14 September 2020

False Start by Leigh Lennon Release Blitz!

Title: False Start (With me in Seattle Universe) 

Author: Leigh Lennon 

Genre: Sports Romance 

Release Date: September14, 2020 

Hosted by: Buoni Amici Press, LLC

 

Leela

He's a train wreck, a bully, and a menace to society, yet I'm tasked to make this jerk look good. As the lead reporter, assigned to this puff piece, he hasn't made it easy with all the drunken brawls and arrests. I'm told to do my job—to be objective, but how can I achieve this when we have a past he doesn't seem to remember.

Kier

She's sexy, mouthy, and judgmental. I'm in her domain now, and way out of my league. If anyone can portray the changed man I've become, it's her. But, there's something almost too familiar about her as our chemistry with one another continues to grow. I'm the best on the field, and in my game, now it's time to prove I'm the best for her too.

**False Start is part of Kristen Proby's With Me in Seattle Universe

Kindle Unlimited

AMAZON

Tweet: False Start By @4leighlennon is #Live #BuyNow @Amazon https://ctt.ec/cQgd2+ #KindleUnlimited #BAPpr #SportsRomance #LeighLennon #WithMeInSeattleUniverse

Leigh Lennon is a mother, veteran and a wife of a cancer survivor. Originally with a degree in education, she started writing as an outlet that has led to a deep passion. She lugs her computer with her as she crafts her next story. Her imaginary friends become real on her pages as she creates a world for them. She loves pretty nails, spikey hair and large earrings. Leigh can be found drinking coffee or wine, depending on the time of the day.

 

Release Tour for Melting Wynter by J Marie!

After failing at happily ever after, Weston Croix has built a wall around his heart and decides the playboy life is much more fun. Wynter Carlisle is jaded when it comes to who you can count on in life and it’s turned her into an ice queen. Can the two break down their own barriers or will their destiny go up in flames? Readers will fall in love with this office romance from J Marie. The 425 Madison series is back with season three and MELTING WYNTER is live!

Weston Croix

Okay, so I might have a few playboy like tendencies. That tends to happen when you fall in love and don't end up with the happily ever after of your dreams. I built a wall around my heart and decided to have a little fun instead.

Now, I've found myself falling for the ice queen herself. Did I mention that she's also my editor-in-chief?

She's not interested in me or being an us, but when our best friends start dating, we can no longer escape our insecurities or the fire burning between us.

I guess I'm just going to have to turn up the heat and melt her heart.

Wynter Carlisle

I've got the perfect job, an apartment in NYC's elite 425 Madison high rise and life as I know is great.

If there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's that people are fickle and love isn't always permanent. I'm the only one I can always count on, well except for my best friend Addison.

I had a plan to protect my heart. That was, until Weston - the cocky columnist who works for me...in more ways than one.

Can we really break down our own barriers or will our destiny go up in flames? We're about to find out.

After all, 425 Madison is the perfect place to fall in love!

Read Melting Wynter toady!

Add to Goodreads!


Exclusive Excerpt

Copyright @ J Marie 2020

She’s hiding something underneath that facade of stone and I have a plan to figure out exactly what it is. I want to know what makes her tick. What consumes her? What gets under her skin? What’s her flaw? Other than my flirting and charm, that is.

It’s starting to get to her. I can tell by every flinch or slip of her mask and I’m enticed to do it more. I want it to slip. I don’t want to play charades; I want her to show me the real her - The face behind the mask.

Come out and play, Wynter. A grin crosses my lips.

“Croix, my office now.” Her siren voice calls to me like a sailor doomed to meet his fate at the rocky cliffs. Wynter never calls me by my first name, but it’s not unusual. The longer she keeps up this detached front, the less she has to pretend.

My little arctic queen is angry and I wonder what’s put her over the edge this time. A flush covers her cheeks as her eyes find mine. I bet it's the same blush she gets during sex.

Her pen angrily slips between her fingers as she twists it over and over.

“You rang?” I answer with a smirk. She shakes her head, looking down at what I assume is my piece for the magazine. “You really expect me to believe that ‘dating apps are the new rage for fans of hookups’?”

“Hey, don’t knock Match Me until you try it. Maybe it’d loosen you up a little, Ice Queen.” I smile another one of my dazzling, charming smiles and she scoffs pushing away my piece.

“I don’t need a dating app to help me hook up with men, I do just fine on my own.”

I snicker, mumbling under my breath. “You probably wouldn’t know a proper man even if he pleasured you six ways to Sunday.”

“What was that?”

“Oh, nothing. Guess some of us in the dating world just aren’t as lucky as you, your royal highness.” Sarcasm falls from my lips.

“Please stop calling me that, I am your boss.”

I fake salute her; a fat smile still planted across my face.

Leaning against the wall, I watch her eyes follow my silhouette. Do I detect a hint of approval? I’m wearing a white button-down, the top popped open exposing a slight peep show of my tattoos. Her eyes trail down my body and she licks her lips before catching herself. “Anything else you needed or was that all?”

She bites the cap of her pen and a slight crease forms on her forehead, as it often does when she’s lost in concentration or thought - another one of the many things I find intriguing about this woman.

“If this is the best you have, I guess I’ll post it. I am curious though… is this really all you’ve got swimming around in your brain? I find it hard to believe that a Yale graduate has nothing better to write about than hookups. It’d be a shame to find someone better versed in the world for that new senior columnist position opening up soon.”

Read Melting Wynter toady!

 

About J Marie

J Marie is a hopeless romantic with a serious Chipotle addiction. When she isn’t searching for her next swoon-worthy book boyfriend, she’s writing him. Although she has West Virginia roots, she currently resides in Ohio with her husband and rescue dog, Sir Cooper Ryder.

Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest


About the 425 Madison Series

Welcome to 425 Madison Ave the perfect place to fall in love. Rounding out the summer with some hot city nights and coasting into fall with more cool characters at this famous high-rise, 425 Madison is returning for a third season!

With some familiar faces and some brand new residents - you'll be sure to find an author you love and a trope to ignite your taste buds after all 425 Madison IS the perfect place to fall in love!

We’ve got an amazing line of up must-read romance authors including, Lauren Helms, Allie York

J Marie, Kay Gordon, Marcie Shumway, Aubree Valentine, S.L. Sterling, and Fiona Tulle

Prepare for pages packed with new romances, characters, and tropes all from the same well-loved high-rise apartment building in NYC.

Season One and Two feature stories from some of your favorite romance authors: Leigh Lennon, MK Moore, Allie York, Aubree Valentine, Kay Gordon, Lauren Helms, Sylvia Kane, Katy Ames, KC Enders, Marci Shumway, and C. Lesbirel. All these authors came together, each with a standalone romance for you to enjoy. Covering all of your favorite tropes each tale offers you something new, something different.

Make sure to follow the 425 Madison Avenue Facebook page for more on release dates, cover reveals, and author spotlights. For exclusive excerpts, giveaways, and news subscribe to our 425 Madison newsletter!

Facebook | Newsletter

Catch up on the first two seasons, available exclusively in Kindle Unlimited!

12 September 2020

Hippie Haven Homicide (Psychedelic Spy Mystery) by Sally Carpenter Book Tour!

Hippie Haven Homicide (Psychedelic Spy Mystery) by Sally Carpenter

About Hippie Haven Homicide

 

Hippie Haven Homicide (Psychedelic Spy Mystery) 

Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series 

Publisher: Cozy Cat Press (May 21, 2020) 

Paperback: 229 pages 

ISBN-10: 195257904X 

ISBN-13: 978-1952579042 

Digital ASIN: B08B61G6F4 

Get ready to flip your wig over another groovy 1967 retro-cozy with actress and amateur spy Noelle McNabb. Spy agency SIAMESE (Special Intelligence Apparatus for Midwest Enemy Espionage and Surveillance) turns Noelle’s pet, Ceebee, into an “acoustic kitty” to listen in on an agent known only as Old Scratch. Meanwhile, a counterculture religious sect led by the Wise One infiltrates the staid town of Yuletide, Indiana. When one of the sect members makes a premature departure to the Spirit in the Sky, Noelle investigates, but finds herself in deep water—literally. With her undercover disguiser, Noelle really knows how to sock it to ‘em. However, she still can’t solve the secrets of a certain family member. Don’t miss this fab story of saints, sinners and spies!

About Sally Carpenter

Sally Carpenter is native Hoosier living in Moorpark, Calif.

She has a master’s degree in theater from Indiana State University. While in school, her plays “Star Collector” and “Common Ground” were finalists in the American College Theater Festival One-Act Playwrighting Competition. “Common Ground” also earned a college creative writing award. “Star Collector” was produced in New York City and served as the inspiration for her first mystery series.

Sally also has a Master of Divinity and a black belt in tae kwon do.

She’s worked as an actress, college writing instructor, jail chaplain and tour guide/page for Paramount Pictures.

The books in her Sandy Fairfax Teen Idol series are: The Baffled Beatlemaniac Caper (2012 Eureka! Award finalist for best first mystery novel), The Sinister Sitcom Caper, The Cunning Cruise Ship Caper and The Quirky Quiz Show Caper, all with Cozy Cat Press.

Flower Power Fatality is the first book in the Psychedelic Spy series.

She has short stories in three anthologies: Last Exit to Murder, Plan B: Omnibus and Cozy Cat Shorts. She penned chapter three of the CCP group mystery Chasing the Codex.

Author Links: 
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54118019-hippie-haven-homicide?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=tN4w7Vg3qi&rank=1 

Purchase Links - Digital - Paperback 

TOUR PARTICIPANTS
September 1 – I'm All About Books – SPOTLIGHT
September 1 – T's Stuff – SPOTLIGHT
September 2 – Christy's Cozy Corners – GUEST POST
September 3 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT
September 4 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
September 5 – eBook Addicts – SPOTLIGHT
September 6 – Literary Gold – CHARACTER GUEST POST
September 7 – I Read What You Write – GUEST POST
September 8 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – GUEST POST
September 9 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
September 9 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST
September 10 – Sneaky the Library Cat's Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
September 11 – Here's How It Happened – CHARACTER GUEST POST
September 12 – Celticlady's Reviews - SPOTLIGHT
September 12 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
September 13 – The Book Decoder – REVIEW
September 14 – Cozy Up WIth Kathy – SPOTLIGHT
September 14 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT   

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here Find Details and Sign Up Today!

 

Dough or Die (A Bread Shop Mystery) by Winnie Archer Book Tour and Giveaway!

Dough or Die (A Bread Shop Mystery) by Winnie Archer

About Dough or Die

 

Dough or Die (A Bread Shop Mystery) 

Cozy Mystery 5th in Series 

Publisher: Kensington (August 25, 2020) 

Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages 

ISBN-10: 1496724410 

ISBN-13: 978-1496724410 

Digital ASIN: B082WQZBGF 

Known for its mouthwatering traditional breads, the Yeast of Eden bakery has gained fame across Northern California’s coast. Now the shop is bound for Reality TV—but a murder may kill its reputation . . .

People come to the beach town of Santa Sofia as much for the healing properties of Yeast of Eden’s breads as for a vacation getaway. And now a cable food channel has selected the bakery as a featured culinary delight for a new show. Baking apprentice Ivy Culpepper is excited as the crew arrives, ready to capture all the ins and outs of the renowned bread shop. But instead they capture something much harder to stomach: the attempted murdered of the show’s cameraman just outside Yeast of Eden . . .
 

With no motive and no clues, and the town craving answers, it will be up to Ivy to sift through the evidence to find the truth. But she’ll have to move quickly before someone else is targeted or the wrong person gets the heat—and the business collapses like a deflated soufflé, right before her eyes.

 

About Winnie Archer

Winnie Archer is a middle school teacher by day and by night she's the author of the Bread Shop Mystery series. Born in a beach town in California, she now lives in Colorado. She fantasizes about spending summers writing in quaint, cozy locales, has a love/hate relationship with both yoga and chocolate, adores pumpkin spice lattes, is devoted to her five kids and husband, and can't believe she's lucky enough to be living the life of her dreams. Visit her online at Website .

Author Links Kensington: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/9781496724410/dough-or-die/ 


TOUR PARTICIPANTS
September 10 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT
September 10 – The Book's the Thing – REVIEW
September 10 – A Wytch's Book Review Blog – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW
September 10 – MJB Reviewers - SPOTLIGHT
September 11 – Cozy Up With Kathy - REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
September 11 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW
September 11 – I'm All About Books – SPOTLIGHT
September 11 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
September 12 – Baroness' Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT
September 12 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
September 12 – I Read What You Write - SPOTLIGHT
September 13 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
September 13 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT, RECIPE
September 13 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT
September 14 – Christy's Cozy Corners – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
September 14 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW
September 14 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW
September 15 – A Blue Million Books – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
September 15 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – GUEST POST
September 15 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT
September 16 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST
September 16 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT
September 16 – Gimme The Scoop Reviews – SPOTLIGHT/ RECIPE
September 16 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? 

11 September 2020

★(📚 The Beast Series by Luke Phillips °❃*⚡⚡*❃°° #BookTour & #Giveaway °❃*⚡⚡*❃° #Thriller #Suspense #BeastSeries @BlackBeastBooks

 

Shadow Beast
Beast Series Book 1
by Luke Phillips
Genre: Thriller 

We just lost our place at the top of the food chain. Man is just meat.

"This was on par with Jurassic Park." Courtney L.

"This story has heart and soul in the midst of its rampaging terror." Bevi Debb

"His hero has the potential to be one of the most loved adventure icons, in the mould of Indiana Jones." A.K.S Ford

It is only when the bones of its prey are discovered in a remote Scottish glen that the majesty and power of one of nature’s most successful predators is truly revealed. As it strikes silently from the shadows and on nights shrouded in darkness, a small village falls under siege to a remarkable creature. For thousands of years mankind has had the upper hand but now – suddenly, violently, bloodily – the balance of power has shifted.

When an isolated wildlife research centre launches an investigation, it is soon discovered that something out of place has made the Highlands its home and set its sights on the quiet village of Cannich. It will hunt, it will kill and it won’t let anything get in its way. Thomas Walker, a renowned wildlife specialist and former big game hunter, finds himself confronted with his past and an animal the likes of which he had never wanted to face again. As its devastating rampage goes unchecked and threatens his home, the woman he loves and his very way of life, an older and much more human adversary seeks him out. How long will any of them survive the presence of the beast in their shadow?

There are nearly 2,000 reported sightings of what have become known as mystery big cats across the UK every year. Some, such as the beasts of Bodmin and Dartmoor have become infamous. Their origin and identity remain unknown. Shadow Beast, the new chiller from Luke Phillips, offers a terrifying and deadly explanation.

The Daughters of the Darkness
Beast Series Book 2 

"We often look to escape the everyday by seeking out the dark places, where something monstrous waits in the void. Luke Phillips takes you there, where man is still well and truly on the menu."

SHANNON LEGRO - INTO THE FRAY RADIO

1898, East Africa. The Tsavo man-eaters kill 130 people over the course of nine months. The unusually large, pale-coloured, and maneless male lions mark history in what became known as their reign of terror.

Now, history is repeating itself. A new pride of killers has arrived in Tsavo, staking out their own bloody legacy. One that includes the murdered wife of conservationist and former hunter Thomas Walker.

Torn between the newfound happiness he has discovered in the Highlands of Scotland with his new fiancée, and his loyalty to the man whose brother has been taken by the man-eaters, Thomas must face his past and creatures feared as myth by his friend and the people of Kenya.

Arriving in Africa, Thomas finds the situation worsening as a local arms dealer and war lord declares the ‘critters of the bush’ are under his command to drive those not loyal to him from the land. With all not as it seems, the odds are stacked against Thomas and the small band of friends trying to restore balance to the region and its wildlife.

Luke Phillips has always had an interest in natural history. Its hard to say when that interest began to include the myths and monsters that haunt our folklore, but it may well have been as a young boy, standing on the shores of Loch Ness.


From trekking through California looking for Bigfoot to camping out in the Highlands on the trail of real-life reported big cats, his imagination has always been captivated by the darker side of our unnatural history.

Despite studying zoology at university, Luke has strayed from the mainstream into the eerie world of cryptids and monsters. And the truth may well be stranger and far scarier than fiction!

His first book, Shadow Beast, was launched in 2015 and his second, The Daughters of the Darkness, was released in 2017.

He is based in Kent in the UK.

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$25 Amazon 





Bad-Ass Faerie Tales by Danielle-Ackley-McPhail #BookTour & #Giveaway °❃*✨✨*❃° #Urban #Fantasy #BadAssFaerieTales #Fae #Faerie #Biker #MC #TheHalflingsCourt #TheRedcapsQueen #OnSale @EspecBooks @DanielleAckleyMcPhail


The Halfling's Court
A Bad-Ass Faerie Tale Book 1
by Danielle Ackley-McPhail
Genre: Urban Fantasy 
Get Your Bad-Ass On!

The rumble of a Harley...
The gleam of black leather...
The shine of polished chrome...
The freedom of the open road....

Motorcycles meet magic and mayhem as Lance Cosain, the halfling leader of The Wild Hunt MC, protects his turf and his people from attacks ordered by Dair na Scath, the high king of the fae.

Holding his own against rogue fae, redcaps, and pissed-off road gremlins, all Lance wants to do is settle down with his lady. Instead he goes toe-to-toe with the high king's champion over an ancient dagger and his claim to the throne.

Who will triumph? The king of the road or the king of the realm? Either way, the Hunt is on!

**On Sale for only $1.99!!**

The Redcaps' Queen
A Bad-Ass Faerie Tale Book 2 
The Hunt is On!
When strength becomes weakness…
And hope becomes doubt…
As the past collides with the future…hard…
Can Suzanne—Wild Hunt biker chick and one-time member of the fae High Court—stand strong as her world falls apart? She survived an assault by redcaps, an all-out battle with the High King’s armies, and her first encounter with roller derby… but how will she fare against her inner demons? Caught in the midst of a transformation she scarcely realizes and does not understand, her hard-won convictions are tested as never before.
Suzanne is left with only one question—what if they’re wrong?
The truth could mean the difference between saving her sanity and losing her soul…
 **On Sale for only $1.99!!**

Award-winning author and editor Danielle Ackley-McPhail has worked both sides of the publishing industry for longer than she cares to admit. In 2014 she joined forces with husband Mike McPhail and friend Greg Schauer to form her own publishing house, eSpec Books (www.especbooks.com).

Her published works include six novels, Yesterday's Dreams, Tomorrow's Memories, Today's Promise, The Halfling's Court, The Redcaps' Queen, and Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn, written with Day Al-Mohamed. She is also the author of the solo collections Eternal Wanderings, A Legacy of Stars, Consigned to the Sea, Flash in the Can, Transcendence, Between Darkness and Light, and the non-fiction writers' guide, The Literary Handyman, and is the senior editor of the Bad-Ass Faeries anthology series, Gaslight & Grimm, Side of Good/Side of Evil, After Punk, and In an Iron Cage. Her short stories are included in numerous other anthologies and collections.

In addition to her literary acclaim, she crafts and sells original costume horns under the moniker The Hornie Lady, and homemade flavor-infused candied ginger under the brand of Ginger KICK! at literary conventions, on commission, and wholesale.

Danielle lives in New Jersey with husband and fellow writer, Mike McPhail and three extremely spoiled cats.


Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!










The Ninga's Blade by Tori Eldridge Book Tour!


Ninja author’s tenacious heroine tackles the treacherous world of L.A. sex trafficking in much-anticipated sequel 


LOS ANGELES – Tori Eldridge’s sequel to her lauded debut novel packs quite a punch — literally. Fused with Eldridge’s own personal brand of grit and renegade style, “The Ninja’s Blade,” (Sept. 1, Agora Books/Polis Books) is a no-holds-bar, action-packed thriller that will keep readers turning the page for more.


Following events in “The Ninja Daughter,” protagonist Lily Wong pursues her mission to save the women and children of Los Angeles. Hounded by the trauma from her previous confrontation with the Varrio Norwalk 66 street gang, Lily is on a desparate search for a kidnapped prostitution victim, eventually going undercover in the seedy underbelly of L.A. sex trafficking. All the while she struggles to appease the expectations of her Asian mother and grandparents, as well as kindle the spark of a potential romantic flame.


Behind the adventures of her modern-day ninja, the author examines themes of race, identity and values, as well as the timely issues of crimes against women and trafficking. Eldridge crafts a knockout of a novel that’ll leave readers wondering what’s next for Lily Wong?

Early praise for “The Ninja’s Blade”


“Lily Wong is gutsy, smart, and irresistible — just like ‘The Ninja’s Blade.’ Grab it!” 

— Meg Gardiner, Edgar Award-winning author of “The Dark Corners of the Night”


“ ‘The Ninja’s Blade’ will have you on the edge of your seat, turning pages so fast toward the end that you risk death by paper cut. Lily may not be winded at the end of those ninja fights, but you sure will be. If you’re not reading this series, you’re missing out big time.”

― Tracy Clark, author of the acclaimed Cass Raines Chicago Mystery series


Praise for “The Ninja Daughter”


“Eldridge’s debut thriller introduces readers to a heroine for the #MeToo era and deftly explores the dangers of Lily’s avocation, the challenges of familial relationships, and the need to continue to fight the abuse and exploitation of others. … Readers who enjoy an action-packed adventure that doesn’t neglect character development and speaks truth about the human condition will welcome this quirky, passionate, and endearingly relatable protagonist.” 

― Library Journal (Starred), Debut Pick of the Month, November


“Eldridge’s wild ride of a first novel marries Kill Bill with Killing Eve. Readers will want to see more of the feisty Lily. Eldridge expertly mines both domestic suspense and action thriller.” 

― Publishers Weekly


“Tough, snarky, and grudgingly vulnerable, Lily Wong is an irresistible heroine set perfectly against a quirky millennial L.A. backdrop.” 

― Booklist


“If you love a heroine who's tough, brilliant, and never runs from a fight, look no further. ‘The  Ninja Daughter is your gal. Tori Eldridge introduces the warrior-sleuth you'll want fighting by your side.”

― Tess Gerritsen, NYT bestselling author of “The Shape of Night”


“The Ninja’s Blade” (Lily Wong Book 2)

Tori Eldridge | Sept. 1, 2020 | Agora Books | Thriller | Paperback | 978-951709-09-9 | $16.95 


TORI ELDRIDGE is the Anthony, Lefty, and Macavity Awards- nominated author of “The Ninja Daughter,” which was named one of the “Best Mystery Books of the Year” by The South Florida Sun Sentinel and awarded 2019 Thriller Book of the Year by Authors on the Air Global Radio Network. Her short stories appear in several anthologies, and her screenplay “The Gift” earned a semifinalist spot in the prestigious Academy Nicholl Fellowship. 


Before writing, Tori performed as an actress, singer, and dancer on Broadway, television, and film. She is of Hawaiian, Chinese, Norwegian descent and was born and raised in Honolulu, where she graduated from Punahou School with classmate Barack Obama. Tori holds a fifth-degree black belt in To-Shin Do ninjutsu and has traveled the U.S. teaching seminars on the ninja arts, weapons, and women’s self-protection.


An Interview with

Tori Eldridge


  1. How soon into writing the first book of the series did you know Lily’s story was going to be continued? 


I knew “The Ninja Daughter” would begin a series before I even wrote the first sentence. Lily Wong demanded I tell her story — one of heroism, tragedy, family, culture, and relevancy. Not only did she fascinate and motivate me to write, but she connected me even more deeply with current affairs, my city, my ninja art, and my heritage.


  1. Echoing #MeToo and other calls for female empowerment, the series focuses heavily on human trafficking, self-defense, and crimes against women. How did these recent movements in today’s culture influence developing the series?


Lily Wong is a modern-day ninja concerned with the issues of modern-day women. This wasn’t a calculated decision inspired by current affairs. Rather, Lily emerged from my mind on a hunt for her younger sister’s rapist and murderer. Family relationships and duty are intrinsic to Asian culture, so Lily’s perceived failure as an elder sister is what drives her to become a big sister to a city and to fight crimes against women and children. The #MeToo movement also spoke loudly to me as a former actress in Hollywood and martial arts instructor. The demeaning behavior of the past must end. It’s time to redefine American culture with greater awareness and respect.


  1. In “The Ninja’s Blade,” Lily is suffering from PTSD stemming from previous events in book one. Why was it important for you to acknowledge this trauma and how did it help you develop Lily’s character in book two?


Unless you’re a psychopath, violence — done to you or by you — leaves a mark. Past actions inform and often confuse our actions in the present. They can influence our decisions, affect us emotionally, and make us question our self perception. 


This doubt and angst is part of the human condition. Seeing the actions that took place in “The Ninja Daughter” affect Lily in “The Ninja’s Blade,” not only deepens her character but will hopefully resonate deeply with readers.


  1. The Lily Wong Series is set in Los Angeles, and the spirit and depiction of the city is just as important as the characters. What motivated you to have the book set there?


Los Angeles has been my city for over 35 years, providing me a deep well of experience and familiarity from which to draw. I view Los Angeles as a macrocosm of Lily’s own personality and urban multicultural experience. As Lily points out in “The Ninja Daughter,” Los Angeles is like dot art: View it closely and you’ll see dramatically distinct communities. Take it in as a whole, and our city presents itself in glorious harmony. The same can be said for Lily. In true Asian fashion, I’ve woven this sort of symbolism in “The Ninja’s Blade” and throughout the Lily Wong series. It’s yet another way that Lily and I connect with our shared Chinese heritage.


  1. #ownvoices attempts to recognize diversity and promote representation throughout the literary community. What does it mean to you to be an #ownvoices author?


Writing from my own Chinese-Norwegian heritage, experience as a master ninjutsu practitioner, and longtime resident of Los Angeles, I was able to infuse “The Ninja Daughter” with distinctive authenticity. Personal experience and deeper insight is something readers can and should expect from an #ownvoices author. As for representation in fiction and media, I cannot express how important it is for people of all cultures and communities to see themselves portrayed in nuanced and empowering characters. Characters and stories that veer outside of mainstream experience expand our empathy and connect our society. 

 

Asbury High and the Parcels of Poison: Asbury High YA Cozy Mystery Series by Kelly Brady Channick Book Tour and Giveaway!

Asbury High and the Parcels of Poison: Asbury High YA Cozy Mystery Series by Kelly Brady Channick

About Asbury High and the Parcels of Poison

Asbury High and the Parcels of Poison: Asbury High YA Cozy Mystery Young Adult Cozy Mystery 

2nd in Series Publisher: Purple Milk Publishing (May 24, 2020) 

Paperback: 269 pages 

ISBN-10: 1734307323 

ISBN-13: 978-1734307320 

Digital ASIN: B088F1W592 

Asbury’s fearless foursome is back!

Is their favorite hangout to blame for recent food poisonings? Or is there something more sinister at work?

 

After an unprecedented first year of high school, the gang is ready for a relaxing summer vacation, although in Asbury, that may be easier said than done. This summer, the Food Network is running a summer special highlighting local hot spots, Carly, Maddie, Pilot and Cornelious are psyched to have the world’s best restaurant featured—their very own Brady’s! In fact, Maddie can almost forget that her arch-nemesis, Alexis Johnson, will also be on TV for winning the logo design for Caulfield’s Candies… almost.
 

However, after patrons start falling ill, shoobies and locals alike point the finger at Brady’s and rumors of food poisoning. When Brady’s threatens to close its doors, Pilot realizes his mother’s job is in jeopardy, as well as his future in Asbury. With the aid of Cornelious’ wealthy cousin Dane, who spends every summer with the quartet, the gang is once again thrust into an investigation. Unfortunately, they find themselves thwarted by both the local police (who believe their recent success was due to luck, rather than skill), and Cornelious’ father, who has decided to run for Mayor of Asbury and cautions his son on the need to maintain a spotless public image.

 

With a new pancake house on the boardwalk, Mainlanders invading their beaches, and the Pitbulls sneaking around and terrorizing shoobies (as usual), there’s no shortage of suspects. But can they solve the case before the summer, and Brady’s, are finished?

 

About Kelly Brady Channick

 
 For as long as she could remember, Kelly Brady Channick loved making up stories, and leaving her listeners/readers on the edge of their seats. Perhaps that’s why she always managed to talk herself out of trouble... After graduating from NJ’s own Ocean City High School, Kelly accepted a basketball scholarship to Holy Family University, in Philadelphia. As a lifelong athlete, Kelly understands the importance of teamwork and overcoming adversity, something she hopes translates into her books. Before writing page-turners, she taught first, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grade — like a dessert menu, she simply had to test them all out. But her favorite job is the one she’s now doing full time: writing. Kelly loves to craft whodunit mysteries, leading readers through various twists and turns filled with red-herrings, hidden clues, and more peculiar characters than a reality show. Kelly lives in South Jersey with her handsome husband, energetic baby boy, two cookie-stealing dogs, and an awfully smart cat.  
Author Links 
INSTAGRAM: @KellyBradyChannick 
Purchase Link - Amazon 

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