Each Wednesday, Long and Short Reviews hosts a weekly “blog hop”. For more details on how to participate, please click here.
A Superhero Story, Philly Style by Diane Billas – Guest Blog and Giveaway
November 5, 2024 By 5 Comments
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. The author will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
I absolutely love superhero movies. Before having a child, I’d always drag my friend or partner to the newest superhero release. Now, I just wait until they come on Disney+ but as soon as it’s uploaded, I’m ready to watch the movie, or show, so it only made sense that I tried writing my own superhero story.
But it didn’t start out that way. I was participating in a Twitter pitch event for my first book, DOES LOVE ALWAYS WIN?, and I noticed there were these really cool pitches all centered around an event, like a TV reality competition or something like that. That got me thinking, what do I love that I could center my next book around? And then I remembered how much fun I had at a Comic-Con convention in Philadelphia, which had been focused on just superheroes (Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, and Tom Hiddleston were even there!). I sat down, started writing, and the words kept flowing. Then, as I was penning my story, the star of the Comic-Con convention, Jake Johnson aka The Amazing Boy, became a superhero in real life and no one knew it. That’s when my book turned a corner and became a superhero story and SUPERFICIAL was born.
It’s set in a dual perspective, which is something I’ve never done before but I thought it was important to hear both sides of the story, from the perspective of the fan attending the conference, Lea, and from the superhero, Jake. After they get stuck in an elevator together, they must team up, along with a few friends they find along the way, to figure out why everyone at the convention has disappeared and to also find the villain who has been stealing precious artifacts from Philadelphia’s top institutions.
I had so much fun writing this story; it blends a lot of my favorite topics, obviously superheroes, but it also includes museums and classical music. I’m not originally from Philly, but this story is my love letter to the city. I really enjoy living here and I showcase some of the premier museums and tourist sites in this book. SUPERFICIAL is Marvel meets National Treasure, Philly style.
Embark on a thrilling adventure with Lea and Jake as they navigate the unexpected twists and turns at the biggest superhero fan convention of the year. When Lea finds herself trapped in an elevator during the event with superstar Jake, also known as The Amazing Boy, they realize something sinister is afoot. With everyone at the convention frozen, including Lea’s friends, Lea and Jake must team up to unravel the mystery behind the villainous acts plaguing Philadelphia. As they race against time, Lea grapples with whom to trust, while Jake uncovers startling truths about his own identity. A pulse-pounding journey filled with friendship, betrayal, and the ultimate quest for justice, will Lea and Jake save the day, or will supervillains prevail? Dive into this gripping tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Enjoy an Excerpt
LEA
A lone figure lingers in the back corner of the elevator wearing a navy-blue Yankees baseball hat, their face cast downwards. I push for level two when there is a large bang. The lights flicker and go out. Deathly silence follows but is broken by a curse word behind me. I whip around, trying to make out the figure’s face.
“Watch that cape, you almost gave me cape burn,” the voice grumbles.
“Sorry. I never knew how annoying wearing a cosplay costume would be,” I reply, biting my lip.
When the silence continues, I nervously keep up my word vomit. “This is my first time coming to one of these things. I should’ve taken a page out of your book and worn the incognito star look. I would’ve been more comfortable on the plane flight earlier this morning and gotten less strange looks.”
Backup lights flicker on. I can barely see the figure lift his head and look at me directly in the eyes. My heart drops.
“About the incognito star look,” he says, his dark eyes full of hesitation.
No way.
No freaking way.
He isn’t playing an incognito star.
He is the star of today’s show. The last-minute addition that made the entire WizCon event sell out as soon as his name was announced.
A gasp escapes my mouth. I can’t physically stop it if I tried. I’m from the middle of nowhere Ohio. You don’t see a movie star on an elevator or anywhere in your vicinity. Keep calm, Lea, don’t scare him off. He’s incognito for a reason.
“Oh.”
That’s what I come up with to say. I mean, what else am I going to utter aloud?
About the Author:
Photographer credit:
Sam Rodriguez
S.R.WeddingStory
Does Love Always Win? is her debut novel, which released June 2023 from Creative James Media. This book was drawn from Diane’s personal experiences as a queer individual who has struggled throughout life being comfortable identifying and expressing herself. Diane wrote the book she wished was available to her when she was in high school.
Buy the book at Amazon.
Sandra’s Reader and Author Blog Party – giveaway
November 4, 2024 By 5 Comments
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Sandra will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC via rafflecopter to one randomly reader and will award a free Bronze Book Promo Package to a randomly drawn writer.
What started off as a simple book blog that posted the personal reviews of the site owner has grown into a site where authors and readers can connect. Since then Sandra’s Book Club has given away books, gift cards, done reviews, tours, and offered free promotion to authors.
To celebrate all the readers and authors that have been a part of our blog, we’re throwing everyone a Reader and Author Blog Party! We’re also including one prize for readers and one prize for authors.
How I Use Social Media as an Author by Henrik Wilenius – Guest Blog and Giveaway
November 1, 2024 By 3 Comments
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will award the winner’s choice of an audiobook set via Spotify or a digital book set of THE RISE UP TRILOGY. Click on the tour banner to see the other stop on the tour.
It’s been a long learning curve. Before I had published the Rise Up Trilogy, I had very little presence in the social media. But then, like all the other unknown writers, I really needed to learn a new skill set. Fortunately, I had found a great virtual assistant company (taskbullet.com) to help me with graphic design, with my website and other related stuff. I decided I was going to keep my personal life out of it as much as possible, showing my face as little as possible. Instead, I let my writing do the talking. I started making 30-60 second videos first on TikTok, then on Instagram. To my surprise, I really enjoyed making them and some of them went even viral, gaining over million views. Unfortunately, after two viral posts, the views and likes dropped dramatically on Instagram. I would get just few hundred or few thousand views. I assume it was because of the exposing corporate and government corruption is considered political, even if it takes place in a fictional world. On TikTok, I’ve been banned temporarily by then already many times, but I could still pull a good number of views from non-controversial posts. But it’s fine. I already had dozens of good posts about the Rise Up Trilogy and I decided to take a pause from posting new material until I figured a way to get my viewers back. Anyway, social media posts don’t have much impact on book sales or podcast downloads even they go viral, at least in my case.
Next, I became active participant in animal rights and climate change discussions, but I found myself recycling same ideas in different context over and over again and got bored. This is not my thing. I’m a storyteller and through stories relay my ideas and understanding. That’s where these ideas come alive. I also tried posting political commentary not connected to my stories but after just one post, I learned that it was not my thing either. There are plenty of great commentators out there, and I better stick to things I’m good at.
The Rise up trilogy is a coming-of-age story about Hashim, Alex and Maryam, three best friends on the threshold of adulthood. Before they can find their place in this world, they must come to terms with their past and learn to confide in each other as they are confronted by intolerance, ignorance, and corporate greed that threaten to rob them of their future. Inspirational, harrowing, intense and deeply moving, this trilogy presents a ray of hope amidst terrible hardship, misfortune and loss.
Book One: Catch You if You Fall
High school best friends Hashim, Alex, and Maryam must confront real-life issues that loom for Gen-Z today, including the climate crisis, corrupt politics, and racial and gender equity.
When Hashim turns eighteen, he receives a grant from his Mosque that will send him to an Ivy League in New York. His devout Muslim family couldn’t be more proud. And to support their young son on his journey, they arrange a wife for him. There’s only one problem: Hashim is gay.
Hashim’s best friend Alex is struggling with a difficult home life, a non-present father, and financial issues that prove particularly painful when all his friends are planning to go off to college and leave him behind.
Standing confidently alongside these two boys is Maryam, a headstrong Muslim girl who bucks her traditional roots by becoming a vegan activist.
It doesn’t take long until certain evil forces start to draw these three even closer, as their futures and the wellbeing of their community and the world is threatened. They are called to act.
Book Two: Merry Farm
In the second installment of the Rise Up Trilogy, best friends Hashi, Alex, and Maryam stumble upon a huge government coverup. When more people get sicker and sicker, and nothing about the outbreak makes news, it becomes clear the corruption goes up high.
As the three attempt to expose and stop a tragedy that could kill thousands, they end up framed as the bioterrorists responsible for this exact crime, and a team of hitmen is dispatched to hunt them down. As they grapple with their own growing pains, Hashi, Alex, and Maryam hurry to outrun the disaster, prove that they are innocent, and do what they feel is right.
Book Three: Collusion
Now a well-known activist, Maryam, along with her two best friends Hashim and Alex, is chosen by the President of the United States to draw up a proposal to help fight climate change, mere weeks before superstorm Roxanne makes landfall in the Northeast.
After the President’s Future Rescue Advisory Board hears their climate proposal to set heavy taxes on meat, dairy and carbon emissions, and someone leaks it to the press, chaos spreads across party lines. A few months since they stopped a deadly virus in its tracks, the three uncover a conspiracy on the highest level of the legislative branch.
While the deadly hurricane wreaks havoc along the eastern seaboard, destroying the U.S. Naval Command in Norfolk, Virginia, and hitting New York City with devastating force, Maryam, Hashim, and Alex grapple with forces beyond their control in the government.
How will their stories unravel? What do their futures hold as they mature into adults in a world that may not accept them? Find out in this last book in the Rise Up Trilogy.
Enjoy an Excerpt from CATCH YOU IF YOU FALL
“And it’s going to happen tomorrow,” Hashim said as he crouched on the couch.
Alex drew his brows closer, but soon his forehead smoothed. “Seriously?” he said and studied Hashim’s face. “Wow. We need to get you out of this mess.”
Sharing his predicament with his best friend had calmed Hashim’s nerves. Not that he had told the whole story, like the fact that he was gay. However, that was a piece of information he had only shared with God, though unwillingly, because from Him, you can’t hide a thing.
Alex’s eyes grew wide. “But you’re just turning eighteen, for God’s sake. Isn’t it a little early to get engaged?”
Hashim pressed his lips together and winced. You tell me.
“His mom knows that once Hashim has committed to an engagement, he won’t break it,” Maryam said. She had been following the conversation from the other side of the room, giving the guys some space after she saw how upset Hashim was when he came in. “Without a solid religious reason to back out, that could shame the whole family,” she added. “People won’t greet you anymore or return your calls. You become a nobody.”
About the Author: 
Henrik Wilenius is the author of the Rise Up Trilogy, a young adult coming-of-age story about Hashim, Alex and Maryam confronting real-life issues like climate change, corrupt politics, animal cruelty and racial and gender equity.
The Rise Up Trilogy is now available also as an audiobook and a weekly serialized audiobook podcast on all the major platforms.
Previously, Henrik as published two books (an autobiographical coming of age book and a YA novel) by a major publisher (WSOY) in Finland before switching to English and self-publishing. The Rise Up Trilogy was inspired by his fifteen-year stint as a volunteer in a Red Cross Youth Shelter and by his vegan activism.
The Cat Who Chased Ghosts by Nic Minnella – Spotlight and Giveaway
October 31, 2024 By 3 Comments
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
In a sleepy little town, an ordinary-looking cat hides an extraordinary secret that will transform his owners’ lives forever.
When the Thompson family inherits a dilapidated old house, their overprotected son Timmy forms a strong bond with Whiskers—a chronically lazy tabby who’s not what he seems.
As Timmy explores the house’s mysteries, a chilling discovery puts his courage to the test. With the help of Whiskers and some newfound friends, he must face supernatural forces beyond his imagination and rescue a soul in peril.
The Cat Who Chased Ghosts is a spine-tingling tale about bravery, loyalty, and the magical power of friendship (human and feline) that will thrill readers of all ages, reminding us that sometimes the most extraordinary heroes come in the most unlikely packages.
Enjoy an Excerpt
“Yes, Whiskers was called out on important business,” she carried on casually, as if commenting on the weather.
Timmy frowned, confused. He checked Mrs. Krantz for signs that she might be joking.
“Called out? By whom? On what business?”
“He wouldn’t tell me, now, would he?”
Timmy was at a loss for words. Jasper had been right: the woman was cuckoo.
“You seem perplexed, my dear,” she said with a hint of condescension (or so he thought). “Do you think only humans have business to attend to? Have you never heard of Puss in Boots, or the Three Little Pigs, or the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland?”
“Those are just stories. They aren’t real,” Timmy snapped, now convinced that the old lady was mocking him. The Three Little Pigs, for Pete’s sake! Did she take him for a toddler?
“Narrow-minded, are we?” Her lips smiled, but her eyes didn’t. “Let’s see . . . yes, here it is.”
She handed him a book.
Its cover featured a whimsical drawing of a cat in a wizard’s hat, and it was both big and heavy. Quite a few pages were on the verge of falling out like it had been opened and closed too many times. Timmy could barely make out the title in the dim light.
“From Bastet the Goddess to Puss in Boots: A History of Magical Felines,” he recited.
About the Author: Nic Minnella has worked in journalism for twenty-plus years. She’s also a part-time translator and a full-time cat enthusiast. When she’s not occupied with any of the above activities, she’s often traveling to faraway places or daydreaming about them.
“The Cat Who Chased Ghosts” is her first published work of fiction, a middle grade supernatural mystery tale where a boy and his cat must confront ghosts and spirits to save their loved ones from the clutches of darkness.
10 Things You Don’t Know About Us by Elysia and Mark Stevens – Guest Blog and Giveaway
October 30, 2024 By 6 Comments
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The authors will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
2. Mark the Romantic: On our fifth anniversary, Mark surprised me with a beautiful poem and a diamond ring. He buried the bottle in the sand at a local lake close to our house. While out for a walk, I spotted the bottle and started to kick it, thinking it was a treasure map. To my surprise, it was a real treasure!
3. Our Amazing Kids: We have two wonderful teenagers who truly are a joy. We really hit the jackpot with these two—hardly any headaches at all!
4. Hall Passes: My hall pass was Ryan Reynolds, but now that he’s married to Blake Lively, it’s Henry Cavill. Mark always jokes that his is the girl at Starbucks, but deep down, it’s actually Kate Beckinsale. I guess we both have a thing for people from the UK!
5. Beverage Preferences: Mark enjoys red wine and straight whisky—yuck! I don’t drink at all.
6. Our Pets: We have a fat cat named Charlie, and an adorable fluffy dog named Clementine.
7. Cruising Adventures: We love cruising! Our next journey will be on the Carnival Liberty out of New Orleans on August 10, 2025. Feel free to come say “hi!”
8. A Celebrity Lookalike: Some people say I resemble Sandra Bullock!
9. Favourite Movie: I love Dirty Dancing and Mark loves Stand by Me.
10. Funny story: One time when we first started dating, we found ourselves in an indoor amusement park that had a closed ride on hydraulic legs that spun around and was supposed to simulate a roller coaster. Being the romantic that he is, Mark decided to take his seatbelt off before the ride started so that he could sneak a kiss and naturally the ride started just as he leaned in.
While Mark thrashed around like a shoe in a dryer, we had a friend that was waiting in line to go next on the ride but when he heard all the racket, he decided that it wasn’t necessarily the ride that he was looking to get on. When the door finally opened and we got out, Mark looked like a stray cat that just got beat around like dice in a Yahtzee cup! I think that this story set the foundation for all the adventures ahead of us.
Whenever things seem to fall apart around Daisy, romance novels are her way of escaping. When immersed in a novel, she can imagine herself in the story as the lead female character. Still, the difference between her and the typical female character in her novels is that she is not your average damsel in distress.
Daisy was raised by a military father who ensured his daughter knew survival skills and how to protect herself. Following in her beloved father’s footsteps, Daisy joined the army and met Justin. Eventually, Daisy’s dreams would come true. While on a decompression stop after a deployment overseas, she finds herself at the Lachlan Castle in Scotland. There, she is thrown back in time to the era she loves to read about, but things are nothing like she imagined.
When Daisy befriends a bonnie Scottish lass, she finds herself in a haven under the roof of the girl’s brother, a laird named Alick. It becomes clear that the laird is constantly challenged by the many nuances of Daisy’s status as a modern-day female soldier as she attempts to navigate the dangerous life in medieval Scotland. While trying her best to fit in, Daisy stumbles upon a psychotic baron named Thomas, who loves to torture women and is fascinated with her.
Both Laird Alick and Baron Thomas want to tame the lioness in Daisy but for different reasons. But Daisy is ill-prepared for medieval love or warfare and must train her heart and head to face what’s coming next.
Enjoy an Excerpt
Two floors below mine, I felt safe that I would come out of this situation unscathed, so I decided to sneak out a little squeaker to relieve some of the pressure. If I learned anything from this situation, it was this: you can spend your whole day out and about and not see one goodlooking guy, but if you blow one little fart in an elevator, one will suddenly appear like Houdini.
As the ding chimed and the elevator doors opened one floor below mine, I sheepishly stood in my stench, staring into the face of a tall, muscular, blond-haired, brown-eyed hunk of a man. I could tell he didn’t appreciate the treat that I left for him. So, there was only one thing to do in this situation, and that was to stay cool and collected, as though nothing had happened, even though it was pretty evident that I had just dumped my guts. The look he gave me as he
stopped in his tracks and raised one eyebrow before turning and pressing the button for the thirtieth floor made me blurt out the first thing that came to mind.
“Do you smell popcorn?” I said. Instantly, I regretted my words, as heat rose to my cheeks.
He gave me a sideways smirk and faced the doors as they closed, replying, “I am not sure where you buy your popcorn, but if it smells like that, I wouldn’t recommend buying it again.”
About the Author 
Hi, I am Elysia Stevens, and I am a big fan of rom-coms, which should not be a surprise after reading this story. Most would describe me as eccentric in my personality, which really stands out in my choice of attire. I love to wear fun socks, and every Friday I celebrate “Fabio Friday” by wearing a Fabio T-shirt for all to enjoy (luv ya, Fabio!). Thankfully, my husband, Mark Stevens, has a lot of patience because I can’t sit still for more than five minutes at a time and always have my head in the clouds. He has been my partner in life for over eighteen years, and there is nothing we can’t and don’t tackle together. My husband’s taste generally ranges from Stephen King to classic literature, but being the great guy he is, he not only read my rom-com novel but also co-authored it with me! Unfortunately, he still doesn’t understand the appeal of a good naughty scene in a book, but I won’t hold that against him.
Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge for October 30, 2024
October 30, 2024 By 2 Comments
Each Wednesday, Long and Short Reviews hosts a weekly “blog hop”. For more details on how to participate, please click here.
Superstitions I Secretly Believe In or Find Fascinating
Dying for Monet by Claudia Riess – Spotlight and Giveaway
October 29, 2024 By 8 Comments
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner. Click the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Dying for Monet, book 5 of Riess’s art history mystery series, opens on a gala evening auction at Laszlo’s, an upstart auction house in New York City. After a much sought-after Impressionist still life painting is without notice withdrawn from the auction block, its broker is found dead at the foot of an imposing statue in Laszlo’s courtyard. Amateur sleuths Erika Shawn and Harrison Wheatley are once again drawn into an investigation involving an art-related homicide, this time with one sharing an unnerving coincidence with violent crimes occurring abroad.
Enjoy an Excerpt
Greenwich, Connecticut January 5, 1927
It was time. The mavericks, all thirty of them represented at the first Impressionist Exhibition in Paris, 1874, had passed away. Not that a clean sweep was essential to the plan, but there was a sense of closure about it, as useless yet gratifying as an account ledger balanced to the penny.
The framed canvases were propped up against the far wall of the living room like hostages awaiting their release. The overstuffed couch with its mesmerizing pattern of exotic birds had been moved into the dining room to clear the wall space for them. The drapes were drawn and the room was bathed in artificial light, yet the paintings seemed to be standing out in the open, beneath the sky. It was the sheer vibrancy of color that created the illusion, Elizabeth Barden thought, as she surveyed the display, guilt creeping into her enjoyment of it. Though there’d been no law against it, it had been criminal to have kept these luminous visions in the dark all these years. If only she hadn’t been bound by a promise!
She remembered her parents sitting her down at the kitchen table in this very home, thirty-three years ago it was, the two of them planting themselves opposite her, looking more grimly serious than she’d ever seen them. She was fourteen years old at the time and not yet settled on what to make of herself, looks and intelligence ratings still torturously pending. She imagined she was about to hear that she’d been adopted or had three months to live. What they told her was less dire, but required a more sustained focus to take in. The paintings would be her legacy, they said, but in order for this to be the case, she must follow their instructions down to the letter. She had to clasp their hands in hers—as good as swearing on the bible—and promise to do so. The mood lightened only once during the interview, and that was when she’d pronounced the artist’s name as if it rhymed with “bonnet.” “Monet,” her mother had corrected, grinning. “Mow the grass. Neigh says the horse.”
The memory did not draw a smile. How could it, when these prisoners stood before her in dutiful formation? How brilliantly they’d persevered without a trace of reproach marring their freshness! And wasn’t it curious, how her gaze seemed to be drawn—and return when it wandered elsewhere— to the still life of a Wedgewood vase teeming with flowers—gladioli, lilies, wildflowers; a riot of color she would hardly call “still.” Not her favorite genre, still life, but she’d felt the same sort of instant affinity to this painting as she’d had with her lover, Jacob, not at all her type, but upon an exchanged look, bound to him body and soul. And of course, in a manner of speaking he, too, like the painting, had been hidden for far too long from the embrace of natural light. She must free him, too, from the dark. She had been intending for a year—what was she thinking, more than a year—to tell her most dear but tiresome husband of her affair and the necessity for a divorce. The imminence of the afternoon’s scheduled event strengthened her resolve. She would end the secrecy tonight.
Hard to believe that barely one hour from now, unless God or chance intervened, the transaction would be under way. The wealthy young art collector, Lewis Keller, along with the gallery owner who had used his networking skills to nose him out and was serving as broker in the deal, would soon be rapping at the door of the sprawling old ranch-house where Elizabeth had lived all her life, half of it with her husband, Wallace. The gallery owner’s entourage of packers and transporters would be on hand as well. The collector, a bit wet behind the ears, she’d discovered when he’d first come to look over the paintings, had seemed to rely more on the gallery owner’s aesthetic judgment than on his own. Like a pet owner forced by circumstances to give up her precious charge, she hoped that the man to whom she was relinquishing the paintings would treat them with the care they deserved.
Before withdrawing to her room to freshen up, Elizabeth stepped into the kitchen to see how her husband was coming along with the needless crudité platter he was arranging for their guests.
“Ah, Wally,” she said rather sadly, thinking of what was ahead for the poor man tonight, “an unaccompanied champagne toast would have been quite sufficient.”
“I know, Liz, I know,” Wallace said, putting down the knife with which he had been slicing carrots into sticks. “But you must admit, a little gesture of thoughtfulness goes a long away.” He tapped his apron-bibbed chest for emphasis.
“You’re right, dear,” Elizabeth agreed, gritting her teeth at his habit of speaking in aphorisms. The knife was lying on the counter unattended, and she imagined, for an instant as fleeting and pleasant as a sunny landscape striking an Impressionist’s eye, of stabbing him with it.
About the Author: 
Claudia Riess has worked in the editorial departments of The New Yorker and Holt, Rinehart and Winston, and has edited several art history monographs. Stolen Light, the first book in her art history mystery series, was chosen by Vassar’s Latin American history professor for distribution to the college’s people-to-people trips to Cuba. To Kingdom Come, the fourth, will be added to the syllabus of a survey course on West and Central African Art at a prominent Midwestern university. Claudia has written a number of articles for Mystery Readers Journal, Women’s National Book Association, the Sisters in Crime Bloodletter, and Mystery Scene magazine. To read more about Claudia and her work, visit the author’s website.
The Goblin King’s Mischief by D. Lieber – Spotlight and Giveaway
October 28, 2024 By 2 Comments
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. D. Lieber will be awarding a $10 Bookshop gift card (so you can support your local bookstore!) to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
A promise unkept. A love she can’t forget. This wily human will do anything to reclaim the heart of the Goblin King.
Lady Melody Piobaire never lost faith her first love would come for her when she was forced from his side. That is, until she finds out he doesn’t even know who she really is…doesn’t even know she’s human. To make things worse, she’s the promised mistress of the sidhe king. Rather than bear Tir’s heir, she devises a plan to win back her true love in the most goblin of ways.
Orphaned elf Aodh never forgot what it was like growing up on the mean streets of Goblintown. And now, as Goblin King, he’s dedicated to being the just and attentive ruler the neglected goblins deserve. So when a spoiled human who knows nothing of what it means to be a goblin tricks him into marriage, he’ll do anything to be rid of her.
Melody is certain she can win Aodh’s heart again, so she isn’t prepared for his hot and cold hostility. Aodh is unsettled by the forward human in his home and the way she seems to know just how to get to him.
What can Melody do if her only love no longer wants her, or worse, no longer exists?
Enjoy an Excerpt
I looked up at Aodh, taking in the face I used to know so very well. His features had sharpened in the last ten years. His thick hair—which had been quite messy when it was shorter—now fell in long locks that could no longer hide the pointed tips of his ears. The groove between his straight nose and wide lips had deepened, and he still had a tiny break in the hair of his left eyebrow, a scar too small to see if not for the space where the hair no longer grew.
I took in the sight of him, memorizing the small changes that had taken place since the last time I’d seen him. He’d grown both taller and wider—his shoulders now the broad and strong shoulders of a man. Though, despite the added years, his eyes had changed the most. They were much darker than I remembered, not in color but in substance. He’d helped me as I knew he would, but he no longer had that carefree glint in his eyes. The lack of that little light of mischief hurt more than anything else.
“Miss?” he called. “Where do you live? What’s your name?”
I let my mouth widen in a smirk of bravado. “Me? My name is Lady Melody Píobaire, daughter of the Earl of Piskishire.” I swallowed my heart. He’s not going to like this. Raising my left hand, I displayed the ring I’d just sneaked from his finger onto mine. “I’m the goblin queen, and you can come for me at Maplecrest, my family home, whenever is convenient for you, husband.”
About the Author
D. Lieber has a wanderlust that would make a butterfly envious. When she isn’t planning her next physical adventure, she’s recklessly jumping from one fictional world to another. Her love of reading led her to earn a Bachelor’s in English from Wright State University.
Beyond her skeptic and slightly pessimistic mind, Lieber wants to believe. She has been many places—from Canada to England, France to Italy, Germany to Russia—believing that a better world comes from putting a face on “other.” She is a romantic idealist at heart, always fighting to keep her feet on the ground and her head in the clouds.
Lieber lives in Wisconsin with her husband (John) and cats (Yin and Nox).
5 Pros and 5 Challenges of Writing in My Genre by A.Y. Chan – Guest Blog and Giveaway
October 25, 2024 By 4 Comments
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $25 Amazon/BN.com gift card. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
I love middle grade. I read it all the time ‘for fun” even though I’m well out of the target age range. While there are many reasons I chose to write my debut in this genre, there are also many challenges I’ve faced in doing so. Let’s get down to it!
PROS
Pro #1: The Joy and Optimism of Middle Grade
Middle grade kids are in that sweet spot where they’re young and bright-eyed, but old enough to start understanding the world and have a keen curiosity about how it works. I love stories that tap into this curiosity, helping kids develop a deeper sense of self and showing them a world full of hope and possibility.
Pro #2: Promoting the Love of Reading
Growing up, reading was my refuge. There’s something really special about fostering that same love of reading in children. Knowing my stories might be a source of joy for a young reader is incredibly fulfilling.
Pro #3: No “Awkward” Scenes or Swearing
This might not be considered a pro for everyone, but I like not having to deal with overly lovey-dovey scenes, adult themes, or even the occasional cuss word. Writing middle grade allows me to focus on the adventure, friendship, and growth of my characters.
Pro #4: The Dynamic Kidlit Community
The kidlit writing scene is so vibrant and supportive. Groups like SCBWI and Inked Voices are filled with friendly and lovely people and interacting with fellow writers has been a wonderful experience, full of camaraderie and encouragement.
Pro #5: Encouraging Imagination and Creativity
Middle grade books are the perfect playground for imagination. These stories often include fantastical elements, magical adventures, and creative problem-solving, which can ignite a child’s creativity and fuel their dreams.
CHALLENGES
Challenge #1: Middle Grade Dialogue
The biggest hurdle is to not sound like an adult trying to sound like a middle grader. It can be awkward and cringy, and young readers can spot it from a mile away. Authenticity in dialogue is crucial and can be challenging to master. I struggled with this when I first started writing middle grade and I went through a lot of thought, observation and too many rewrites to count!
Challenge #2: Finding Your Middle Grade Voice
Beyond just getting your middle grader dialogue right, your entire story needs to adopt a middle grade tone. Everything from vocabulary to plot and situations needs to be appropriate and true to that age group. While you may want to give your characters the freedom to travel independently, it’s not realistic. For example, where are their parents? Why aren’t they in school?
Challenge #3: Ensuring Positive Role Models
Middle graders are still learning and can be impressionable. It’s important to make sure your characters set good examples (or at least try their best to!). Adults and even YA readers might know better, but middle graders may still be figuring things out, so you need to be mindful of this when making decisions for your characters.
Challenge #4: Book Promotions
You can’t promote your book directly to middle grade readers. The gatekeepers are parents, teachers, and librarians. Reaching these gatekeepers effectively can be a real challenge, as they are the ones who will ultimately introduce your book to kids.
Challenge 5: Keeping it Engaging Without Being Overly Complex
Middle grade readers are beginning to explore more complex narratives. However, striking the balance between an engaging plot and one that’s not too convoluted can be tricky. You want to challenge your readers but not overwhelm them.
Mo Seto, martial arts movie star! Has a nice ring to it doesn’t it? Too bad there’s a height restriction to audition. But 12-year-old Modesty (Mo) Seto has never let her height get in the way before, not when she became a black belt, or when she fought the meanest boy in her class, and she’s not going to let it stop her this time! Now if only she can figure out a way to grow five inches and fool everyone at the auditions…and find time to search for her missing father (who just might be harboring a dangerous secret of his own). Join Mo on an adventure (and audition) of a lifetime and find out if powerful things really do come in small packages!
Publishers Weekly calls THE LEGENDARY MO SETO “Adrenaline pumping”, Kirkus Reviews says it “Packs a punch”, and Booklist calls it “Remarkably relatable.” Leap in and join the fun!
Enjoy an Excerpt
I may be small, but I am fierce. At least that’s what I keep telling myself. Over and over again. Fierce.
“Charyeot,” the taekwondo tournament referee says in Korean. Attention.
I snap my arms to my sides.
“Kyeong-nae,” the ref says. Bow.
I turn to face my opponent, Dax Washington. His dark skin glistens with sweat. We dip our heads.
I look up to see Dax towering over me, his eyes stormy.
It suddenly occurs to me how much “fierce” sounds like “fears.” Not that I’m scared or anything. I’m not.
“Sijak!” The ref throws up his hand. Begin! Immediately Dax’s large fists hammer down like a hailstorm.
Well, maybe I’m a little worried.
Dax lunges. I block his front kick with my forearm. I flinch and reel back. The ref blows his whistle, but Dax doesn’t stop. I barely have time to move before—oof—another kick nails me in the elbow.
Okay, fine. I’m totally panicking.
About the Author: 
A. Y. Chan grew up in Canada’s Greater Toronto Area reading all the middle grade and young adult books she could get her hands on. To this day, those remain her favorite genres. After achieving her black belt in Taekwondo, she explored other martial arts, such as Wing Chun, Hapkido, and Muay Thai. These days, she continues her martial arts training some mornings, writes in the afternoons, takes long walks to muddle out plot points, and falls asleep reading.
Buy the book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Bookshop.org.
