PROMO: Saving Yukon

 

 

Paranormal Suspense

Date Published: May 20, 2025

Publisher: Acorn Publishing

 

Matteo Ferrari has always been different. Gifted with unsettling clairvoyance, he sees shadows where others see light and hears whispers from the unknown. But when he fails to protect the ones he loves, his abilities vanish, leaving him lost and desperate. To reclaim his powers and find a new path, Matteo abandons his old life and ventures into the Alaskan wilderness.

Gabriella Valentina knows the pain of loss all too well. Once enchanted by the spotlight, she now flees from her past, seeking refuge from fear and sorrow in the same wild expanse.

When Matteo and Gabriella’s paths cross amidst the eerie beauty and hidden dangers of the Yukon, they must confront not only the shadows of their pasts but also the dark forces that lurk in the forest, waiting to claim them.

About the Author

A graduate of UCSC and UCSB, Navy brat Bryan Burnell majored in creative writing and English literature. After selling his successful office furniture business, which he ran for three decades, he started paying more attention to the story ideas that had accumulated in his mind over the years. Free time allowed him to finally bring life to his first book, Saving Yukon. This long-time Santa Barbara resident loves the meditative aspects of swimming, gardening, golf (despite his high handicap), and an occasional shot of good bourbon. He is married with two grown children and a spoiled Labradoodle named Nelli

 

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PROMO: Rebel

 

 

(Devil’s Boneyard MC)

Motorcycle Club Romance, Age Gap, Suspense

Date Published: May 23, 2025

 

Are you ready to dive into a world where love and vengeance intertwine?

 

Rio -- I thought I had my future mapped out with the Army until two men shattered that dream, leaving me medically discharged and lost. I journeyed west, then returned east after a call from my superior, urging me to testify against those who hurt me. When I stepped into a biker clubhouse along the way, I never expected to find a place I could truly call home. Rebel makes me want to trust again. He’s charming, bold, protective, and understanding. I started my journey as a way to escape my past. I ended up finding a family -- and possibly love.

Rebel -- The moment Rio walked into the clubhouse, she had my attention. Proud, confident, and armed, she’s a storm ready to be unleashed. When her past comes looking for her, I know I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Those men have made a fatal mistake. They thought they were hunters. What they don’t know is that I’m the predator, and they aren’t walking out of my town alive.

 

Love isn’t just a feeling. It’s a battle worth fighting for.

 

Warning: Rebel is intended for readers 18+ due to adult situations, bad language, and violence. The story contains content some readers may find difficult to read. There’s a guaranteed HEA, no cheating, and no cliffhanger!

 

EXCERPT

I leaned against the wall near the bar, nursing my whiskey and watching the usual Friday night chaos unfold. The Devil’s Boneyard clubhouse pulsed with life around me -- half-naked women draping themselves over patched members, Prospects hustling drinks, the bass from the speakers vibrating through the floorboards. Then she walked in, pushing the door open with more force than necessary, like she needed everyone to know she wasn’t sneaking in. The metal hinges had protested with a squeal that somehow cut through the roar of Guns N’ Roses blasting from the speakers. For a split second, a few heads turned -- then most went back to their business. Not mine. I kept watching.

Strawberry-blonde hair, fierce blue eyes, and a don’t-fuck-with-me stride that parted the crowd like Moses and the Red Sea. Something electric snapped in the air, and I knew my quiet night had just gotten a hell of a lot more interesting.

She stood there in worn jeans, combat boots, and a leather jacket that had seen better days. Not trying to show skin like the club girls but somehow commanding more attention. Her eyes scanned the room with military precision, taking stock of every exit, every threat. I recognized that look. Had worn it myself once.

The clubhouse wasn’t much to look at. Worn hardwood floors bearing cigarette burns and knife marks that told stories of parties past. The walls were covered in a collection of road signs, license plates, and probably a bit too much Harley-Davidson memorabilia. The lighting was shit -- dim yellow bulbs -- but it hid the stains well enough.

She wrinkled her nose, probably at the cocktail of smells -- stale beer, motor oil, leather, sweat, and the unmistakable scent of sex. Her shoulders tensed as two hang-arounds brushed past her, but she stood her ground. Didn’t flinch. Interesting.

Charming sat at his usual table in the corner, silver-threaded hair catching the light as he nodded at something Havoc was saying. Even from across the room, you could feel his presence. His years as president had that effect. Men unconsciously straightened when he looked their way, women’s voices dropped to deferential tones. Not out of fear -- though plenty feared him -- but out of the kind of respect that can’t be demanded, only earned.

I watched her clock him immediately. Smart girl. In a room full of predators, she’d identified the alpha in seconds. Her eyes narrowed slightly, assessing, calculating. But she didn’t approach. Instead, she made her way to the bar, keeping her back to the wall, ordering something I couldn’t hear over the music.

“Who’s the new blood?” Chaos appeared beside me, beer in hand, voice unnecessarily loud as usual.

“Don’t know yet,” I said, not taking my eyes off her. “But I’m about to find out.”

“She looks like she’d cut your dick off for saying hello wrong.” He grinned, obviously considering this a challenge rather than a warning.

“Then I better say it right.” I drained my whiskey and set the glass down with a decisive clink.

Across the room, one of the club girls -- a blonde with tits that defied gravity and the IQ of a doorknob -- was trying to chat her up. Probably recruiting for the stable, or assessing if she would be a rival. The strawberry blonde’s expression had gone from cautious to thunderous. Time to intervene before something ugly happened.

I crossed the floor in long strides, noticing how several of the brothers were now watching with idle interest. New female faces always drew attention, especially ones that didn’t fit the typical groupie mold.

“Tiffany,” I said to the blonde, not bothering with pleasantries, “I think Java’s looking for you.”

She pouted, those silicone lips forming a perfect bow. “I’m just being friendly, Rebel.”

“Be friendly elsewhere.” My tone left no room for argument.

She huffed but retreated, her six-inch heels clicking against the hardwood. I turned to the newcomer, close enough now to see the freckles scattered across her face and the tension in her jaw.

“The recruitment pitch gets old fast,” I said, not bothering with introductions yet. “You looking for someone specific, or just lost?”

Her eyes -- startlingly blue up close -- locked onto mine. “Do I look like the type that gets lost?”

Southern accent. Georgia, maybe. And an attitude I could feel from three feet away.

I smirked. “No, you look like the type that walks into a biker clubhouse alone on purpose. Which means you’re either crazy or have a death wish.”

“Or I can handle myself.” Her hand shifted slightly, drawing my attention to the slight bulge under her jacket. Carrying. Interesting.

“I don’t doubt it.” I gestured to the bartender for two more drinks. “But even the best fighters might think twice about a thirty-to-one ratio.”

The corner of her mouth twitched -- not quite a smile, but close. “Thirty? I counted fourteen, and half of them are too drunk to stand straight.”

I laughed, genuinely surprised. “You military?”

Something darkened in her expression. “Was.”

The bartender slid two whiskeys toward us. I pushed one her way. “I’m Rebel.”

She eyed the drink suspiciously. “Original.”

“Says the girl who hasn’t given her name at all.”

She picked up the glass, sniffed it, then took a small sip. Testing. “Rio.”

“Like the city?”

“Like the river. It flows where it wants to.”

I raised my glass in acknowledgment and took a swallow, feeling the burn hit my throat. “So what brings you to our humble establishment, Rio who flows where she wants to?”

Her eyes flicked around the room again, lingering on a group of Prospects playing pool. “Just passing through. Heard this was where the action is in this shithole town.”

“And what kind of action are you looking for?” I kept my tone neutral, but we both knew what the question implied in a place like this.

She met my gaze head-on, challenge sparking. “Not the kind you’re thinking.”

“You’d be surprised what I’m thinking.”

A commotion near the door drew our attention. Two Prospects escorting a belligerent drunk outside, his protests lost in the music. Rio’s hand had drifted back toward her concealed weapon, her body tensing for trouble.

“Relax,” I said, stepping slightly closer. “Just the usual Friday night housekeeping.”

“I don’t relax in places I don’t know with people I don’t trust,” she said, but her hand dropped back to her side.

I studied her for a moment -- the way she held herself, alert but not skittish. Dangerous but controlled. “Smart policy.”

Across the room, Charming’s gaze connected with mine, one silver eyebrow raised in silent question. I gave a subtle nod. Nothing to worry about. Yet.

“Your President’s watching,” Rio said without turning around. The observation impressed me -- she’d maintained awareness of the room without being obvious about it.

“He notices everything,” I confirmed. “Especially strangers with hidden weapons.”

 

About the Author

Harley Wylde is an accomplished author known for her captivating MC Romances. With an unwavering commitment to sensual storytelling, Wylde immerses her readers in an exciting world of fierce men and irresistible women. Her works exude passion, danger, and gritty realism, while still managing to end on a satisfying note each time.

When not crafting her tales, Wylde spends her time brainstorming new plotlines, indulging in a hot cup of Starbucks, or delving into a good book. She has a particular affinity for supernatural horror literature and movies. Visit Wylde's website to learn more about her works and upcoming events, and don't forget to sign up for her newsletter to receive exclusive discounts and other exciting perks.

 

Author on Facebook, Instagram, & TikTok: @harleywylde

 

Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @changelingpress

 

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Blog Tour: Being

 

Guidance in How to BE rather than how to DO

Self-change, Self-empowerment, New Thinking, Communications Skills, Change Management, Conscious Living

Date Published: 5/15/2025

Publisher: Serapis Bey, Arizona, USA

 

In this age of ‘busy-ness’, stress, anxiety and the constant feeling of having to do, this book will help you to remember that we are human BEings and not human DOings.

You will find perspective, and guidance to be, and all the ways that being can enrich your life and bring calm and peace. This book will help you to quieten your mind and live according to your most important ways of being. It is full of personal anecdotes and real-life experiences to give you practical help to be. There are uplifting affirmations and life lessons to support you as you find your way to being and no longer feel compelled to be doing. You can find your raison d'etre through the guidance contained in every chapter.

Excerpt

Chapter 1: Being Confident

“I Have Confidence”

Sung by Julie Andrews

We all have those moments of self-doubt, and thoughts of not being worthy or of value. That we are going through our daily activities as an imposter not truly knowing what we are doing or how we are achieving what we are. Not having the belief in ourselves to speak up and express how we truly feel. Moments of lack of courage in our convictions because we are uncertain of ourselves.

I can recall very vividly when I began my career as a lawyer many years ago in England, my self-doubts and total lack of confidence. I was fresh out of Law School and commenced my training with a law firm which I joined because it was created by the person I was articled to. I was truly thrown in at the deep end, having to work with clients in every aspect of the law. I had no trust in my ability, nor that I could be of any use and help to my clients.

This lack of self-belief, and that I was not up to the task or job, is nothing unusual. A survey by KPMG in 2020, Advancing the Future of Women in Business, for example, found that 75 per cent of 750 high-performing executive women who were one step away from being executive-level managers within a company, reported having personally experienced imposter syndrome at some point in their career.

This lack of confidence is not only associated with work. Think of all the times that you have wanted to ask someone out on a date or ask for a discount on a product that you so want to buy but cannot afford at exactly the price it is being sold for. Or when the food in the restaurant is not cooked the way you wanted it, but you do not have the courage to tell the waiter to take it back to the chef to cook the meat a little more.

On all of those occasions you do not believe in yourself to be able to speak up, and face possible rejection. You do not feel that you are good enough. You worry about what people think of you, and because you are concerned that they do not understand how you are feeling with no idea of what you are doing, you cannot ask for help.

Let's go back to young Alicia, anxious, afraid, and feeling totally out of her depth as a fresh new lawyer. Without confidence and insecure. What could she do? She had to build on the experience of success. She should have considered what she had achieved - written down the successful client outcomes - and reflected on them rather than the mistakes. Even, viewed the mistakes as a successful way of learning and growing. Instead of being afraid of facing the client and feeling that she had to know everything, and be everything, she had to realise that she could say; “I will get back to you on that.” Giving her time to learn and develop her knowledge. Realising that sometimes we do not have the answers immediately. Knowing that when someone throws a ball at you, you do not have to catch it there and then. You can let it drop and pick it up when you feel able to do so.

Okay, so that building of confidence applied to my work situation. But you can apply the sentiment in all aspects of your lack of confidence.

YOU are unique. Even if you are an identical twin, you are still different, and YOU are special.

Much of my coaching and teaching is about my students feeling confident and raising their self-esteem so they can speak in public. To be able to talk in a meeting, give a presentation, handle an interview, or tell their story. Senior executives, world leaders, young people, older people, all share the same lack of confidence when it comes to talking to groups, or even one person when they have to share themselves in some way. I give them the tools and techniques to overcome their fears and to make them effective when they speak.

I think about students from many years ago contacting me now and through the years telling me how their lives were changed because of my training and teaching. Why? Because it was about them knowing and putting into action the realisation that whenever you speak or communicate, you are always in control of your communication. I never know what you are going to say, so I never know if you have made a mistake, unless you highlight it by apologising or fumbling.

Being confident is realising that you are in control of your narrative and your story. It is exactly that – yours. As soon as you believe in the gift of you, and share that with your audience, and the world, you can truly express yourself with power.

Indeed, your superpower is YOU! Every time you speak, or write, you are expressing your story, your take on events, your opinion and your beliefs. And I have the opportunity to learn from you, to get to know you and to grow with you. In those moments when you do not believe in yourself, I want to step into your power – the power of YOU.

Step into your light and shine brightly to act as a beacon of light for me, and everyone, to bask in.

Step into being fabulous YOU, and share that with me, and everyone.

In my first book, Communicating Through Change, I ended each chapter with an Affirmation to help my readers literally affirm the guidance that I had given. The recommendation was to say these out loud to yourself every day. The response to this was very positive because it truly helped each person to help themselves with the knowledge shared.

So, here I go again to help YOU, dear member of Team Alicia.

Let's go back to the wonderful song title referenced at the start of this chapter, which contains a line that reminds you, to trust in yourself.


Being Confident Affirmations

I trust myself.

I believe in me.

I am in control and in command.

I am confident.

I am being confident.

About the Author

Alicia Sedgwick is an English professional corporate trainer, communication coach, international bestselling author, speaker and Master of Ceremonies based in the Principality of Monaco, with an extensive background in the entertainment and events industry.

She has been featured in international webinars, podcasts, blogs and e-zines from India to Australia, and from the US to Vietnam. Her communication and confidence-building training clients, include corporate CEOs, non-profit associations, foundations and educational institutions. Her private training initiatives range from providing communication skills to international refugees from war zones and countries in conflict, to coaching seasoned executives in confrontational situations before key shareholder groups.

Her first book Communicating Through Change (2021) has been described as ‘life-changing’ and shows readers how to communicate through major changes in their lives. It is packed with real-life stories, practical exercises, insightful tips and uplifting affirmations. Addressing relevant challenges, which everyone meets at one time in their life, this book gives hope, resilience and clarity about how to move forward.

Alicia is known globally as The Communication Coach and Expert and leads Team Alicia to help people to cope with and share their experiences of change, as well as to learn how to express themselves with confidence and power. Alicia has been through many unexpected and traumatic changes in her life, which she shares in her first book in intimate detail, to help people know that they are not alone and there are ways to embrace change and thrive.

She delivers training about soft skills development and communication skills for numerous private companies and non-profits. She has created public speaking and communication curriculum for the International University of Monaco and also teaches undergraduate and Masters level students. She designs and executes public speaking training courses for the International School of Monaco, and she oversees their annual TEDx Youth Event.

Alicia has moderated international press conferences at the Olympics, hosted three TEDx conferences, and managed red carpets for the Laureus World Sports Awards. She has managed Talent Relations for the BBC Chelsea Flower Show in London, and in the “Green Room” of the World Music Awards.

A London city-trained lawyer, Alicia has worked as a professional mediator, specialised in conflict management. She was also co-founder and managing director of Absolutely Monte Carlo, an Event Management company, and Monte Carlo Media Inc. A professional blues singer and stage performer for more than 25 years, Alicia has hosted her own Internet TV Show and international Radio Show. She has a very high level of energy and is caring, motivating and inspiring.

 

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PROMO: To Sing Like a Mockingbird

 

 

 

Literary Fiction

Date Published: 01-13-2025

 

 

In a school/reformatory, a teacher fights his own loss of faith in the power of education and the twin assaults of drug cartels, their hired assassins among his students. and the blind idealism of his principal.

 

 

About the Author

Jan Notzon is a novelist and playwright in Charlotte, NC.

His first novel, The Dogs Barking, is a coming-of-age story set in a sleepy backwater Texas border town in the 1950s. And Ye Shall Be As Gods, recounts a brother’s fight to rescue his sister from the clutches of despair and his lost love from catatonia. The Id Paradox, is the story of three friends, assumed betrayal, rescue and healing from the horrors of spiritual annihilation.  Song for The Forsaken chronicles the tale of two sisters and the loss of faith that tests the bond between them. Suffer Not the Mole People, is the story of a family's travails as they make their way from Poland to the United States in 1866. ONLY THE DEAD tells the personal stories of three families, one Anglo and two Mexican as they participate in the establishment of the Mexican and Texas Republics. His seventh novel To Sing Like a Mockingbird is now available on Amazon.

 

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PROMO: Human Without End

 

 

Science Fiction

Date Published: May 2, 2025

 

 

From the decadence of the 80s to the cold, futuristic realm of biotech, “Human Without End” explores the coming age of the “augmented human,” an imminent technological revolution with uncertain consequences for our future. At the center of this speculative reality is the dreary figure of Norman Klein.

Over a period of 50 years, Norman witnesses the rise of Jay Cosberg, a tech billionaire who wants to discover the secret for eternal life. Their fates become intertwined through Norman’s cousin, Juliette, who becomes Jay Cosberg’s muse and marries him. Norman then becomes the unwilling witness to the couple’s history in which the lines between biology, love and technology begin to blur.

About the Author

Human Without End is CYMO’s first novel. The pseudonymous author is also a director of several films and documentaries, as well as a composer of numerous film scores.

 

Contact Link

BookBuzz

 

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PROMO: Fate of the Storm

 

Demon Storm, Book Eight

Young Adult Fantasy

Date Published: 05-13-2025

Publisher: Shadow Spark Publishing

 

The shadows have retreated with Raven's downfall, but darkness still curls at the edges of the world. For a moment, though, Kari and Ari have a moment of peace. There is a glimmer of light that threatens to wash away the darkness as they finally bind their fates together in a formal ceremony.

But Raven hasn't given up, and there's an older, crueler foe who hasn't forgotten Kari - the Lord of Demons, the very one who crafted the Catalyst which Raven sought to control, still trapped in an ancient Tree.

Kari's moment of joy comes to a halt as the world shakes and Taris is ripped apart.

Velthas has risen.

 

About the Author

Valerie Storm was raised in Tucson, Arizona. Growing up, she fell in love with everything fantasy. When she wasn’t playing video games, she was writing. By age ten, she began to write her own stories as a way to escape reality. When these stories became a full-length series, she considered the path to sharing with other children & children-at/heart looking for a place to call home.

 

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PROMO: Crumbach and Mr. Crazy Chicken

 

 

Children's Book

Date Published: April 2, 2025

 

In this delightful tale for young readers, Miss Wigglesworth's storytelling group sets off on a whimsical adventure in search of the elusive Crumbach. Phoebe and her classmates plunge into a fantastical journey brimming with imagination, where they showcase their problem-solving skills, bravery, and heartfelt compassion.

Along the way, they encounter an array of vibrant characters, such as Mr. Crazy Chicken, a zany bird with a penchant for brownies; Jazz Lemon, a roaring tiger with a fierce demeanor; his brother Lawrence, the epitome of laziness; and Gerdie, a tiny mouse with grand, ambitious plans. Each encounter brings new challenges and exciting opportunities for the young adventurers to grow and learn.

 

About the Author

For twenty years, Mary F Davis has poured her heart into teaching, fueled by her love for children.  She took great joy in reading her own story to her classes, making it come alive for her students.

 

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Blog Tour: The Secret Girl

 

 

The Lonely Raven Trilogy, Book One

Fantasy / Romance

Date Published: February 11, 2025

Publisher: Clay Bridges Press

 

Fallon has received premonitions since she was a child—visions that have driven her to steer countless strangers and acquaintances from looming dangers. But these powers have come at a great cost. After enduring heart-wrenching losses during her teenage years, Fallon has lived a solitary life for over a decade, her only anchor being her childhood best friend.

That is, until a series of intense premonitions draws a group of new people into her life, people who start to feel like family. But something deeper is stirring. The raven tattoo on her wrist has begun to tingle, and a raven has started appearing in her visions. Worse still, Fallon is haunted by the memory of someone from her past, someone she loved, and she believes abandoned her—a person to whom the raven seems inexplicably tied.

As the visions grow more urgent, Fallon must decipher their meaning to protect those she cares about. But the question lingers: Is the raven a guide or a harbinger of doom?

In this gripping first installment of “The Lonely Raven Trilogy,” Fallon must face the shadows of her past to safeguard the future of those she loves—and discover whether the raven is an ally or a threat.

Excerpt

CHAPTER ONE

Bret’s heart stopped for one, cold moment. Dread began welling up within him. “Baby, I have to go sort out something,” he told Bergen. “I’m sorry. I’ll call you first thing in the morning, alright? I love you. No more bad dreams.”

He heard a small, adorable yawn. “’kay, Daddy. Be good. I love you.” And she hung up.

He held his phone and pretended to be looking at it, as if possibly reading a text, giving himself a moment to understand what was happening to him. I’m going crazy, I’m hallucinating, he thought. Someone drugged one of my drinks. He again looked around and again saw nothing.

You’re not hallucinating, the voice assured him. I agree this is unusual, but you’ve got to listen to... I’m not listening to you, he replied in his head, unnerved that he could do so, until I can see who the hell I’m talking to! Or whatever this is. He glared at his phone, aware that Tayce had glanced at him a few times since he’d hung up with Bergen.

Step to the side a bit and look around Tayce’s left shoulder, the voice instructed.

He hesitated, then took a small step to the side and looked past Tayce. Standing on the sidewalk, yards and yards away, was a young woman, probably in her mid-twenties. Her blond hair was pulled back from her face, and she was wearing ripped, dark grey jeans and a snug, black t-shirt, the strap of her messenger bag slung across her chest. She was coming towards him, but slowly, and she kept looking back over her shoulder. Even at a distance, he could see her lovely face was troubled. She did not, he thought, look like an addict, a con artist, or a party girl out for a good time. There was an intelligence in her expression. A quietness about her. A sadness.

Her voice in his head was filled with urgency, and now he had the facial expressions to go with it. Bret, there is a blue van around the corner. I don’t know what it’s going to do, but you don’t have a lot of time. All I know is you need to be out of here. Now. I get these feelings. They’re never wrong. You’re in danger. I know it’s ridiculous—trust me, I know. But I’m not making this up.

I just don’t...you’re in my head! He stared at her accusingly.

She stopped her approach and bit her lip. I know. It’s usually not this way. But please believe what I’m saying.

And how did you know I was talking to my daughter?

I could hear the conversation. Her eyes widened in annoyance at the subject change. Irrelevant! Get back inside that club. You should be able to get Tayce to come with you, but try for the others, too, if you can. Bret, I’m not joking around. Her voice was growing more agitated. She shot a glance to her right. The van’s starting to move. Please. Just go. She looked panicked. He saw her clench her fists helplessly.

Instinct and his love for Bergen took over. Bret walked over and nudged Tayce’s arm. “Hey, come back inside with me a minute, there’s this girl you’ve got to see. Come on,” he pressed, “before she leaves.” He extended his invitation to the rest of them.

Tayce, as the mystery girl had suggested, turned readily to accompany him. The other three were not as willing, busy as they were with conversation and the brunette’s flirtations.

“Jack, come on, dude,” Bret urged, feeling an odd nervousness in his stomach.

“I’ll be right back,” Jack Lane drawled, handing the woman, Cyn, his latest just-lit cigarette. “Gotta go see what Mr. James is up to.”

“You’d better come back right away,” Cyn ordered, as she and Peter-the-bassist fell back into their conversation.

Bret hesitated when he saw that those two weren’t coming.

Go, she commanded in his head. They won’t follow you, concentrate on Jack and Tayce. You’re out of time. Move.

Without further hesitation, Bret guided Tayce inside the club, looking over his shoulder to check on Jack’s lazy progress, feeling nervously ridiculous all the while. The mystery girl, he noticed, was stepping more and more into the shadows, her eyes not leaving him. He blinked as she began to disappear, almost as if she were becoming a shadow herself.

Back inside the club, amid the bright lights and music, Bret admitted to himself that he felt the brief, overwhelming sensation that he’d just dodged a bullet of some sort. He wanted desperately to peek back outside and see if anything was happening, but Tayce was heading over to one of the bars, and Jack was side-tracked talking with a loud group of people. Bret had the strong feeling he needed to stay in with them for the moment.

He joined Tayce at the bar a few minutes later. “Sorry, that girl just left,” he apologized, continuing the lie.

“It’s alright,” said Tayce good-naturedly, raking his fingers through his long brown hair, pushing it away from his face. “I was getting tired of listening to Jack, if you can believe that, and I could use another drink. Haven’t seen you in a while, man, how’ve you been?”

They sat at the bar talking for some time. They hadn’t seen each other face-to-face in well over six months due to touring and such, and each had long-considered the other to be one of their best friends. As they talked and laughed out loud, Bret’s relief was slowly replaced with a sense of foolishness. What in the hell had he been thinking? Where had that girl gone? If she was so concerned, if there was so much danger lurking, then why hadn’t she come in with them? He’d tried to talk to her again—in his head, Lord help him—and there had been only silence. What kind of a fool was he? Drugs in his drink, surely. Damn.

Nearly an hour had passed when Jack finally joined them, frowning at his phone, not entirely steady on his feet. “You believe this? My effing bass player left with that chick.” He shook his black hair back from his face and ordered another drink.

“Yeah?” Tayce raised an eyebrow, feeding the drama.

Jack shrugged. He was fairly drunk and somewhat stoned, but he was aware enough to know that his chosen woman for the evening was no longer around. “I don’t know. I went out just now, and they’re gone. It’s strange, though, when I was standing out there calling his phone, I swear I heard it ringing over by the dumpsters down the alley.” He drank from his glass. “I did not investigate.”

Tayce chuckled, while Jack’s dark eyes scanned the room.

Bret felt the strangeness return to his stomach. “Let’s go look,” he offered, downing the rest of his drink and getting to his feet. “We can give him hell.” He had, truly, no desire to ferret out the whereabouts of Jack Lane’s wayward bassist and latest hook-up, but alarm bells were going off in his head.

He followed Tayce and Jack back outside, and as he looked around, he saw no van, no mystery girl. No sign of Peter and Cyn. The street was empty.

Jack tried Peter’s phone again, and they all heard the definite answering ringtone from the area of the dumpsters. They drew closer, calling for Peter and throwing out joking comments. But they found no one, and eventually, they stood still and just listened.

“It’s coming from inside the dumpster,” deduced Tayce with a puzzled frown.

“Peter wouldn’t throw away his phone,” said Jack dismissively. “He never lets that thing out of his sight.”

“Maybe your chick got mad at him and threw it in,” Tayce suggested.

Jack shook his head. “I’m telling you that he’d be in there right now digging for it if she had.”

There was a long, awkward moment of not knowing quite what to do. A knot was forming in Bret’s stomach.

Finally, Jack turned to leave, swaying a bit, but expertly righting himself. “Well, he obviously knows it’s there. Or not. I’m not fishing it out for him, either way, and I can’t hang around all night babysitting his ass. If he did lose it, at least I can tell him where to look.”

They headed back into the club, and Jack turned towards the VIP room with a replacement woman in his sights, but Tayce and Bret returned to the bar.

“You look like you saw a ghost out there,” Tayce observed, as they sat down and ordered fresh drinks. “You alright?” His brown eyes watched Bret with genuine concern.

Bret was staring into space. He was shaken, and he had to say something. “It’s the weirdest thing. I’ll be honest with you. When we were standing out there earlier, before I asked you to come in with me, I just suddenly got this horrible feeling. Like something bad was about to happen. Don’t ask—it’s never happened before. But it came on real strong, and I had this singular thought that we all needed to be back inside the club.” He shrugged and sipped his drink. “So, I made it up about that woman you needed to see.” He shook his head. “Crazier by the minute, that’s me, man. I’m sorry. The tour is taking its toll on my mind.”

Tayce laughed easily. “Well, whatever. I told you I was tired

of listening to Jack. It was a win-win situation for me.” He drank some of his whiskey. “Strange about Peter’s phone though.”

About the Author

Erika Fair was born and raised in Texas, where she lives with her husband and son. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin and stayed in Austin as long as she could. When she is not forcing her favorite music upon her family or writing, she can usually be found hiking or planning future travels. “The Secret Girl” is her first novel.

 

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PROMO: Elmer Kelton's The Familiar Stranger

 

A Hewey Calloway Adventure, Book 5

Western Adventure

Date Published: 12-03-2024

Publisher: Forge Books

Elmer Kelton’s Hewey Calloway, one of the best-loved cowboys in all of Western fiction, returns in this novel of his middling years, as he looks for work―but not too much work―in 1904 West Texas.Hewey Calloway had intended to pass straight through Durango, Colorado, en route to visit a friend several miles northeast of the city. He had left his home range about a year before, with a herd of young horses. It was supposed to be a relatively straightforward affair; deliver the horses, collect the payment, and return home with the money. Things got out of hand, however, and there he was in Durango a year later with plans to go north rather than south. Oh, well, he thought, he had always wanted to see new country.

It isn't long before his travels lead him to a cabin on a rainy night. There he meets a young man, sick as a dog, who weakly tries to send him off. And for good reason: the man has smallpox, and soon enough, Hewey catches the deadly disease. The man cares for him in turn, and it's just as he is feeling better that the man disappears. The next morning a Pinkerton detective turns up with posse, looking for a wanted bank robber.

As he travels north, Hewey seems to run in with both the young man who tended to him, as well as the detective. But something seems off about the Pinkerton detective, and Hewey keeps his mouth shut. When he reuinites with his friend Hanley, they do everything they can to get to the bottom of the mystery that threatens both theirs and this young man's life.

About the Author

John Bradshaw is a native of the small town of Abernathy, Texas. He is an award-winning journalist with well over a thousand published stories. Elmer Kelton’s The Familiar Stranger, co-authored with Steve Kelton, is his first book.

Bradshaw attended South Plains College followed by Texas Tech University. He spent several years shoeing horses for a living as his writing career progressed.

While the desire to write books was always there, Bradshaw first pursued a career in journalism. He wrote numerous stories for ranching, horse and horseshoeing magazines.

Growing up, Livestock Weekly came in the mail once a week, as it does for most in the livestock industry. Writing for Livestock Weekly was always a goal, and in 2005 Bradshaw’s first story was published. It was a profile of Brownie Metzgar, a humorous cowboy still working in a feedlot while in his late 80s.

In 2007 Bradshaw accepted a fulltime position with Livestock Weekly. While with the paper he had over a thousand stories published, as well as enough market reports to give him permanent nightmares.

Horses have always played an important role in his life. The son of a horseshoer, he has spent a significant amount of time either on or under a horse. He still shows in both ranch horse and reined cow horse competitions.

He and his wife, Sara, live outside Abernathy. Sara owns an architecture firm, SK Architecture Group, and they raise Spanish goats, hair sheep and cattle.

In 2013 the couple had a stillborn son, Fox Joaquin Bradshaw. After several years of heartbreak they adopted an infant boy, whom they named Julian Boone Bradshaw. Boone died in his dad’s arms following an accident at the barn five days before his sixth birthday.

 

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Blog Tour: Fate of the Storm

 

Demon Storm, Book Eight

Young Adult Fantasy

Date Published: 05-13-2025

Publisher: Shadow Spark Publishing

 

The shadows have retreated with Raven's downfall, but darkness still curls at the edges of the world. For a moment, though, Kari and Ari have a moment of peace. There is a glimmer of light that threatens to wash away the darkness as they finally bind their fates together in a formal ceremony.

But Raven hasn't given up, and there's an older, crueler foe who hasn't forgotten Kari - the Lord of Demons, the very one who crafted the Catalyst which Raven sought to control, still trapped in an ancient Tree.

Kari's moment of joy comes to a halt as the world shakes and Taris is ripped apart.

Velthas has risen.

 

Excerpt

The ground gave a sudden, violent shake. Kari and Essie stumbled, but managed to stay standing. All around people and demons staggered, fell, or bumped into each other. South of where they stood came a hoarse scream. Dust clouded quick and fast, obscuring the view of the southern gate and guard towers. The buildings around them quivered, shaking from left to right.

Kari held onto Essie as the ground continued to vibrate. Her teeth clattered. “What in the Yutemi is that?!”

Guine had his hand on Rathik’s shoulder to steady both of them. “Feels like a quake,” he said solemnly. “Have you had one on Taris before?”

“Not in my time!” Ari answered.

“We have to get everyone away from the buildings,” Guine said. “If one collapses—”

Rathik knocked Guine’s hand off and spun to the south gate. “NO!”

As he broke into a run, Kari, Guine, Essie, and Ari whirled. The dust cloud quickly thinned, revealing a messy shamble of splintered wood that had been Freehaven’s southern gate. And the guard tower, set beside it—

“The tower!” a demoness yelled. “It’s falling!”

Essie sprinted after Rathik.

“Essie, wait!” Kari shouted, then cursed. “Tell the council!” she ordered of the nearest townspeople before she, Ari, and Guine raced after Essie and Rathik.

The vibrations made it difficult to run; Ari grabbed Kari’s hand when she stumbled. The southern gate wasn’t far, but every shiver of the ground forced them to slow and regain their balance before they could go on. Kari’s mind roared as they ran. What was happening that could make the very ground move like this?

When they reached the south gate, they stopped and stood in silence. Essie and Rathik stood at the bottom of the guard tower, or what was left of it. The ground had cracked and lifted, and the tower had toppled, crushing part of the gate. Through a miasma of dust, splintered wood and slabs of stone made an incomprehensible pile of rubble.

“Killia!” Rathik dove for the rubble and hefted shattered planks of wood and cracked stone. Even as he coughed and waved away the dirt clouding around him, he dug for the young guard. Essie joined him, shoving slabs of rock out of the way as fast as she could.

Kari stood frozen, mind a whirl and blank all at once. Ari joined Rathik. Together they shoved aside a thick beam of wood that had snapped in half.

What is this? Why is this happening?

“They’re probably dead already,” Guine said. “That much weight...there’s no way.”

Something dark and heavy sank deep into Kari’s stomach. “Help them.”

With a short sigh, Guine stepped forward. He knelt and touched the rubble—at his fingertips, wood and stone crumbled, adding to the dust already fogging the air. Essie glanced up at him, then she and Ari pulled Rathik away. Rathik visibly trembled from head to foot before he dropped to his knees.

The new dust was grittier; Kari sputtered a short cough and waved a hand in front of her face. Maybe Killia would be okay.

 

About the Author

Valerie Storm was raised in Tucson, Arizona. Growing up, she fell in love with everything fantasy. When she wasn’t playing video games, she was writing. By age ten, she began to write her own stories as a way to escape reality. When these stories became a full-length series, she considered the path to sharing with other children & children-at/heart looking for a place to call home.

 

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