Book Blitz & Giveaway for Skip Carter: Henchman for Hire by J. Von Swan

Skip Carter: Henchman for Hire

J. Von Swan

Publication date: October 13th 2026

Genres: Action, Adult, Humor

From the award-winning author of the Wolf of Vanaheim series comes a story about the guy nobody roots for — until now.

Skip Carter isn’t a hero. He’s a former soldier, ex-con, and lifelong screw-up whose only real talent is taking punches and showing up anyway. So when a shady agency offers to rent him out as muscle for supervillains, he figures it’s just another paycheck.

But between ridiculous costumes, insane bosses, and jobs that always end in broken bones, Skip starts to realize the real losers are the guys stuck cleaning up after the chaos. And when a world-ending threat finally hits Skytropolis, he gets one shot to stop being the disposable henchman and start being the man his daughter believes he can be.

Darkly funny, surprisingly heartfelt, and packed with action, Skip Carter, Henchman for Hire is for anyone who’s ever felt like the sidekick in their own story.

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

Mrs. Fuller glanced down her list. “Okay! Next we have… Mr. Carter.”

Peggy turned around in her chair and locked eyes with me. Her smile wasn’t just excitement. It was encouragement. A silent You can do this.

My chest tightened as I stood, smoothing the front of my suit jacket with sweaty hands. The room stared at me with pure, unfiltered child curiosity. No judgment yet. Just curious attention like they were hoping I might be someone I’m not.

I walked to the front of the classroom, facing a row of small faces that believed adults were all responsible, stable people with their shit together. And I realized, with sudden clarity, that I had no idea what to say.

I opened my mouth but nothing came out.

Awkward, uncomfortable silence stretched. The kind that crawls across your skin and whispers everyone is watching you screw this up.

I cleared my throat and glanced at Dr. Ramirez. He studied me like he was trying to place how he knew me from his emergency room.

“Uh. Hi, kids.”

A few of them waved like I was a minor celebrity. Someone whispered something and giggled.

“My name is Skip Carter. I’m Peggy’s dad.”

Peggy sat up straighter at that. Pride radiated off her like a heat lamp.

“I, uh… I used to be in the military.” That part was safe and true. Technically documented despite the dishonorable discharge. “And now I work in… private security.”

That sounded boring enough to pass. Mrs. Fuller nodded approvingly.

Jayden, the dog lover, raised his hand immediately. “Do you protect people?”

Every instinct screamed at me to lie. To say yes. To let that be the end of it. Protecting people was clean. Simple. Noble.

Instead, honesty slipped out like a bad habit.

“Not really,” I said.

Jayden frowned with confusion. “So then what do you do?”

I choked a little. “I… help make sure certain situations go the way they’re supposed to.”

That felt vague enough to dodge the truth while still being technically accurate. I had spent years perfecting that skill.

A girl with neat, black braids and a pink sweater raised her hand. “Do you stop bad guys?”

“No,” I said, and immediately regretted it. “I mean, sometimes other people stop them.”

She also frowned like I’d just told her Santa wasn’t real.

Another hand shot up. “Do you stop burglars from stealing stuff?”

I shook my head. “No.”

The kids started exchanging confused looks. The magic was leaking out of the room.

From the back, a voice cut through the air. “My mom says he’s a henchman.”

Some of the kids immediately giggled.

I looked toward the sound. It was Billy from next door. He was wearing a Captain Justice T-shirt and a smug expression. The kind of kid who repeated adult conversations without understanding why they hurt.

Peggy whipped around in her seat. “Shut up, Billy!”

Mrs. Fuller stepped forward. “Billy, that’s not appropriate–”

Billy wasn’t done. “She says henchmen work for supervillains and help them hurt people.”

Every pair of eyes swung back to me.

I felt heat crawl up my neck, into my face. The suit suddenly felt too tight.

Peggy stood up in her seat. “My dad knows all the superheroes!”

That part was technically true. Unfortunately.

Billy smirked. “Then does he know Captain Justice?”

I exhaled slowly. “Yeah,” I said. “I know Captain Justice.”

Billy’s eyes lit up. “Is he awesome in real life?”

I thought about Captain Justice and all the times he had knocked out my friends. About him swooping in to stop us even when the jobs were small. About the time he punched a henchman who was injured and trying to surrender.

“He’s kind of a blowhard,” I said.

Author Bio:

J. Von Swan is the award-winning author of the Wolf of Vanaheim series. He retired from law enforcement as a Sergeant in 2024 after the birth of his first daughter. During his career, he served on both the SWAT team and the mental health unit, experiences that now influence his writing and dark sense of humor. He now writes full-time and instructs law enforcement part-time at the community college.

J. Von Swan lives in Colorado with his family, where he spends his time enjoying the outdoors and imagining dragons that still need slaying.

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GIVEAWAY

Skip Carter: Henchman for Hire Blitz

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New Release for Not Another Dark Romance by Lexi Amber and Bec Benson

NOT ANOTHER DARK ROMANCE 

Lexi Amber & Bec Benson

Release Date: September 9, 2026 

Meet Lexi Amber:

Lexi is an American author who is obsessed with queer happily ever afters. Most of her time is spent with her two kids, but if they’re asleep, then she is either reading, writing, or watching hockey.

Professionally trained as a nurse, Lexi decided to start writing when she became a stay at home mom and the characters in her head haven’t stopped talking since.

Lexi also loves Diet Coke, traveling, and Halloween. Her house is probably obnoxiously decorated for whatever holiday is next because she thinks that little things that make people smile are important.

You can find her attempting to stay up-to-date with all social media under the name Lexi Amber.

Connect with Lexi Amber:

https://www.instagram.com/lexi.ambermm/

Meet Bec Benson:

Bec Benson is based in the Northeast, lives for the first sip of hot coffee in the morning, and genuinely believes emo music can make you happy. She's obsessed with mgk, a good uninterrupted writing session, and queer romance novels.

Connect with Bec Benson:

https://www.instagram.com/authorbecbenson/

Blurb:

Mason

When I pretend like I’m a main character in one of my favorite dark romances and stalk my hot waiter, I never imagined I’d end up chained to the pole in his basement.

The outcome is better than I could’ve hoped for.

Zane insists he has to kill me because my stalking attempt led to him accidentally committing multiple crimes he thinks he needs to cover up. He keeps talking about loose ends, but I know he'd never really hurt me.

He's just fighting what we both know is inevitable.

We're meant to be together. All I have to do is convince Zane that giving in to his dark side is a lot more fun than resisting it.

Not Another Dark Romance is a dark rom com featuring a reverse corruption arc, an insanely delusional MMC, and an unexpected connection that leads to a dark romance inspired HEA. 

Buy Link:

https://books2read.com/u/3JzPDQ

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Audiobook Review for Kill Shot by Lani lynn Vale

Kill Shot: Code 11-KPD SWAT, Book 6  Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Audiobook- https://amzn.to/3InG5H4

Universal Store Link-  https://books2read.com/u/ml6owZ

Bennett had the world in the palm of his hands when he was 16, then he allowed his dick to do the thinking for him.

That one night changed him forever, giving him a child that would forever alter his life, and an ex that was a crazy, nutcase on the best of days.

With the help of his parents, he went into the Navy, becoming the SEAL he always wanted to be. However, with that came a price, a price he wasn't willing to pay anymore once his little girl started to realize why he wasn't there. So he came home and joined the local SWAT team, starting his life anew, just his daughter and him.

Then he meets the cute physician's assistant, and he finally realizes just what he's been missing. Something that takes his mind off of the challenge of everyday life. Someone who dares him to be a better father and cop.

And Lennox is one hell of a motivator.

Their relationship starts off rocky. Every day brings a new battle for the two of them to overcome, but before they realize it, they'll be fighting for each other instead of against each other. Because there's one woman who doesn't want either one of them to be happy...especially not together.

Contains mature themes.

Lennox and Bennett

Loved Bennett and Lennox's story Bennett was a sexy swoony character who's all alpha and protective and Lennox is a spunky fiesty dedicated Physician Assistant and one with a wicked sense of humor.

This couple's chemistry is explosive they made such a good couple. So many sexy hot moments between these two. Bennett is a loving and single father with a beautiful little girl who is sweet and precious and such a sweetheart she just melted your heart.

The story was emotional and heartfelt and was suspenseful and full of baby mama drama. The story was also full of sinister characters and one with a major twist.

There are plenty of ups and downs in this story to keep you glued to the pages and the characters we fantastic and they made it so easy to fall in love with their characters. Loved that this couple gave love a chance neither expecting to find their soulmate.

Just an awesome fun read that had plenty of laugh-out-loud moments sexy hot alpha men. Loved that this story and other series The Dixie Wardens MC and the Freebirds characters constantly grace the pages of this series loving seeing some of our favorite characters grace the pages once again. We loved it.

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Audiobook Review for Charlie Foxtrot by Lani Lynn Vale

 

Charlie Foxtrot: Code 11-KPD SWAT Series, Book 5  Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Mason Lloyd (Narrator), Kendall Taylor (Narrator), Lani Lynn Vale (Author), Tantor Audio (Publisher)

Foster made a promise in his hospital bed when his leg was taken from him that he’d get back to one hundred percent. Leg or no leg, he’d get back on the SWAT team if it killed him.

And he does get back. But he has a problem.

He can’t let go of the past.

The anger burns deep, making his emotions volatile at the best of times.

Then he meets Blake with her haughty attitude and inability to distinguish the difference between a pocket knife and a sword.

Little by little, she makes him whole again, one bad joke at a time.

She doesn’t see the revenge in his eyes, though. Doesn’t see the rage burning deep.

Rage so pure and all-encompassing, that he knows it’ll explode.

It’s just a matter of time.

What Foster doesn’t realize, though, is that the love that Blake has for him is enough to fight his demons, one kiss at a time.

Foster never stood a chance.

We loved this story Blake was a character that your heart goes out to time and time again she was dealt a raw deal with past relationships which left her with heartache self-doubt and trust issues.

Foster was one of my favorite characters in this series the man has issues past and present but, he handles his pain most unusually. Foster has needed time to heal emotionally since coming home from war but, he now is a police officer/ swat officer putting his skills to use still fighting the baddies and for justice.

Loved the chemistry between Blake & Foster it was awesome. The scorching hot together. Their chemistry and their connection are off the charts. We found them really good for one another and propped each other up showing just how worthy each was.

This story was filled with suspense, surprises, love, laughter, loss, friendship as well as heartache pain, and regrets. The story takes on a bit of a twist one we did not see coming but, was quite suspenseful and we loved that. This couple deserved to be love and we are glad they found one another. There are many moments throughout that will make you laugh out loud and parts that bring tears to your eyes. This is one great series and we are loving it the characters in it are fantastic, Foster is one hot dirty-talking alpha that keeps you grinning and fanning yourself as well.

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Audiobook Review for Center Mass by Lani Lynn Vale

Center Mass: Code 11-KPD SWAT Series, Book 1  Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

C.J. Bloom (Narrator), Jeremy York (Narrator), Lani Lynn Vale (Author), Tantor Audio (Publisher)

Audiobook - https://amzn.to/3v1POiX

Kindle- https://books2read.com/u/br9LpA

Luke Roberts came to the small, lazy town of Kilgore, Texas, with one thing on his mind: forgetting. He wanted to forget why he left. Forget those emerald green eyes that haunted his dreams. And forget how it felt to have his heart ripped out of his chest by a woman who didn't like the fact that he had a child. It was something he'd been doing a damn fine job of doing, too. Until Reese smashed through every one of his defenses and made him feel again.

Reese Doherty was just trying to do the best for her little girl. So she moved to the little boomtown nearly an hour from where she grew up to be the school nurse for Kilgore's littlest people. That's where she met him. The SWAT officer, the man that would change her life forever.

But Luke was a hero. A man used to risking his life to make the world a safer place. Something Reese had to decide whether she could handle or not. Preferably before she and her daughter became too attached.

Just when she was ready to give him her whole heart, her world took a huge hit, and everything she thought she knew wasn't as it seemed.

Luke wasn't a quitter, though. Damn far from it, and he'd prove to her that he'd be there when the dust settled.

Contains mature themes.

Luke & Reese's Story 

We enjoyed this story the characters were great the plot was filled with tons of family drama, hurtful exes, suspense, surprise, love, and friendship. You will laugh and you will cry but, the ending could not be more perfect for Reese & Luke and the family they have created.

Luke & Reese are both single parents who end up having a connection and beautiful chemistry. Their children are so cute and enjoyable. Those precious moments with the children melt your heart.

The story was full of surprises. Reese was a sweetheart of a character and we loved her sense of humor, she is a superhero fan and loves fast cars.

Luke is a wonderful father, protective and possessive, and a total alpha male. Awesome Cop & Swat Officer and we will protect his women with everything he has to give.

The plot is interesting as secrets and surprises pop up all over the place. The cast of characters is fantastic as others from previous and ongoing series make their presence here. We just love that. This was a heartfelt read that will make you laugh when the secrets are uncovered that you didn't see coming you will shout OMG!

1 didn't see that coming. Those are the moments we loved the best.

We have read the entire series and we can honestly say it is not one to be missed.

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Audiobook Review for Texas Tornado by Lani Lynn Vale

 

Texas Tornado: Freebirds Series, Book 5  Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Lani Lynn Vale (Author), Mason Lloyd (Narrator), Stephanie Rose (Narrator), Tantor Audio (Publisher)

Audiobook- https://amzn.to/49Nhua0

Universal Purchase Link-https://books2read.com/u/mZYkNB

Him

James had plans for his life. Those plans were derailed by the surprise arrival of his daughter. His life revolved around her. Then she arrived with her beautiful brown hair that was made to wrap around his wrist, and a butt that was to die for in a tight pair of jeans. Nevertheless, he didn't need any more drama in his life. His ex-girlfriend was stirring enough of that up for ten women. Yet, there was something about her that soothed his soul.

Her

Shiloh’s made it her life’s mission to protect the innocent children she can from the big, bad, scary things that lurk in the darkness. She has an inane curiosity for life and craves knowledge. Which is why when she starts poking around in her father’s business, she inadvertently starts something in to motion that threatens her very existence. Her father, the one man that was always supposed to be there for her, drops her off with a brother she never knew she had and leaves. Making her question the father she obviously never really knew at all. Then she meets him, and she doesn't think her life’s so bad after all. The sexy biker turned SWAT officer sets her nerve cells to igniting, and she relishes in every single second of it.

Him

He knew life could change in an instant. One soul-crushing instant.

When he’s presented with the aspect of losing Shiloh before he’s ever even had her, he decides it’s time to grab life by the handlebars and ride it like he stole it. Then that threat not only touches his woman, but his daughter. And there’s no power on God’s green earth that can protect them from a father’s wrath.

This was such a great read non-stop drama and tons of baby mama drama from beginning to end. Tons and Tons of suspense throughout.

James & Shiloh were so perfect for one another. We loved Shiloh she had us constantly laughing throughout the story she was such a riot. We looked forward to what would come out of her mouth next. She was also a trainwreck the things that happened to this woman were just mind-boggling This woman had the largest heart and she is one of our top favorite characters in this series.

James is a fan-worthy character for sure. The guy all alpha, protective, possessive, and sexy, and his chemistry with Shiloh is explosive. Hard not to fall for the guy when he loved his girls so fiercely.

This one was a page-turner so much going on to keep you glued to the pages the entire time. There is a ton of suspense, unexpected events, OMG moments, one where you will laugh as well as cry, and a cast of fantastic characters. Loved it. One of our favorite reads in this ongoing series.

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