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

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

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

Cardinals Book Tour & Giveaway

Genre: Dark Paranormal Fantasy 

A completely new twist on Stoker’s tale. 

Nine Hundred years before Christ, God has cast his wife, Asherah, out of heaven and condemned her to roam the earth as the first vampire. Over the centuries, she created other vampires.

There are also those that she left for dead but survived her attack without being completely turned into vampires. These survivors are called Cardinals. Scottish Countess Kellena Donnachaidh and Lady Suzette Allard, our protagonists, are among these cardinals. They are searching out Asherah for a final conflict.

Asherah has discovered a way back to heaven so she can exact her vengeance. Using the Amulet of Cassiel she can call the Flaming chariot of Israel to return to heaven Now, 3000 years later, there are groups working to destroy Asherah and the vampires.

The Vatican and other groups, fearing their own destruction if she ascends, simply want to stop Asherah using the Amulet of Cassiel to re-enter heaven. The race to recover the Amulet is full of intrigue, betrayal.

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

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cardinals-Ian-Conner/dp/B0D1X78H1Q

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/cardinals/id6444112667

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cardinals-ian-conner/1141378352?ean=9798986197777

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/cardinals-7

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1313750

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/cardinals-by-ian-conner

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61247693-cardinals

Book Trailer:

Giveaway

$20 Starbucks Gift Card – 1 winner, 

Print Copy of Cardinals – 2 winners! 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://bit.ly/CardinalsTour

About The Author:

Ian Conner is retired and spent most of his adult life as a Marine and Army Infantry Sergeant.

A hundred percent disabled veteran after multiple head and other injuries, he is part of a growing number of vets classified as “neuro-diverse”, an MST survivor and have several issues such regarding comprehension, concentration, and vision issues that he has OVERCOME to write several novels.

After witnessing a lifetime of destruction, the thought of creating something tangible and lasting holds great appeal. 

He finds writing a cathartic way to redefine himself both in his eyes and in the eyes of others. Writing for fun, Ian has completed seven novels with an eighth near done with two more ideas in the scribble/chapter phase. He has written across four genres Fantasy, Thriller, Science Fiction and Horror. 

He uses ProWritingAid, Beta Readers and professional editors to keep the product readable, he has recently began querying in search of a professional agent and publisher.

Now living near San Diego California with his wife Bonnie, a cellist, and their two dogs, Cookie and Isabella. Conner spends his days fostering kittens, gardening, crafting beautiful stained glass and creating worlds on the page.

Website * LinkedIn * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Website: https://www.blackraptorbooks.net

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-conner-4bb1b82a8/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ian-conner

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ian-Conner/author/B08FM4KW4J

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6082559.Ian_Conner

The Inspiration Behind the Books 

Ian’s inspiration for Dark Maiden comes from a Native American legend. 

Among the Wabanaki,this blight occurs when an evil sorcerer refuses to stay dead.

Descendants of the Wabanaki still survive in Maine, which was one of the reasons why I set the story in the locale of Nollesemic. I felt the characters were solid enough to appeal to a large swath of readers without offending anyone. LGBTQ characters fill in the modern twists that would not have been accepted even a few years ago.

Similarly, my vampire novel Cardinals is a new take on the Stoker legend with a large dose of actual historical events. Fictional additions and twists on biblical and historical occurrences, keep the story interesting, the reader engaged. I have always been a fan of the 70’s vampire films and wrote Cardinals with that in mind. I can totally see Ingrid Pitt as Asherah.

I have taken a bit of guff over casting a scandalous shadow over the catholic church, but they have given me plenty of ammunition. The faith fills in a good part of the story and fanaticism at both ends of the spectrum also gave me much to work with. 

I love casting women in strong roles and minimizing the male influence. Sadly, reality has not caught up with that idea. Amy Radigan, Lilly Pham, Kellena Donnachaid, Cassie Wells, all epitomize women I have known and respect.

After being medically retired from the military in 2010, writing became a new identity for me. I take my time writing. The Long Game, for instance, took 3 years to write. Pulling from current events as I went along.

Relations with China are now tenser than ever and the conflict in the south China sea is actually occurring almost following the theme of my story. I consider my readers intelligent enough to follow the multiple plot lines. I tend to keep the thrillers within the realm of possibility.

Sometimes it might be a reach but nothing I write is impossible. Headlines are a big help. The saying is “You couldn’t write this stuff”. Well actually I can!

The political thriller is cathardic to write. Solaris is coming out in December, complicated story lines will keep the readers guessing.  Horror is a fun genre for me and I have two ideas on paper that need filled out. I have dabbled with Science Fiction and Fantasy.

Cooper’s Ridge  was another labor of love and quite fun to write. I love space travel, aliens and first contact.  Throw in some dystopian end of the world themes with a huge dose of multiple conspiracies and walah you have a novel. I am a huge Star Trek fan.

I love Roddenberry’s approach to everyday issues with technological spins. Solving the barriers to space travel with reverse engineering seemed obvious enough to me. The genius teenager as the underdog with a cadre of friends to help fight the faceless government what can go wrong.

Damned Yankees Book Tour & Giveaway

Damned Yankees is a gripping tale set during America’s Revolutionary War, where loyalty is tested, and survival is anything but certain.

Damned Yankees 

By Ray Deptula 

Genre: Historical Fiction

Those who fight their nation’s wars are typically those least able to avoid it.

The world was, is now, and always will be a complicated and volatile place filled with those whose self-interests supersede more noble aspirations.

If history has taught us anything, it is that times may change, but human nature does not.

The competing interests and political tensions of the formation of our country were no more or less dysfunctional than they are today, with the best and worst of individual behavior continually on display.

Jack Halliday wants nothing more than to belong somewhere that provides him with security and values his worth.

In an uncaring world that devours the weak, he is forced to rely on his strongest attribute, his ability and willingness to fight, which ironically belies his benevolent nature.

Much like the fledgling union of the thirteen original colonies, Jack’s rebirth into autonomy constantly teeters on demise in a world where his decisions are all he can control.

Amazon * B&N * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Damned-Yankees-Ray-Deptula-ebook/dp/B0DG38XHNV

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/damned-yankees-ray-deptula/1146263286

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/damned-yankees-by-ray-deptula

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218481149-damned-yankees

Giveaway 

$20 Amazon 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://bit.ly/DamnedYankeesTour

About the Author 

Ray Deptula is a native of Wells, Maine, and a graduate of Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, Maine. 

He spent 24 years in the U.S. Navy as a helicopter pilot and a political-military officer. 

He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island with a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. 

Damned Yankees is the first book Ray has published, having conceived of it while taking a Revolutionary War elective at the Naval War College.

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Amazon * Goodreads

Candle In The Wind Book Tour

Betrayed…Banished…Alone

Candle in the Wind 

by Kim Baccellia 

Genre: Diverse Dystopian Thriller 

What if you discovered everything you’ve been taught is a lie? 

For most of her life, seventeen-year-old Espie Hernandez’s world revolved around the Branch of Thomas, a cult-like haven in what’s left of a war-ravaged America. Their ruler, Reverent Father, keeps them safe from the Others, those outside the compound who wish to harm them. 

Espie questions what she’s been taught and finds herself banished from the compound. She’s thrust into the harsh world beyond their walls with the mission to prove the Others actually have a plot against them. When tensions escalate, Espie must figure out who to trust before everything she loves is torn apart.

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Candle-Wind-Kim-Baccellia-ebook/dp/B0DMKWVSJP/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/candle-in-the-wind-by-kim-baccellia

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221381513-candle-in-the-wind

Excerpt:

Up close, the deserted building looked less threatening. More than a few tiles were missing from the roof. Scattered, dry sagebrush littered the path. The low muttering of voices grew louder the closer I got to the door.

I snuck another quick glance over my shoulder, scanning the area. Nothing seemed out of place, but that didn’t still the unease that refused to leave. A lone owl soared overhead, and its hoot nearly stopped me in my tracks, the sound reminding me of Reverent Father’s alarms.

I glanced back at the building and took a deep breath. I can do this. The rotted wooden door squeaked as I pushed through it to walk inside.

Mostly women, dressed in dark clothing, hung to the edges of the room, whispering. Their telltale turquoise stone necklaces betraying their former status in the community. Hoods obscured their features. This act alone, of women gathering together, was forbidden. I cast my gaze down.

They can’t know it’s me.

If word got out that I’d infiltrated a blasphemy meeting, not only would I be brought before the Elders, but my family as well.

I couldn’t let that happen.

Yet here I was.

Yellowish haze filled the cramped space along with the burnt scent of smoke from a fire that ravaged the building a few years back. A lone table and a few broken chairs added to the sense of desolation.

No, I couldn’t stay here, especially if the Elite Guard got wind of this, which I knew would happen.

I searched the room for Xochi, the urge to grab her and leave growing stronger by the moment.

Sure enough, my sister hung over to the side.

“Xochi,” I whispered, glancing furtively around. “I changed my mind.”

My sister barely looked up from her vidcom. “And miss this?”

“You know what I mean.” I tried to ignore the frantic beating of my heart.

Then I saw Luz. The light teased the maroon highlights in Luz’s shoulder-length dark hair and gave her brown skin a rosy glow. She leaned in, whispering to a girl from one of our classes.

Without thinking, I left Xochi and slowly made my way over to Luz.

Giveaway 

$20 Amazon 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://bit.ly/CandleInTheWindTour

About the Author 

Award-winning author Kim Baccellia grew up in Sacramento, California, the oldest of seven.

She has a business associate degree from Sacramento City College, a BS degree in elementary education from Brigham Young University, and studied post grad bilingual/bicultural education at CSUF.

She’s been a telemarketer, library helper at the Harold B. Lee library at BYU, assistant manager, sales clerk, tutor, bilingual teacher, and homeschool mother. Currently the author of four YA novels with another one coming out soon!

Author of YA paranormal CROSSED OUT and CROSSED FIRE. YA dystopia CANDLE IN THE WIND. Also the author of the urban diverse fantasy EARRINGS OF IXTUMEA. Short Christmas Magic in the Holiday analogy MISTLETOE AND MAGIC.

Re-releasing YA fantasy series under new titles in 2026! Currently working on a historical romance set in Tuscany.

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

Author Links

Website: http://www.kim-baccellia.com/

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

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

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

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kim-baccellia

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kim-Baccellia/author/B007OXDNAU

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/862733.Kim_Baccellia

Crossing The Line Book Tour

Running away, young & frightened. 

There’s no going back.

Crossing the Line 

by Chris Cloake 

Genre: Women’s Fiction

Rebecca is running away from violation and loss. Young, frightened and homeless, but articulate, imaginative and determined, she dreams of a new life, a new self. There’s no going back.

Follow her path into desperate isolation during a freezing winter as she struggles to survive. When stealing offers a way out, fate plunges her into the criminal realm of drugs where the stakes and the hits are high, and deadly, and her existence relies on trust. But who is using who? Is she falling into the same traps again?


Crossing The Line by Chris Cloake leads you through the moral minefield of addiction and throws open the debate over control and consent, with outcomes that will stir deep emotions. If you’re a fan of challenging story lines then this you must read.


Get Crossing The Line now to discover the inescapable truths Rebecca faces as a vulnerable girl in a world driven by greed. Marvel at how her courage and an unexpected ally bring about an earth shattering conclusion.

Amazon * Apple * Kobo * Smashwords * Books2Read * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DR8HQ1D2

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/crossing-the-line/id6740216035

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/crossing-the-line-231

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1668136

Books2Read: https://books2read.com/u/bxkow6

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/crossing-the-line-by-chris-cloake

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222904838-crossing-the-line

Excerpt:

I check my watch.  Nearly nine o’clock.  I’ve slept for two hours.  I think of home, or what I was made to consider home.  They won’t have even noticed I’ve gone yet. 

My uncle would have headed to work and my aunt never emerges much before lunch.  Then she will sit out in the conservatory, have a fag and the first drink of many.

I’m banking on this.  She will wonder where I might be, if she even remembers I’m off school this week and haven’t appeared to raid the fridge. 

A slight worry, nothing more.  She leaves everything to him.  When he’s back, he’ll check my whereabouts, expect me to cook dinner and have done his ironing. 

And if the mood took him later, come to my room, he has the key, and have his way with his little slut again.  

Not this time.  Just for once I’ll have gotten the upper hand.  He will be fuming.  He’ll blame my aunt, breathe noisily through that ugly nose, blame her again, and then he’ll contact the police. 

I smile at the image of him, so rarely flustered, unable to control the situation.  Then I rub my ribcage as I remember the time when I defied him before, staying over at Carlos’s and denying him his usual gratification.  Imagine if he’d known it was a male friend I’d been out with.  The beating would have been harder.

So no one was going to be searching for me until at least tomorrow, if not beyond.  I reckon I’ll secure a permanent hideout before my face starts appearing on news bulletins. 

I even harbour the hope that he might want to avoid the inquest over why I have run away in case he ended up exposed for what he is.  I tell myself not indulge such a fantasy. 

He has ‘decency’ in society, a working man who took in a girl with nowhere else to go.  And he won’t want to be without the thrill of his easy gratification.  I must stay focused.

Giveaway 

$20 Amazon 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://bit.ly/CrossingTheLineTour

About the Author

Chris Cloake was born in 1964 and began telling stories a couple of years later. He grew up in Kent, England.

He is motivated to write by a deep interest in life, particularly the cruel, deeply flawed nature of people contrasted with their incredible creativity and inspiration.

The power of the natural world is a common theme in his work as a writer and professional photographer. He lives happily with his wife, two children and a large collection of music, books and board games.

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

Author Links

Website: https://www.chriscloake.co.uk/

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

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Child Protection Behind Closed Doors

GENRE:  NonFiction

Because this book contains content that is 18+ with various TRIGGER WARNINGS, we do not feel excerpts will be applicable. It discusses Jo’s time as a child protection worker and features substance abuse, sexual assault and various other triggering topics. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

In the beginning, a tragic event started me on my journey to a destination and my love for helping children of all ages and their families.

However, what I was not prepared for was that the people who assisted me and paved the way for my advancement in my chosen career in Child Protection were the same people who tried to bring me down.

This book will give you insight into what it is like to work in Child Protection. It will show you the difficulties and sometimes dangers workers face on a daily basis. Furthermore, the novel will also highlight the satisfaction you get when you can assist a child and their family through a traumatic event.

My career at Child Protection spanned nearly a decade, and during that time, I was bullied by management. I observed management bully other workers; I was also aware of workers consuming drugs, both outside work hours and during work hours.

This novel is a behind-the-scenes look at what really happens at Child Protection when the public is not watching or listening.

Child Protection is not an easy career path, but it can be a good job if you like long hours, have a thick skin, keep your head down, keep your mouth shut, and abide by everything that management wants you to do, even when you know it is wrong or unfair.

Pertinent Information:

Out of Home Care: Is It Really Safe?

Recent statistics and inquiries reveal disturbing realities about the safety and well-being of children in out-of-home care in Victoria, Australia. Despite being intended as a refuge, the system is fraught with challenges that leave many vulnerable children at risk.

Disturbing Statistics on Residential Care Incidents

The 2021-22 annual report of the Commission for Children and Young People highlights alarming trends:

  • Missing Children: Reports of children and young people going missing from residential care surged by 65% from 2019-20, reaching 3,558 incidents in 2021-22.
  • Sexual Exploitation: During the same period, incidents of sexual exploitation rose by 28%, with 303 cases reported.

The Disproportionate Impact on Aboriginal Children

Aboriginal children are profoundly overrepresented in the out-of-home care system:

  • In 2020-21, 134.9 per 1,000 Aboriginal children were placed in care, compared to just 6.7 per 1,000 non-Aboriginal children.
  • Aboriginal children constitute nearly 30% of all children in care, despite representing less than 1% of Victoria’s population.
    This overrepresentation extends to tragic outcomes. In 2022, two Aboriginal children were among 37 who died within 12 months of involvement with child protection services, reflecting deep systemic failures.

Systemic Challenges Exacerbate Risks

Investigations point to several systemic issues, including premature case closures and poor collaboration between child protection services and external agencies. Underfunded support systems further compound these challenges, leaving children without the resources they need to thrive.

The Principal Commissioner for Children and Young People stated:

“Action is desperately needed to ensure the child protection, out-of-home care, and youth justice systems meet children’s needs. Current data shows abuse within these systems is being uncovered at unprecedented levels. Vulnerable children continue to suffer due to a pressured system unable to provide adequate care.”

Blaire’s Story: A Case of Systemic Failure

Blaire’s experience exemplifies the failures within the system. At 15, she entered foster care after losing both parents to drug overdoses. Her transient life left her feeling abandoned and rejected.

Initially placed with a foster family who appeared ideal—one parent was a former Child Protection worker—Blaire quickly learned otherwise. The couple faced allegations of sexually abusing another child in their care. Blaire disclosed her awareness of the situation during an interview:

“Are you talking about Cheryl, Bernadette, and Sam? They had threesomes and used sex toys. I already know about that. They wouldn’t try that with me; I’d smack them out.”

While Blaire avoided direct abuse, the placement failed to provide the stability she desperately needed. Her next foster home also fell short: the foster mother refused to give Blaire a house key, forcing her to wait outside until late evening. Attempts to advocate for Blaire’s independence were met with resistance, leading to further disruptions in her care.

The Hard Question: Where Can Children Feel Safe?

If children are not safe in their own homes, nor in the out-of-home care system, where can they turn? Blaire’s story, alongside the harrowing statistics, underscores the urgent need for reform.

A Call to Action

The out-of-home care system must prioritize:

  1. Increased Oversight and Accountability: Ensure all carers meet stringent safety standards.
  2. Support for Aboriginal Communities: Empower Aboriginal-led solutions to reduce overrepresentation and address cultural needs.
  3. Adequate Funding for Support Services: Strengthen child protection services to prevent case closures that leave children vulnerable.

Our most vulnerable children deserve better. It’s time to act to ensure every child feels safe, supported, and valued.

Blaire  

 Blaire came to the attention of the Department as she was only fifteen years of age and did not have an age-appropriate carer. Blaire has had a tragic life, and until the aforementioned foster care placement, she was transient.

Blaire’s father died of a drug overdose, and the very next year, on the exact same day, her mother died of a drug overdose.

I don’t know for sure, but I can surmise that it is highly likely that the mother committed suicide rather than an accidental drug overdose.

Blaire was then moved from family member to family member and, of course, felt extremely rejected by her family.

I am not sure how she met the friend who she thought would be able to care for her before becoming known to the Department. I am sure that Blaire would have felt angry by being taken from her friend’s care and had some resentment towards the Department.

Blaire was placed with a couple that you would have thought were able to provide the perfect stable home life that was required to address Blaire’s abandonment/rejection issues.

The foster care mother was a Child Protection worker prior to becoming a foster care worker (I can’t recall the father’s occupation).

Information was provided to the Department that another teenage girl was being sexually abused by both the foster care mother and the foster care father at the time that Blaire was residing with the couple.

Therefore, Blaire had to be interviewed to confirm whether she had been sexually abused or not.

The Team Leader of the High-Risk Adolescent Unit and myself spoke with Blaire although the Team Leader conducted the interview.

In Mary’s unique style, she stated, “Are you talking about Cheryl, Bernadette, and Sam? They had threesomes and used sex toys. I already know about that. They wouldn’t want to try that with me; I’d smack them out.” I don’t doubt that.

I don’t know what happened to those foster care parents (although I would not really class them as parents), but I hope they received a jail sentence and were placed in the general population of the prison. Why should they be provided protection when they didn’t provide protection to our most vulnerable young people?

The next placement that Blaire ended up in did not work out either. The foster care mother would not provide Blaire with a key and made her wait outside until she got home from work (which would be nearly nighttime). I tried to explain to the foster care mother that Blaire had proved herself to be responsible.

However, the foster carer would not allow Blaire in the home when she was not there. I stated to the carer, “Maybe you should reconsider the age group you are willing to care for. You clearly do not trust teenagers.” I went on to say, “You cannot have children waiting on a doorstep with no cover for hours until you get home.”

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

The author will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f5035/

Follow the tour and comment; the more yOU comment, the better YOUr chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 

https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2024/10/nbtm-child-protection-behind-closed.html

About The Author:

The life of Jo Cooling is like living in a theme park: one minute, it’s like riding a roller coaster, baking cupcakes, cookies, and slices. With a kitchen covered with chocolate, flour, and cooking utensils. Also trying to develop new tastes and ideas for her growing baking business.

Sometimes, she feels like she travels through life in a Dodge ’em car. All the while, she works to complete two novels while caring for two Cavoodles, who believe their mother was placed on this earth purely to play with them 24 hours a day.

But no matter how out of control her life can be at times, eventually, she ends up sailing around on the Walt Disney teacup ride on top of the world. However, when she relaxes, the Cavoodles see this as an opportunity to snuggle on Mum’s lap.

Jo’s work career has been just as colorful as her current life. She has worked in horse and car racing, sold lingerie, designed websites, been a Personal Assistant, and worked as a Law Clerk.

Jo looks at life like a box of chocolates: each day unwraps a new layer, revealing unexpected flavors and textures.

CONNECT WITH Jo Cooling

WEBSITE: jocooling.com

INSTAGRAM: @jocoolingauthor

PURCHASE LINKS Child Protection Behind Closed Doors

AMAZON.COM: https://amazon.com/dp/1779418698

AMAZON.AU: https://amazon.com.au/dp/1779418698

INDIGO CHAPTERS: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/child-protection-behind-closed-doors/9781779418692.html 

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Beyond Earth Book Tour & Giveaway

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Beyond Earth

Romance Collections Limited Editions book 14

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with stories by:

Celia Breslin, Stephanie Morris, Candice Gilmer, Leslie Chase,

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Candice Gilmer – NY Times and USA Today bestselling author

Stephanie Morris – USA Today bestselling author

Leslie Chase – USA Today bestselling author

Alina Riley

Robin O’Connor

Celia Breslin

Sky Robert

Lola Blix

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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222350286-beyond-earth

FEATURING:

Claiming Kaden by Celia Breslin

Sparks fly when a battle-hardened cyborg rescues a sassy human lost in the cosmos…

Earth-girl Calie is out of hope. Kidnapped, enslaved, then abandoned by aliens, she’s sure to suffer a slow death on their stupid space station. Then new trouble arrives, claiming her as their property, but hot on their heels is a grumpy guy with a big hot bod and blazing eyes… The thrill setting her skin afire has less to do with potential rescue or New Guy’s battle prowess, and everything to do with the way he looks at her.

Cyborg soldier Kaden is unamused by his enemy’s unhealthy interest in the vulnerable lone female with a sharp tongue and wild braids. Her terrible aim is complicating his rescue attempts, but her bravery, stubbornness, and velvet voice send electric need through both his human and cybernetic systems. He’ll do anything to save her.

Kaden wants to explore his attraction to Calie and claim her as his, but his sworn enemy’s relentless pursuit and Calie’s own skittishness challenge his goal. Calie appreciates all the cyborg has done for her, but she’s homesick and unsure about diving into a relationship, even if the hunky cyborg is the nicest man and best kisser in the universe. 

While the enemy horde stalks them across the galaxy, can they learn to trust each other with both their lives and their hearts?

CLAIMING KADEN is a spicy, open-door, Fated Mates Rescue Romance, and the first installment in Celia Breslin’s CYBORG GUARDIANS OF THE AURORA science fiction romance series. If you like take-no-prisoners cyborgs and sassy heroines, sizzling seduction and intergalactic adventure, check out CLAIMING KADEN today!

Excerpt from “Claiming Kaden” by Celia Breslin

The station’s vid screen flared to life, blocking her view. A handsome and angry male face filled the space. The brightest amber eyes she’d ever seen glared at her.

“Stop shooting,” the man growled.

The face disappeared.

“Who the hell was that, Athena?” A Zyphorran? She ignored the gorgeous stranger and kept firing at the battleship.

The face reappeared. Dark brows furrowed over his blazing whiskey eyes. “Desist, woman!”

“Desist this, you jerk!” She shot at the enemy. Continued to miss. “Ugh!”

She didn’t care how handsome he seemed, with his pale, silvery blue skin and spiky dark hair, and those glowing eyes which looked like they could melt a girl’s panties.

No one told her what to do, and no one would force her into servitude.

Never again.

The green vessel took out two enemy ships before it planted itself in front of Calie’s station.

Angry Guy’s face filled her screen. “I’m trying to help you. Stop firing!”

Oh… Cranky Guy was the pilot of the green ship. Possibly a good guy? Calie lifted her hands away from the controls.

As she watched, he took out every single destroyer then turned his attention to the warship.

“Shield at eight point seven percent,” Athena announced. “Hm…”

“What do you mean, hm? Should we head for an escape pod?”

“This is most intriguing. And disconcerting,” Athena murmured, not answering her escape question.

“What, that guy’s amazing battle prowess?”

“No. He infiltrated and took over my communication system to speak with you.”

Okay, now Calie was doubly impressed with good-looking Mister Frowny, because Athena was a powerful genius. No one bested her.

Calie plastered her palms on the controls. “Let’s help him kick that warship’s ass.”

“Don’t you dare,” their unknown ally barked, audio only.

“Are you eavesdropping on us? Rude!”

“The unknown male is attempting to take control of all station systems, Calie.”

“Cut it out, whoever you are,” Calie warned him. She aimed one of the station laser cannons at his ship.

“Who I am? I’m the male who’s going to disable and commandeer the warship, then eliminate everyone on board it while you sit on your pretty ass and stay out of my way.”

He thinks I’m pretty? She shook off the frisson skating down her spine. “Screw you. I’m blowing up that warship. Athena, take it out.”

Giveaway 

$15 Amazon 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://bit.ly/BeyondEarthAnthoTour

About the Author 

Celia Breslin lives in San Francisco, California, USA, with her family, which includes three feisty felines who like to stalk across her keyboard while she’s hard at work crafting urban fantasy, sci-fi and paranormal romances.

Her current creature obsessions are cyborgs, the Fae, vampires, wolf shifters, and warrior-class angels, and her action-packed stories include some of her favorite tropes: fated mates, second chances, rescue romance, opposites attract, friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, and more.

When not glued to her laptop, Celia likes to work out, read books (of course!), hang with her family, and binge-watch sci-fi and fantasy TV shows and movies. Matcha lattes keep her fueled for All The Life Stuff!

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