreams…and in yours.

The Hollow Boys 

The Dream Rider Saga Book 1 

by Douglas Smith 

Genre: YA Urban Fantasy 

WINNER OF THE 2023 AURORA AWARD FOR BEST YA NOVEL
WINNER OF THE 2023 JURIED IAP AWARD FOR BEST YA NOVEL

“Thrilling YA fantasy” —BookLife (Editor’s Pick)
“A must-read story for YA fantasy fans.” —Blueink Review (Starred review)
“Inventive, engaging, and boundless fun.” —The Ottawa Review of Books

Vanishing street kids. An ancient evil. The end of the world.
Our only hope? A hero who can’t leave home.

At seventeen, Will Dreycott is a superhero…in his dreams. And in yours.

Eight years ago, Will’s parents, shady dealers in ancient artifacts, disappeared on a jungle expedition. Will, the sole survivor, returned home with no memory of what happened, bringing a gift…and a curse.

The gift? Will can walk in our dreams. At night in Dream, Will hunts for criminals—and his parents. During the day, his Dream Rider comic, about a superhero no one knows is real, has made Will rich.

The curse? Severe agoraphobia. Will can’t go outside. So he makes his home a skyscraper with everything he needs in life—everything but the freedom to walk the streets of his city.

Case, an orphan Will’s age, survives on those streets with her younger brother, Fader. Survives because she too has a gift. She hears voices warning her of danger. And Fader? Well, he fades.

When street kids start vanishing, the Dream Rider joins the hunt. Will’s search becomes personal when Case breaks into his tower to escape her own abduction. Fader isn’t so lucky.

As Will and Case search for Fader and the missing kids, an unlikely romance grows between the boy with everything and the girl with nothing except the freedom Will longs for.

But as they push deeper into the mystery, they confront an ancient power feeding on these forgotten kids to restore itself. And once restored, no one in the world will be safe.

To defeat this creature, Will must do the impossible.

Go outside.

Indiana Jones meets Teen Titans in The Dream Rider Saga, a fast-paced urban fantasy trilogy from “one of Canada’s most original writers of speculative fiction” (Library Journal).

Praise for The Hollow Boys:

“This arresting series kickoff grips from the start as it introduces its inventive milieu, its flawed but fantastically powered hero, its playful worldbuilding, and a host of tantalizing mysteries. … [A] vigorously imaginative scenario. … Takeaway: Thrilling YA fantasy” —BookLife (Editor’s Pick)

“An assured, confident novel … A must-read story for YA fantasy fans.” —Blueink Review (Starred review)

“Inventive, engaging, and boundless fun.” —The Ottawa Review of Books “A fun supernatural tale with well-developed characters and a touch of romance.” —Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Douglas Smith:

“The man is Sturgeon good. Zelazny good. I don’t give those up easy.” —Spider Robinson, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner

“A great storyteller with a gifted and individual voice.” —Charles de Lint, World Fantasy Award winner

“His stories are a treasure trove of riches that will touch your heart while making you think.” —Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner

**On Sale Until Jan 11!**

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo * Smashwords * Books2Read * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BH6F66B7

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-hollow-boys/id6443208464?at=1001lNZp&uo=4&mt=11

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-hollow-boys-douglas-smith/1141872791?ean=2940185840894

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=GkJ9EAAAQBAJ&pli=1

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-hollow-boys

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/notPublished/1170120

Books2Read: https://books2read.com/b/thehollowboys

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-hollow-boys-by-douglas-smith

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63004015-the-hollow-boys

The Crystal Key 

The Dream Rider Saga Book 2 

Sequel to the AURORA AWARD WINNER and the Juried IAP AWARD WINNER, The Hollow Boys“Give me the Crystal Key!”

Will Dreycott is the Dream Rider, the agoraphobic teenage superhero who can walk in our dreams but never in the streets of his city. Case is his girlfriend, a survivor of those streets who hears voices that warn her of danger. Fader is her brother, who is very good at disappearing. Together, they defeated a body swapper and a witch to save the world (The Hollow Boys).

Now, Case battles guilt over living sheltered in Will’s tower home while her street friends still struggle. Blaming his affliction for Case’s sadness, Will searches for a way to live a normal life with the girl he loves—a way to go outside.

But his efforts draw the attention of dark forces. Sinister figures hunt Will in Dream. Intruders scour the vast warehouse of antiquities “acquired” by Will’s missing parents. And a masked swordswoman attacks Will, demanding “the Crystal Key” before disappearing into thin air.

Are they all searching for the same thing? Something from Will’s parents’ shady past? For the swordswoman leaves behind a flowery scent, Will’s only memory from the lost expedition eight years ago that gave him powers in Dream but cost him his parents and his freedom.

A trail of dark secrets leads Will, Case, and Fader to a mysterious world. Trapped between warring cults willing to kill for the Crystal Key, the three friends must master strange new powers that grow stronger and wilder the closer they draw to the truth.

This time it’s not just the fate of the world at stake…but the multiverse.

~ ~ ~

Indiana Jones meets Teen Titans in The Dream Rider Saga, a fast-paced urban fantasy trilogy from “one of Canada’s most original writers of speculative fiction” (Library Journal).

Praise for The Crystal Key:

“The richly inventive Dream Rider adventure continues in this second appealing entry…with an exciting plot… always enlivened by the Smith hallmarks of crack dialogue, fun sleuthing and puzzle-solving, a strong throughline of emotion, a swift pace…and a principled refusal to settle for the familiar. Takeaway: This thrilling superpowered urban fantasy series continues to grip.” (New readers should start with book one.) —BookLife (Editor’s Pick)

“The engrossing second installment of Douglas Smith’s Dream Rider Saga trilogy. … Smith continues to demonstrate an ability to expertly weave multiple complex fantasy elements into a cohesive whole. … This fast-paced story delivers in a big way—and Smith has all his ducks lined up for an explosive conclusion [to the series] that readers won’t want to miss.” —Blueink Review (★ Starred review)

Praise for Douglas Smith:

“The man is Sturgeon good. Zelazny good. I don’t give those up easy.” —Spider Robinson, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner

“A great storyteller with a gifted and individual voice.” —Charles de Lint, World Fantasy Award winner

“His stories are a treasure trove of riches that will touch your heart while making you think.” —Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner

“Stories you can’t forget, even years later.” —Julie Czerneda, multi-award-winning author and editor

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo * Smashwords * Books2Read * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BJ1T51W5

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-crystal-key/id6443280946

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-crystal-key-douglas-smith/1142009058?ean=2940185816691

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=stCREAAAQBAJ

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-crystal-key-7

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1358800

Books2Read: https://books2read.com/b/TheCrystalKey

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-crystal-key-by-douglas-smith

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63085436-the-crystal-key

The Lost Expedition 

The Dream Rider Saga Book 3 

The Thrilling Conclusion to the Multi-Award-Winning Trilogy

Will is the Dream Rider, the superhero who walks in our dreams but never in the streets of his own city. Case is his girlfriend, a survivor of those streets who hears voices warning her of danger. Fader, her brother, is very good at disappearing.

In The Hollow Boys, they defeated a body swapper and a witch to save the world. In The Crystal Key, they battled warring cults to protect an ancient artifact tied to Will’s affliction.

The Chakana. The Crystal Key. But the key to what? To finding answers, they hope, to the questions that rule their lives.

What caused their strange powers? And Will’s crippling agoraphobia? Can he be cured? Why did their parents travel to the jungles of Peru eight years ago? Are they still alive?

Behind every question is the Chakana. What is the mysterious relic? Why will people kill to possess it? What hold does it have on Will?

As creatures from Inca myths haunt the three friends, another attack on the Chakana threatens Will’s life. To save him and solve the mystery of the lost expedition, only one choice remains.

Return to Peru. With the Chakana.

There, they find friends and foes, both old and new. And behind it all, an unseen enemy moving them like pieces on a chessboard.

To win this deadly game, Will, Case, and Fader must master new powers to defeat the most dangerous adversary they’ve ever faced—a god.

At stake this time? Every life, every world, every universe. Everything.

Indiana Jones meets Teen Titans in The Dream Rider Saga, a fast-paced urban fantasy trilogy from “one of Canada’s most original writers of speculative fiction” (Library Journal).

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo * Smashwords * Books2Read * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BY1Q5TRV

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-lost-expedition/id6445320764

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-lost-expedition-douglas-smith/1143842118?ean=2940160955322

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Douglas_Smith_The_Lost_Expedition?id=zPqyEAAAQBAJ

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-lost-expedition-1

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1360047

Books2Read: https://books2read.com/b/TheLostExpedition

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-lost-expedition-by-douglas-smith

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/175960826-the-lost-expedition

Giveaway

$20 Amazon gift card – 1 winner, 

eBook  of The Hollow Boys – 2 winners! 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://bit.ly/DreamRiderSagaTour

About the Author 

Douglas Smith is a five-time award-winning author described by Library Journal as “one of Canada’s most original writers of speculative fiction.”

His latest work is the multi-award-winning YA urban fantasy trilogy, The Dream Rider Saga. Other books include the urban fantasy novel, The Wolf at the End of the World; the collections, Chimerascope and Impossibilia; and the writer’s guide Playing the Short Game.

His short fiction has appeared in the top markets in the field, including The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Amazing Stories, InterZone, Weird Tales, and many others.

He is a 4-time winner of Canada’s Aurora Award as well as the juried IAP Award. He’s been a finalist for the Astounding Award, CBC’s Bookies Award, Canada’s juried Sunburst Award, the juried Alberta Magazine Award for Fiction, and France’s juried Prix Masterton and Prix Bob Morane. 

Website * Facebook * Instagram * Bluesky * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Website:  https://smithwriter.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WritingtheFantastic

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

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/smithwriter.bsky.social

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/douglas-smith

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Douglas-Smith/author/B0037JUXGM

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3255974.Douglas_Smith

Brewing Up A Bad Boy Release Tour

A tea shop owner good girl and a reformed microbrewer bad boy reunite in this wonderfully wicked love story. 

Sometimes the second sip is sweetest.

Brewing Up a Bad Boy

WiCKed Sisters Book 3 

By Katherine Garbera

Genre: Small Town Cozy Romantic Comedy 

A tea shop owner good girl and a reformed microbrewer bad boy reunite in this wonderfully wicked love story.

Sometimes the second sip is sweetest.

In the cozy town of Birch Lake, tea shop owner Poppy Kitchener thought she’d left her mistakes, and her failed marriage, in the past. But when her ex-husband, Alistair Miller, turns up—as charming and irritatingly handsome as ever—those old feelings float to the surface.

To top it off, he has a puzzling proposition: pretend they’re still married for his cousin’s wedding in exchange for a lucrative business deal with his family.

Easy enough, right? After all, this could be Poppy’s last chance to get closure, grow her business and use Alistair’s knowledge of microbrewing to help her finish that winning recipe for the tea competition.

But even after all this time, he still knows how to make her laugh. And he’s changed in ways that make Poppy wonder about the man he’s become… Can she trust this new Alistair with her heart, or will a second chance brew up disaster?

From showing up to glowing up, the characters in Afterglow Books are on the path to leading their best lives and finding sizzling romance along the way. Don’t miss any of these other fun titles…

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CWNCBPWS

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/brewing-up-a-bad-boy/id6479306056

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/brewing-up-a-bad-boy-katherine-garbera/1145379664?ean=9780369750365

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Katherine_Garbera_Brewing_Up_a_Bad_Boy?id=jMr6EAAAQBAJ

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/brewing-up-a-bad-boy

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/brewing-up-a-bad-boy-a-spicy-romantic-comedy-wicked-sisters-book-3-by-katherine-garbera

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209806619-brewing-up-a-bad-boy

Excerpt:

It was all well and good that Alistair wanted to help her get a fair deal from his family, but it was also a lot sus. He’d literally never cared about her position in the family before this. Part of why her marriage hadn’t been the love match she’d believed it to be.

Grimacing while he nervously kneaded his own legs, Alistair took his time answering.

Over his shoulder, she noticed Sera and Liberty coming closer to them. The doubts that she’d been struggling to contain were assuaged by their presence. The warmth of that bond and friendship gave her strength.

“If you can’t answer me, then we’re done,” she said. Merle had been right about her needing closure, but she wasn’t getting back on the hamster wheel that had been her life with Alistair.

“I’m trying.”

“Good for you. Try harder. You and I don’t speak the same language.”

He inhaled deeply, making his chest flex, something she noted and tried to ignore. But Alistair had always been a physical guy, working out, and it was hard to ignore how ripped he was.

One of the things that had originally drawn her eye to him was his body. He looked like a sexier version of Harry Styles, mixed with Timothée Chalamet, with a little old-school Chris Pine—Princess Diaries era. One look at him, and she’d fallen hard.

“Fine. I am on a leave of absence—”

“You need me to get you back in?” Disappointed in herself for believing for half a second that he might be here for some other reason. Of course it was about pleasing his father and reclaiming his place in the family company.

“No. NO. Let me start over. I don’t want to get back in. I am trying to right past wrongs. I should have read that contract before I told you to sign it. I want you to get what you deserve, not continue being screwed over by Lancaster-Spencer Tea Makers as you have been.”

If what he was saying was true… But how could she trust Alistair again? What did it say about her that she really wanted to? It had taken her five long years to start repairing that damage, and it was only the bond she had with Sera and Liberty that made the healing easier. “That’s nice,” she said.

“If you’re going to be like that, then don’t bother.”

“Like what?” she demanded, feeling her own anger building for the first time. Something she hadn’t allowed since she’d walked out of their flat in Kensington.

“Treating me like I deserve to be treated. If this isn’t the time and you’re not ready to let go of the past, well, I respect that. But my father is going to come for you, and he’s got good corporate solicitors that rarely lose.”

“Tell me something I don’t know,” she said. But his honesty here was appreciated. “How would us pretending to be married help?”

“As my wife, you have some sway on the board. Mum and George will stand with us when we go up against Dad.”

“If I went, when would we leave and return? I can’t just jet off and leave my store,” she said.

“I thought we’d leave on Sunday—”

“In two days?”

He had the grace to look sheepish. “I was afraid if I gave you too much time to think, you’d say no.”

“Legend,” she said sarcastically.

He pushed his hand through his hair and looked down at the table before locking eyes with her. “I get it. I’m an ass, and I treated you poorly. I am sorry. You know that. I’ve apologized. I’m trying to at least get something good for you out of the mess that our marriage was.”

Her heart tugged. She couldn’t resist Ali when he was sincere, which wasn’t as often as she would have liked. But now…when the change in him flashed…

“I accepted your apology in that email. But I didn’t expect… Well I had no idea what it would be like seeing you in person again,” she said.

Damn Ali. At this moment, he embodied all the things she liked about him, owning his mistakes in a way that he’d only done when they were dating. She wouldn’t deny that hearing him say she deserved better than Lancaster-Spencer made her melt a little.

“Me either,” he admitted.

“I need some time to think.” But she already was leaning toward going with him. Did that make her the most pitiful woman on the planet? Luckily, she had “Bad Idea Right?” by Olivia Rodrigo on replay in her head. 

Cutting herself a break, she was going to send him on his way. Chances were, she was going to the UK on Sunday for a week, which meant she needed to get more staff in. That didn’t mean that Alistair shouldn’t sweat a little. Things came too easily to him the first time…

“I’ll give you my answer tomorrow,” she said, standing.

Alistair gave her a tight nod and then turned to walk out of the shop.

She had to be careful she wasn’t all hello, love when she should be goodbye, lover. It was a delicate balance, and one only she could weigh and decide on.

How To Charm a Nerd 

WiCKed Sisters Book 2 

She’s kind of a witch. He’s definitely a nerd. And this Halloween they’re letting their geek flags fly in this playful romantic comedy from USA TODAY bestselling author Katherine Garbera.

Dungeons and dragons and nerds, oh my…

The spooky season is almost here, and occultist and tarot reader Liberty Wakefield is already feelin’ it. But ever since her sick nan muttered the name of Liberty’s mysterious biological father, nothing feels normal.

Not her friends, her family, nor the quirky shop she runs with her besties. So maybe it’s time for Liberty to track down the father she’s never met. Of course, that means getting a little help from the sexy nerd she’s been not-so-secretly vibing since last summer…

Merle Rutland hasn’t met anyone like the vivacious, bubbly Liberty. Part of him wishes he was more like her—instead of hiding his geekery from his hyper-athletic family. The other part just wants to pull the curvy redhead close, steal a kiss and hope he doesn’t roll a critical fail.

Only, somewhere between Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, pumpkins and a few ridiculously hot sexy-times, Liberty and Merle discover their respective weirds might be a match.

Yet as Halloween draws closer, it seems everyone has skeletons in the closet…and nothing spells disaster quite like being haunted by the past…

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CCYNTTDS

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/how-to-charm-a-nerd/id6453763226

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-to-charm-a-nerd-katherine-garbera/1144041802?ean=9780369750266

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Katherine_Garbera_How_to_Charm_a_Nerd?id=-NnREAAAQBAJ

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/how-to-charm-a-nerd

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/how-to-charm-a-nerd-a-romantic-comedy-wicked-sisters-book-2-by-katherine-garbera

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/196492022-how-to-charm-a-nerd

The Bookbinder’s Guide to Love 

WiCKed Sisters Book 1 

A witchy, witty, wickedly sexy romance about love, books, friendship and the unexpected connections that bind us together…

Bookbinding (verb): the art of creating something magical out of fabric, leather and paper.

As a lonely foster kid, Serafina Conte sought refuge in handmaking journals—and writing her wishes within their pages.

Now, in the quirky new age store she shares with her two best friends, Sera’s intentions have paid off. Her journals are in the spotlight—and rumored to manifest great things.

Whether it’s witchy skills, real magic or not, Sera’s finally ready to be the leading lady of her life story…

Until her plot hits a twist.

After the death of her mentor, Ford Sitwell, all the loneliness and insecurity of her past returns.

The only balm is the box of antique books he left to her. But Ford’s suspicious brooding grandson, Wes, is ready to think the worst of her—and get his grandfather’s books back!

The first part doesn’t bother her. The second? Forget it. Sera won’t give Wes the books so easily. But it’s clear he’s seeking something more, an emotional connection no book can replace. So she offers a deal—work in her store for six weeks, and in return, she’ll help him get closure by sharing memories of his late grandfather.

Yes, Wes seems grumpy, but actually he’s hot…and maybe kind? Deep down? And when desire and vulnerability work their charms, Sera begins to wonder if the best stories aren’t the ones you intend, but the ones that take you where you least expected…

From showing up to glowing up, these characters are on the path to leading their best lives and finding sizzling romance along the way.

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C43QC38J

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-bookbinders-guide-to-love/id6448725254

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-bookbinders-guide-to-love-katherine-garbera/1143426147?ean=9780369748928

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Katherine_Garbera_The_Bookbinder_s_Guide_to_Love?id=MvG8EAAAQBAJ

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-bookbinder-s-guide-to-love

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-bookbinder-s-guide-to-love-a-cozy-enemies-to-lovers-small-town-romance-wicked-sisters-book-1-by-katherine-garbera

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197042720-the-bookbinder-s-guide-to-love

Giveaway

Signed Copy of Brewing Up a Bad Boy + Swag – 5 winners, 

$20 Amazon giftcard – 1 winner

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://bit.ly/BrewingUpABadBoyTour

About the Author 

Katherine Garbera is the bestselling author of more than 100 novels which have been translated into over two dozen languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide.

A strong believer in happy endings, her love of books led her to her dream career writing novels.  She is the mother of two incredibly creative and snarky grown children, Katherine enjoys champagne, reading, walking, and travels with her husband. A Florida native, Katherine now lives in the UK.

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Website: https://www.katherinegarbera.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/KatherineGarberaAuthor/

X: https://x.com/katheringarbera

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

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/katherine-garbera

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Katherine-Garbera/author/B000AQ304W

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18213.Katherine_Garbera

Falcon Saga Cover Reveal

An elf afraid of opening his heart, and a human who is heir to an awesome power: Only by embracing their shared destiny can they save Iceland…and each other.

Falcon Saga 

by Robert Winter 

Genre: Epic Fantasy 

In modern-day Iceland, a place of glaciers, volcanoes, and legends, the Norns have foretold a sorcerous invasion that could destroy everything.

Magnús, an elf of the huldufólk, is driven by the murder of his human lover a century ago to save those humans he can, and to figure out what is behind recent troll attacks on tourists.

But the Norns have spoken. He must protect Altair, a young human from Boston, who is bringing a dangerous magical force to Iceland. If Magnús fails to keep Altair safe, the country will fall to a sorcerer called the Black Priest. Yet if Altair lives, Magnús will meet his doom.

For his part, Altair is a graduate student bullied to visit Iceland by mentors who seem to have their own agenda. He knows nothing of elves, sorcerers or prophecies.

Suddenly, the handsome, mysterious Magnús is guiding Altair around Reykjavik and into danger. A witch, a berserker, and more elves are along for the quest across Iceland’s forbidding landscape. And why does everyone keeps calling Altair “the Falcon”?

An elf and a human with a shared destiny. Will they solve the mystery linking their fates before it is too late for all Iceland?

**Releases Jan 31st – Preorder Now!**

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DPL7J2K1

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/falconsaga-by-robert-winter

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222253066-falconsaga

About the Author 

Robert Winter is a recovering lawyer who likes writing about love and adventure much more than drafting a legal brief. Once upon a time, he went to Georgetown University law school.

Upon graduation, he moved to New York to work in a large law firm, but later returned to Washington, DC. The legal work was entertaining and Robert spent a lot of time in bankruptcy court, usually representing either groups of creditor or the debtors themselves. But legal work didn’t satisfy the urge Robert felt to tell stories.

When he turned 50, Robert left behind the (allegedly) glamorous world of international law firms and bankruptcy court to pursue his real passion. Now he lives in Montreal with his husband, studying French between trips to exotic locations.

When Robert isn’t writing, he loves to cook Indian food. The aromas of the spice blends excite and challenge him. Although he’s never been to India, the food seems comforting and home-like. Add a trip to the Golden Triangle to the bucket list!

Website * Facebook *Instagram * TikTok* Bluesky * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Website: https://www.robertwinterauthor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertwinterauthor

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@RobertWinterAuthor

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/rwinterauthor.bsky.social

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/robert-winter

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Robert-Winter/author/B001K81GLS

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16068736.Robert_Winter

https://twitter.com/RWinterAuthor

Essentially Sweet Romances Book Tour

This series is like a box of chocolates, each one has delicious mystery, a sweet romantic filling, essential oils, and its own unique flavor!

From the big city of Raleigh, to the big sky of Montana, and all the way to Buffalo, you’ll find laughter, sweet romance, and best of all, dogs!

The Lavender Thief

Essentially Sweet Romance Book 1 

by Elysian Hunt 

Genre: Sweet Romantic Comedy 

When Stephanie Pierce got home from a long day with her millionaire boss, nothing could prepare her for finding the apartment’s caretaker dead in the hall or her extreme attraction to the hot detective assigned to protect her and solve the case.

Still, she can’t help but notice that things in her overly organized life are out of place, especially her beloved essential oils.

Was she the real target?

Can she let go of perfection and embrace real life and love? Is there any chance she and her Goldendoodle catch the heart of the detective and survive the thief lurking in the shadows?

This is a laugh out loud, cozy romance, with an amateur sleuth x hot detective, and a heartwarming HEA ending! On a scale of 1 to 10 here is what you’ll find inside…

Spice level: 2 (some sizzling kisses)
Thriller vibe: 4
Cute dog: 10
Clean romance: 10
Essential oil twist: 9

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DFZGSHDX

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-lavender-thief-by-elysian-hunt

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218439646-the-lavender-thief

The Peppermint Villain

Essentially Sweet Romance Book 2 

Beck Graham is a city girl at heart, but her Montana roots are calling her. But when she arrives, she finds her long lost Gran dead, with a mysterious local legend to blame. Heading back to Raleigh would be the easy thing, but the ranch catches at her heart. Determined to discover the actual killer, Beck finds the one man she can’t seem to attract is the one with the answers she seeks.

Can she survive Montana’s wilderness? Can she prove true Graham blood runs in her veins? Not without the help of a tall, dark, and handsome Navy Seal who knew Gran better than anyone else.

This is a laugh out loud, cozy romance, with an amateur sleuth x hot detective, and a heartwarming HEA ending! On a scale of 1 to 10, here is what you’ll find inside…

Spice level: 2 (some sizzling kisses)
Thriller vibe: 6
Cute dog: 9
Clean romance: 10
Essential oil twist: 7

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DHW7S399

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-peppermint-villain-by-elysian-hunt

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/219578168-the-peppermint-villain

The Lemon Gunman

Essentially Sweet Romance Book 3 

Wanted for assassination.

I’m the top female sharp-shooter in the US, so it makes sense, I guess. Only I didn’t do it.

Running is my only option in order to figure who framed me, and exactly what happened in that Cincinnati hotel room. But I’m trapped here in the city, incapable of producing an alibi, when all I want is the wide-open fields of Montana. Oh, and Harper Wasden, the Navy Seal who stole my heart the second I laid eyes on him. But he’s off fighting a war somewhere, I’m alone, with only an abandoned Pitbull to keep me from going crazy. When help arrives out of nowhere, saving my neck from the FBI’s clutches, dare I trust it? Not when every heart beat pounds out the name Harper Wasden.

The problem is, it looks like I did it. Even. To. Me.

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DJCG6J16

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-lemon-gunman-essentially-sweet-romance-book-3-by-elysian-hunt

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220268770-the-lemon-gunman

The Spearmint Spy 

Essentially Sweet Romance Book 4 

A dark anniversary looms over the most luxurious cruise ship on earth.

Escaping myself in order to survive the date that almost killed me last year is imperative. Daddy’s ship is the perfect place to do it, with no reminders of the past or familiar faces. But finding a body in my car just before boarding is no help at all. Especially since she’s dressed just like me, designer nails and all.

To make things worse, an infuriatingly handsome passenger is determined to ruin the entire trip, and besting him might be the only enjoyment I get. Except all my usual tricks fall flat, and he seems impervious to my seething rebukes.

Finding a gun hidden in my room is the last straw; espionage surrounds me and I haven’t got a clue how to survive it, or the anniversary I’ve never been less prepared for. I’ll need all the brute force my protection dog can dish out, and, I hate to say it, the help of the one man I can’t intimidate.

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DJDG8B3M

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-spearmint-spy-essentially-sweet-romance-book-4-by-elysian-hunt

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220414310-the-spearmint-spy

The Myrrh Boss 

Essentially Sweet Romance Book 5 

Have you ever been deceived, hoodwinked, snookered?

Well, I have, by a man I once a looked up to and, it chokes me to say it, dated. Turns out he runs the mob in Buffalo, NY, and I was 100% wrong about him. One thing I’m not wrong about is that spurning him equals life over for me. He has eyes everywhere, and the police force is wrapped around his little finger too, which is why I’m also running from fake drug charges.

But when I discover his under-ground dog fighting ring, something deep down and red-headed flares up. One of us is going down, and it won’t be me, I’ve got dogs to save.

A street-wise kid named Cooney hatches the craziest plan. He says the mob’s second in command, Billa, will help me, but isn’t that jumping from the pan into the fire? And a fire he is too. How can I keep from repeating my mistake when Billa is stealing my heart piece by piece? Can a girl from the suburbs take down a mafia boss?

In this sweet but sizzling mafia romance, you’ll laugh out loud all the way to the feel good ending!

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DJDKQ28M

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-myrrh-boss-essentially-sweet-romance-book-5-by-elysian-hunt

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220301289-the-myrrh-boss

Giveaway

ebook copy of The Lavender Thief, 

$20 Amazon giftcard – 1 winner each! 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://bit.ly/EssentiallySweetRomancesTour

About the Author

Writing across multiple pen names, Elysian Hunt has sold more than 1.4 million books, won multiple awards, and been a best seller many times over. With over 35 novels in print, she enjoys many genres as long as they are fast-paced and engaging. 

She never wanted to be a writer, but she couldn’t ever find that one book, the perfect one for her. So, she wrote it, and the rest is history. With fresh story ideas churning and a deep love for sharpening her writing skills, Elysian’s work gets better with time. 

There are a few things you can count on with her rom com and cozy mystery books: sweet romance, happily ever after’s, and don’t forget the dogs! Fall in love with vivid characters, intriguing settings, and mysteries that will keep you turning the pages.

Website * Facebook * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Website: https://elysianhunt.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559699759598

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/elysian-hunt

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elysian-Hunt/author/B0DGJ9V3TD

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/51776437

Harry The Pirate Captain Book Tour

Harry the hairiest strongest pirate and his intrepid crew are off to battle a Kraken and other hairy adventures

Harry and the Kraken

Harry the Pirate Captain Book 1 

by Philip L. Hutson

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy Adventure 

Harry, the strongest, bravest, and hairiest pirate, is the legendary captain of the Flying Dragon.

He is always on the hunt for adventure and treasure but never at the expense of his crew or the target of his pirating.

One day, while celebrating a large haul in their favorite pub, a stranger stumbles in. He tells them he lost his whole crew in a heroic battle against an evil, man-eating kraken.

Harry and his loyal crew don’t hesitate to avenge the crew and remove the threat. Before they even get out to the open ocean they encounter a mysterious stranger.

The stranger, who isn’t quite what he seems, keeps the ship’s crew guessing what he will do next. The flying dragon starts the voyage by trying to avoid detection by spies or pirate hunters.

They are surprised to find a Royal Navy pirate hunter in a Spanish port where it does not belong. The crew prepares for a fight and a certain defeat.

In what appears to be dumb luck the stranger causes a cannon to fire and make an incredible shot that disables a Royal Navy man-o-war. Harry and the Kraken is a lighthearted fantasy and an introduction to Harry’s magical universe.

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Harry-Kraken-Philip-Hutson-ebook/dp/B0CKL24JHQ

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/harry-and-the-kraken/id6476882901

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/harry-and-the-kraken-jack-yasuda/1144525242?ean=2940185964392

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/harry-and-the-kraken

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/harry-and-the-kraken-harry-the-pirate-captain-1-by-philip-l-hutson

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199485387-harry-and-the-kraken

Excerpt: Harry and the Kraken

Micah, Harry’s cabin boy, was in the hold with Bob when the crew brought down the fish Jacques had caught. 

Four crewmen came through the hatch door and lined up on the stairs so that they could try and pass the fish down the stairs. By doing it that way, they thought no one would go sliding down the stairs riding a fish or, worse, a fish riding a sailor. 

On a ship, the ropes and sails are massive and heavy, and moving them takes a lot of strength. Because of that, every sailor on the ship was very strong. So even though the fish were heavy, the sailors would have no problem handling them.

“All right, I’m ready.” The sailor at the top of the stairs yelled up through the hatch. He had his arms out, ready to catch the fish as they were passed down.

The first fish came through the passageway.

“Ooph.” The first fish came through, hitting him in the chest and knocking the air out of him. “Uh Uh. Oh no,” the sailor said, waving his arms to try to keep his balance. He was unsuccessful and fell into the second sailor.

“Ow,” The second sailor said as the fish and sailor hit him.  “Ahhhh,” he said as he fell down the stairs with the fish and first sailor. The ball of fish and sailors hit the third sailor before he knew what was happening.

The last sailor on the stairs, being a little quicker, tried to jump out of the way of the oncoming chaos. “Ouch,” he said as the fish’s tail hit him on the backside.

The assistance from the fish’s tail ended up propelling him not just a few inches out of the way but now a few feet. He went flying up with his arms cartwheeling and his legs running. His less-than-graceful vault ended with him landing headfirst into a large barrel of salt. 

“What’s all this? Where did the fish come from?” Bob asked when he saw the slapstick comedy routine. “While I appreciate a good show, especially when it involves a tumbling routine, this is not the right place for this. We are trying to work down here.”

Micah and Bob went over to the sailor who was getting a salt facial to see if he wanted to get out or continue to enjoy his sailor’s spa. 

“Would you like help getting out?” Bob asked the sailor.

“Mhm mff,” The sailor responded.

“So, what do you think, Micah? Was that a yes, or was he saying to leave him?” Bob asked.

“I think he’s probably had enough curing time. If we leave him too long, the salt will scrub his face raw.” Micah said.

“Good point. Let’s pull him out.” Bob said. 

Micah, being a cabin boy, wasn’t very tall, so pulling him out was not possible for him. “Bob, I’ll hold the barrel while you pull him out. No point in continuing the comedy show.” 

Bob’s day-to-day job entailed moving very heavy objects, so lifting a sailor was not a difficult task. He wrapped his arms around the sailor and started pulling while Micah held onto the barrel rim to keep it from tipping. Bob pulled and pulled and even grunted to make sure everyone knew how hard he was working to get the sailor out.

Bob was pulling so hard he lifted the sailor, barrel, and Micah off the deck. He started shaking the sailor up and down to try and loosen him. Micah, still hanging on, was bouncing up and down with every shake.  “I uff. Think uff. He’s uff. Almost uff. Free uff.” Micah said, interspersed with breaths of air as Bob shook him.

“Wow, how did you get so stuck?” Bob said.

“Mmr grs yr,” The sailor said. There was a pop, and the sailor came free. “Hurting me.”

The sailor came out of the barrel. Bob and the sailor trapped in his bear hug went stumbling back. Bob took a couple of steps backward and then fell over a wooden crate, with the sailor landing on him.

The barrel crashed down, and Micah landed in a heap. It wobbled and then rolled around on its bottom, trying to decide if it wanted to fall over and spill salt everywhere or land upwards.

The barrel made a couple of slow spin rolls, then gave into the whisperings of gravity and fell over. The salt was thrown out, covering the floor of the hold. The last piece of pork that had been in the salt flew out and landed in Bob’s open mouth.

“I didn’t realize you were hungry, Bob. I would have brought some food down with me.” Micah said when he saw the piece of salted pork. “That looks like a very old piece.

There must be better pieces around,” Micah said, holding back laughter. He stood up, brushed himself off, and looked over the result of the fun.

The way the barrel had landed, the salt had completely missed Micah, so he only had some dust from the floor to remove from his clothing.  

The sailors that had landed at the bottom of the stairs had untangled themselves enough to watch the entertainment by Bob and Micah. They now applauded, showing their appreciation for an improvised comedy routine. 

“Thank you, thank you,” Micah said, taking a bow. 

Harry Breaks a Jail 

Harry the Pirate Captain Book 2 

Legendary pirate captain Harry vows to rescue a crew of pirates from a Spanish prison.

During their journey to rescue the prisoners, Harry and his crew encounter a group of displaced people with surprising connections to his quartermaster and their unassuming cargo master.

As they continue their journey, they rescue a pair of brothers from a ghost ship who, despite their small stature, help save the crew from evil harpies.

Just when their hopes are high, everything falls apart, and Harry and the crew are captured.

Now, Harry must rescue himself, his crew, and the imprisoned pirates he swore to free. “Harry Breaks a Jail” continues the thrilling saga of Harry and his loyal band of pirates.

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Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DB6HJ9BJ

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/harry-breaks-a-jail/id6578423498

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/harry-breaks-a-jail-philip-hutson/1146060528?ean=2940180128768

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/harry-breaks-a-jail

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/harry-breaks-a-jail-harry-the-pirate-captain-2-by-philip-hutson

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216881564-harry-breaks-a-jail

Excerpt: Harry Breaks A Jail

The ship swayed a bit from a wave hitting the ship broadside.

“Who is at the helm?” Bob asked.

“Titus …” Harry said as he trailed off in the middle of the answer.

“Hmm, I’m hearing a …” Bob said. Another wave hit the ship. “What is going on up there, Harry?” Bod asked. 

“Harry? Harry!” Bob said with a bit of concern. Harry had stood up and now was standing with a blank look on his face. Bob slapped him. “Snap out of it, Harry.” 

The slap seemed to snap Harry out of it. His eyes seemed to change a little. The sudden sting of the strike caused just enough anger to bring out a little of his bear form.

“Harry, I think we are under attack by the harpies. If you can keep that anger just simmering, you will not be affected by them. I need you to defend the crew from the creatures.

They will be slow to attack until they are sure that the crew is under their control. I will send up Colson to help keep you from coming under their influence. Keep him close to you and keep him singing. You two should be able to keep them off the crew until I get up there to help.”

Harry was a little slow in moving. He was still trying to understand what was happening. 

“Get up top and defend the crew from those ugly, greasy things!”  Bob yelled, punctuated by another punch to his solar plexus.

“I’ve got it,” Harry said with more bear growl than human speech. 

Bob ran out of the galley and toward the armory, which was on the same deck they were.

“Colson, where are you?” Bob yelled when he ran.

“I’m back here,” Colson said from behind a rack holding a bunch of spears.

“Get out here. I need your help defending the ship,” Bob said.

“ I don’t want to leave here. I know what those things do, and I can’t fight them,” Colson said.

“I don’t need you to fight. I need you to sing.” Bob said.

“I can’t sing. You heard my brother, I’m a horrible singer.” Colson said.

“I’m counting on that. I need you to sing the worst you can. Get up there, hide behind Harry, and sing your heart out,” Bob said. “Go now. I need to get your brother. Now run!”

“Yes, sir,” Colson said as he ran out of the armory.

Bob ran to the stairs to go down.

“Ok, I can do that,” Colson said to Bob’s back.

Colson ran to the hatch where Harry was just opening it to go up top. 

“Stay behind me. I will protect you while you sing. I don’t understand how your singing will help, but if it’s that bad, it might keep me from falling under their control. If I look like I’m wavering, kick me hard.” Harry said to Colson.

“Aye, Captain,” Colson said with a shaky voice.

Hearing the fear in his voice, Harry stopped and looked at him. “Colson, I’m afraid, but I know that you and I are the only ones that can save the lives of the sailors up there, so I am going up there. I hope you can find the courage to go up and fight with me.” Harry said.

“Yes, captain, I will go, even though I am terrified,” Colson said, taking a deep breath to find his courage.

Harry opened the hatch and went up with a roar that seemed to shake the entire ship. 

It blew the harpies back out over the ocean, giving Harry an area clear of the filthy things. There were a few sailors prone on the deck where they had fallen, and some were still standing in a daze. Harry ran to where the largest group to protect them.  

Colson followed close behind him. He bounced off Harry’s backside when he stopped suddenly. “Uhff,” Colson said, landing on his butt.

“You don’t need to kick me yet. I’m not affected by them right now, but you will have to kick a lot harder than that,” Harry said, not turning around. “You can start caterwauling, I mean singing.” 

“Oh, right. Wow, they are ugly, and they smell like a used chamber pot—not just one chamber pot, but all of them I’ve ever had to clean on the Royal’s ship all at once,” Colson said.

“Uhm, are you going to sing? They are returning, and they might get control of me,” Harry said.

The harpies were getting braver, and they were circling closer, singing their horrible song. Their voices sounded like the screech of a raven combined with the yell of a cat having their tail stepped on.

As the magic extended out from the harpies, the air looked wavy and thick, like looking through a window that someone had spread Vaseline all over.

“Right, sing,”  Colson said.

“Ring around the roses, 

Pocket full of posies,

Ashes, Ashes, we all fall down.” Colson screeched.

Colson’s singing lived up to the hype; even that simple song was terrible, really terrible. It was so bad that Harry stopped for a moment and looked over his shoulder in disbelief.

The effects of Colson’s singing extended out. When it encountered the air that was transformed by the harpies’ magic, a thick, clear, viscous substance fell out of the air, leaving it clean. The sailors near the rescuers now looked like they were fighting the harpies’ control.

“Wow, your, uhm, singing is working,” Harry said. “Keep it up. I just wish I had something to plug up my ears.”

Giveaway

$20 Amazon giftcard ( 1 winner, WW), 

Print Copy of Harry and the Kraken (5 winners, US only), 

Print Copy of Harry Breaks a Jail  (5 winners, US only),

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://bit.ly/HarryThePirateCaptainTour

About the Author 

“Harry and the Kraken”, started out as a response to the request “Tell me a story” from my grandson.

He then gave me the parameters of a story about pirates and a Kraken. Then when I asked what the captain’s name should be, he pointed at my hairy legs and said “Harry”.

I started to tell him the story but ran out of time. With a promise to finish it and send an email to his mother with the rest, I started working on it.

I originally intended it to be a simple one-page story. I realized it would be much more than that when I got to chapter 4 and hadn’t really gotten into the story.

The illustrations in the first book, “Harry and the Kraken” are by my grandson and by some brothers who were early beta readers.

The story is for my grandson primarily so to improve it I had some middle-graders (the brothers included) read it and give me feedback. Once the brothers read it they wanted to add more illustrations.

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Author Links

Website: https://harrythepiratecaptain.com/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/philip-hutson

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Philip-Hutson/author/B0CKM3FHXF

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/45238485.Philip_L_Hutson