Unveiling One of the Great Composers of the 20th Century
Unveiling One of the Great Composers of the 20th Century
When Lavender Meets Flint! It’s Magic!
Date Published: 06-05-2025
Nicholas La Cour, haunted by his family’s turbulent legacy, is thrust back into a battle he thought he’d left behind when his old nemesis, Dante Channing, resurfaces. Alongside the enigmatic group known as the Whispers, Dante brings with him a threat that could shatter the fragile balance the La Cour and Deville family has fought so hard to restore.
As Lavender and Flint navigate the challenges of their budding romance, they’re drawn into a web of intrigue that tests their courage, loyalty, and trust in one another. With the Orchid Lover’s power dormant but far from gone, and the Veil stirring once again, the stakes are higher than ever.
What if the love they’ve found isn’t enough to protect them from the secrets of the past? What if the balance they’ve restored comes at a price none of them are prepared to pay?
Will passion and loyalty triumph, or will the La Cour and Deville family be consumed by forces they can no longer control? And can Nicholas La Cour protect his family from the nemesis of his past?
In Lovers, Players, Seducers Book IV: When Lavender Meets Flint! It’s Magic! ~ love collides with destiny, and every decision could be their last.
Born in Arkansas and raised on Chicago’s Southside, Jerreece grew up in a family of rich storytellers who fueled her lifelong love for writing. Today, she resides in the enchanting foothills of Northern California, where she continues to write from her cozy home surrounded by roses, tea, and inspiration.
Before dedicating herself fully to fiction, she spent more than a decade working in the non-profit sector as a grant writer and newsletter editor, where she honed her skills in storytelling and communication.
Beyond her novels, Jerreece is the creative force behind A Geek An Angel Jackson Publishing, a venture dedicated to inspiring creativity, promoting mental wellness, supporting home-school education, and celebrating individuality. Through her publishing brand, she has produced a diverse collection of coloring books, journals, notebooks, and unique gifts that reflect her mission to uplift and inspire.
A lover of magical tales, suspenseful ghost stories, chocolate, and the timeless works of Jane Austen, J.A. Jackson continues to enchant readers with her unforgettable blend of romance and intrigue.
Reckless Kings MC, Book 6
Date Published: July 25, 2025
Publisher: Changeling Press
Salvation -- Since the day Yulia came to live with me, I’ve not once cheated on her. She’s legally my wife, and that’s all that matters. Besides, my daughter, Clover, has kept me busy. Now Clover’s nearly an adult and I’ve noticed the way Yulia looks at me when she thinks I’m not paying attention. But can we have a real marriage when we’ve been nothing but friends all these years? It’s too bad my family has be to taken before I realize the answer to that question. Now I’ll do whatever it takes to get Clover and Yulia back, and I’ll send their kidnappers straight to hell.
Excerpt
Yulia
The wind whipped my hair across my face, stinging my eyes as I stood at
the edge of the school grounds. My heart pounded, each beat a reminder of the
choice before me. Memories flashed through my mind -- cruel hands, mocking
laughter, endless fear. I closed my eyes, willing the images away.
This was it. The end. My fingers trembled as I gripped the knife tighter. Just one cut and it would all be over. No more pain. No more shame. I took a shaky breath. “Prosti menya, sestra,” I whispered. Forgive me, sister.
The blade glinted in the fading sunlight. So sharp. So final. I pressed it to my wrist.
A roar split the air.
My eyes snapped open. In the distance, a motorcycle engine growled, growing louder. Closer. I hesitated, the knife hovering above my skin. Who would come here? Why now? The engine’s rumble filled my ears, drowning out the frantic beating of my heart. Despite myself, I turned toward the sound.
A flicker of… something. Not quite hope. But curiosity. A momentary distraction from the abyss. I lowered the knife, just slightly. My mind raced. Should I wait? See who it was? Or finish what I’d started?
The motorcycle drew nearer. Any moment now, it would crest the hill. I bit my lip, indecision paralyzing me. The wind continued to howl around me, urging me forward. But that sound… it called to me. Promising… what?
I didn’t know.
For just a moment, my despair lifted. And in that moment, I chose to wait.
The motorcycle crested the hill, its rider a dark silhouette against the blazing orange sky. My breath caught in my throat. He was massive, all broad shoulders and muscled limbs, his leather cut emblazoned with a patch I couldn’t quite make out.
He dismounted in one fluid motion, his boots hitting the ground with a heavy thud. My fingers tightened around the knife as he strode toward me, his pace urgent but measured. “Easy now, darlin’,” he called out, his voice a low rumble that carried on the wind. “Why don’t you put that knife down?”
I shook my head, taking a step back. “Stay away,” I warned. “I don’t know you.”
He slowed his approach, hands raised placatingly. “Name’s Hawk. I’m with the Reckless Kings. I was sent here to help. A few of my brothers are waiting nearby to make sure we don’t run into trouble.”
My mind reeled. The Reckless Kings? How did they know? Why would they care? “No one can help,” I whispered, more to myself than to him. “It’s too late.”
Hawk took another careful step forward. “It’s never too late, sweetheart. Trust me on that.”
I laughed, a bitter sound that surprised even me. “Trust? I don’t even know what that means anymore.”
His gaze met mine. “Then let me show you. Just… put the knife down. Please.”
My hand trembled. Part of me wanted to believe him, to grasp at this lifeline he was offering. But the fear, the pain of the past years, it all threatened to drown me. “I can’t,” I choked out. “You don’t understand what he did to me.”
Hawk’s expression softened. “Maybe not exactly. But I’ve seen enough pain in this world to recognize it. You’re not alone, Yulia. Not anymore.”
My name on his lips startled me. How did he know? Who sent him?
As if sensing my thoughts, he added, “Your sister’s worried sick. She asked us to find you.”
Tears welled in my eyes. “Oksana?”
Hawk nodded. “She loves you. Let us help. Let me take you somewhere safe.”
The knife slipped in my grasp, my resolve wavering… The knife clattered to the ground, and my legs gave out. I crumpled, expecting to hit the cold earth. Instead, strong arms caught me, steadying me against a broad chest.
“I’ve got you,” Hawk murmured, his voice a low rumble. “You’re safe now.”
I trembled, my body wracked with silent sobs. Years of pent-up fear and pain poured out of me as Hawk held me, his grip firm but gentle. “Can you walk?” he asked after a moment.
I nodded weakly, not trusting my voice. Hawk kept an arm around me as he guided me toward his motorcycle. The machine loomed before us, all gleaming chrome and sleek lines. “Ever ridden before?” Hawk asked, swinging his leg over the seat.
I shook my head, eyeing the bike warily. “Nyet… no.”
He extended his hand. “First time for everything. Hold on tight, okay?”
With shaking fingers, I grasped his hand and climbed on behind him. The leather of his cut was smooth under my palms as I wrapped my arms around his waist. I heard three more motorcycles and noticed the men were also from the Reckless Kings.
“Ready?” Hawk called over his shoulder.
“Da,” I whispered, tightening my grip.
The engine roared to life, vibrating through my entire body. We took off, the world blurring around us as we sped away from the school grounds. Away from my nightmares.
I pressed my face against Hawk’s back, the wind whipping my hair. Part of me still couldn’t believe this was real. That I was escaping. That someone had come for me. “Where are we going?” I shouted over the engine’s rumble.
“Somewhere safe,” Hawk called back. “Our compound. You’ll be protected there.”
Protected. The word sent a shiver through me -- of fear or hope, I wasn’t sure.
As we rode into the gathering darkness, I clung to Hawk, to this stranger who’d become my unexpected savior. My mind raced with questions, with doubts. But for now, I let the roar of the engine drown out my thoughts, focusing only on the road ahead and the promise of safety it held.
Tears stung my eyes, instantly whisked away by the biting wind. My chest ached with each ragged breath, emotions churning like a storm inside me. Gratitude and terror warred for dominance.
“You okay back there?” Hawk’s voice barely reached me over the engine’s roar.
I nodded against his back, not trusting my voice. My fingers dug into the leather of his cut, anchoring me to this surreal moment.
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
Save 15% off any order at ChangelingPress.com with code RABT15
Date Published: July 15, 2025
After his father’s death, Theodore has the task of caring for his mother and thirteen siblings by working as a doorman for the mice at a glitzy seaside Florida hotel where the rich and famous come and go.
The moment Theodore sets eyes on petite, lovely Lila, he vows to do anything to win her heart. When the hotel owners threaten to close it down after unexpected bad publicity hurts their business, Theodore is drawn into the mystery of who is causing the movie stars at the hotel to become ill.
Intent on saving the hotel, winning Lila’s affection, and keeping his family safe, Theodore sets out to solve the mysteries behind the dangerous situation. Being a detective can be a hard business, and he ends up with a few surprises of his own.
A unique little story for all … man and mouse. Another book by J. S. Keim full of fun, fantasy, and danger.
About the Author
While she was growing up, books were always present - being read, ready to go back to the library, or about to be discovered. Information from the books was shared in conversation, giving everyone in the family a thirst for sharing ideas. Perhaps that is why she was drawn to the idea of writing stories early on.
As J.S. Keim, she writes children's stories full of fun, fantasy, and danger. She particularly loves to write novels about characters who have interesting, fun, and exciting experiences with creatures both real and fantastical, and who learn to see the world in a different way.
She has written over 50 adult women's fiction books, and as a writer of children's books, she enjoys self-publishing and has had three of her children's stories published in magazines - Highlights for Children, Jack and Jill, and Children's Playmate.
Contact Links
A Sean McPherson Novel, Book 5
A contemporary crime thriller perfect for Louise Penny and Robert Dugoni fans, Illusionist presents PI McPherson with an impossible dilemma: kill an author at a writing retreat in the Pacific Northwest, or let a college student die.
Sean “Mick” McPherson drives the Pines & Quill van to
Bellingham International Airport. The last time I went to the airport was to
drop off the September writers in residence who barely lived to tell about
their stay.
His thoughts home in on Gambino, head of a
trifecta-based crime family—Seattle, San Francisco, and New Orleans.
Mick tightens his grip on the steering wheel. You learned the hard way that
Gambino’s reach is long and elusive. That his minions infiltrate even
the most inaccessible places to do his bidding, so stay on your A game.
Last month, over the Labor Day weekend, Emma, Mick’s pregnant
wife, and Carly and Brianna, the daughters of one of his best friends, Joe
Bingham, were abducted and held hostage in a secluded cabin on Mount Baker by
Gambino’s thugs. Joe, a Bellingham homicide detective, took a bullet in
his right shoulder, saving his daughters.
After the
incident, local police chief Bruce Simms referred to him, Joe, and Rafferty,
Mick’s other best friend, as “The three musketeers” at a
press conference. He went on to say, “Though nontraditional—an
ex-cop turned PI, a homicide detective, and an FBI special agent—they
accomplish what no others do; they solve crimes and put bad guys behind bars.
Consistently.”
Mick smiles at what Simms didn’t
say to the press—they let me assist in criminal investigations because,
unlike Rafferty and Joe, I have fewer restrictions, protocols, and no red tape
as a PI.
About the Author
As a novelist,
photographer, and voracious reader, she never travels without three
essentials—a laptop, a camera, and a book.
Growing up, she dreamed
of being a magician, an international spy, and a mad scientist. There’s
still time!
Her writing studio is the hayloft of a historic carriage
house in the Pacific Northwest, where creativity thrives. Her husband, Len, a
private pilot, and Henry, their not-so-standard Standard Poodle, join her on
daily walks. She always carries a camera because sometimes, the best word
choice is a picture.
A journey that left an indelible imprint on her was
a 20-day, 211-mile trek across the majestic landscapes of Scotland. She, her
husband, and their son hiked from the North Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, with
the pinnacle being the climb of Ben Nevis at the midpoint of their adventure,
the highest point in the British Isles.
"My writing goal is simple: to
leave you wanting more." —Laurie Buchanan
Historical Fiction
Date Published: 07-01-2025
Publisher: Sunbury Press, Inc.
Pressured by his pregnant wife to finish his novel or take a secure job at a prestigious ad agency, Ben must also navigate the era’s class divisions and antisemitism. His best friend’s elite world clashes with his working-class South Philly roots and Jewish identity.
Temptation, ambition, and loyalty collide—especially when Ilene, a captivating classmate, threatens to unravel his carefully balanced life. As the Phillies’ Whiz Kids chase a pennant, Ben’s own reckoning builds to a climax, culminating in a surprising decision that redefines his future.
Co-written with David S. Burcat, Joel Burcat’s late father, Whiz Kid is a deeply American story of resilience, legacy, and the true cost of following one’s heart.
David S. Burcat was a Navy corpsman in World War II, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (English Literature and Dentistry), and a proud son of Camden NJ and his adopted town of Philadelphia. He worked in advertising in the 1950s before returning to Penn to study dentistry. He wrote Match Point, the novella within the novel, in about 1950. He died in 1998. Whiz Kid- A Novel is his first published book. Dave was the father of co-author, Joel Burcat.
Date Published: May 6,2025
Break Free From Burnout is the ultimate blueprint designed to help you reclaim your life, revitalise your mind, and restore your well-being in today's fast-paced world.
Inside this empowering guide, you'll discover:
* The early warning signs of burnout and learn how to identify them before it's too late.
* Use proven strategies to manage workload and prevent overwhelm.
* Step-by-step guides for long-term recovery planning tailored to your unique needs.
* The transformative power of mindfulness and meditation to reduce stress and boost mental clarity.
* How to set effective boundaries and protect your personal time and energy.
* Ways to improve physical health and reduce burnout symptoms through exercise, nutrition, and sleep.
* Emotional resilience techniques that build confidence and help navigate challenges.
* The importance of community and support networks, and how to build yours.
* Personal success stories that inspire hope and demonstrate the possibility of recovery.
* Self-compassion practices to foster self-awareness and acceptance.
* Immediate stress relief techniques for high-pressure moments.
* Work-life integration strategies to harmonise your professional and personal life.
* How to rebuild relationships and strengthen connections with loved ones.
* The critical role of self-care in enhancing overall well-being.
* Practical exercises and reflection questions to help you apply concepts, track your progress.
* and much more!
Even if you've tried other books and felt they fell short, this book offers a unique blend of personal experience, expert insights, and practical tools that can make a real difference. By sharing my journey through burnout, case studies, and step-by-step strategies, I provide relatable, actionable advice you can implement today.
About the Author
Contact Links
The Ultimate Podcast Launch & Monetization Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Launching, Growing, and Monetizing Your Podcast
Date Published: 04-28-2025
Plug In. Speak Out. Cash In.: The Ultimate Podcast Launch & Monetization Guide is your go-to handbook for podcasters at every stage. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just starting to monetize, this 108-page step-by-step guide (published April 24, 2025) teaches you how to:
• Define your podcast mission to build audience trust and authority
• Create compelling episodes even without fancy gear
• Grow and engage your listener base across platforms
• Monetize effectively—from sponsorships and ads to premium content
• Scale your show sustainably, turning consistency into cashflow
Authored by social media influencer/advocate Rose Campbell (a recognized mothers’ advocate, lifestyle blogger, doula, and 2021 Mrs. The Woodlands) and podcast strategist Abby Vaden, this guide blends real-world insight and professional tactics. It’s perfect for entrepreneurs, coaches, creators, and small-business owners eager to elevate brand voice and income.
Erotic Romance, Age Gap
Date Published: July 4, 2025
Ryker: After 20 years in the military, I find myself doing my dad’s dirty work. But as the “prince” of the Hades Abyss MC, it’s expected of me. Doing a little recon in a small Alabama town should have been boring as shit, until the hot little minx I met at a bar turned my life upside down. Women always fall at my feet, but this one’s different. If I’d known she was a virgin, I might have backed away, but now that I’ve had a taste I want to keep coming back for more. Little did I realize that I’d just fucked the sister of a Dixie Reaper, and my life’s about to become all kinds of complicated. I have to wonder… had she fucked me because she wanted me? Or is it all some kind of setup?
Laken: My big brother Flicker is always ruining my fun, keeping the guys away from me, so when I finally get a chance for a hot guy to get rid of my V-card, I’m all for it. Ryker’s hot and has that alpha vibe, and the fact he’s ex-military just makes me wetter. It never occurred to me that he was a biker, or that I might have just screwed up a big deal for the Dixie Reapers. It seems my sexy Ryker isn’t just some hot military guy. No, he’s the son of the President of the Hades Abyss MC. So I hide like big brother asks me to. Just one problem… Ryker doesn’t leave, and now I’m late. How am I supposed to tell Ryker that I’m carrying his child? When life fucks me over, it does it royally.
EXCERPT
I threw back another shot of whiskey, and slammed the glass down on the bar top. It was my tenth. Or was it twelfth? I'd lost count somewhere along the way, but I wasn't even remotely drunk. There was a slight warmth spreading through me, but I was one hundred percent in charge of my actions. So when I slid my hand up the back of the thigh of the hottie standing next to me, yeah, that was all me. What can I say? That sweet, curvy ass of hers was calling to me.
She slowly turned her head to look at me over her shoulder as my hand slipped up farther, sliding under the hem of her too short dress. Mmm. No panties. I gave her ass cheek a squeeze and watched as heat flared in her eyes. Whatever schmuck she'd been talking to was forgotten as she turned to face me. Oh yeah. The front matched the back. Nice, luscious breasts that were barely contained by the stretchy top of her dress, and damn if her nipples weren't poking through.
"Normally a guy buys me a drink before he grabs my ass," she said.
"Guess I'm not a normal guy."
She reached out and fingered the dog tags that I still wore, despite the fact I'd been out of the service for a month. "No, soldier, you certainly aren't."
"Marine," I said.
She bit her lip and moved in a little closer. "Guess that makes you something of a badass, doesn't it?"
I smirked and squeezed her ass again. "Something like that."
She reached out and rubbed a hand down my chest, her fingers trailing across my abs and stopping at my belt buckle. I could tell she liked what she saw, and I damn sure liked the way she filled out her dress. It would look even better bunched around her waist while I fucked her.
"You're so big and strong," she said with a purr.
"Oh, baby. You have no idea."
I slid my fingers farther down the curve of her ass until they teased her pussy. She was already wet and so damn slick, and she looked like just the type of girl who would let me fuck her in the bathroom. I knew the type, and those hard nipples and wet little pussy told me that she wanted me bad enough to let me do whatever I wanted. Women tended to fall at my feet, always had, and this one wasn't going to be an exception. Kneeling was a good place for them, easier access for sucking my cock.
"Bigger doesn't mean better," she said. "It's all in how you use it."
"I know how to use it. I can make you scream my name all night long."
She shrugged. "Maybe you can and maybe you can't."
Oh, I could. It was a proven fact. Women always screamed in ecstasy whenever I was pounding into their pussies, or anywhere else I pleased. They begged me for it.
"What's your name, sugar?"
"Laken."
"I'm Ryker. What do you say we get to know one another a little better?" I stroked her pussy again, letting my fingers dip inside. She bit her lip, and a flush started creeping up her chest. I'd be willing to bet I could get her off right here and now.
"Maybe I'm not that kind of girl," she said, her voice dropping as I stroked her some more.
"Honey, my fingers are coated in your cream, right here in front of everyone. I bet I could get you so turned-on, you'd let me fuck you anywhere I pleased. Just bend you over the bar and take what I wanted." I smirked. "In any hole I wanted."
She gasped, but her eyes dilated, and I knew she'd liked the idea. Naughty girl.
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
Date Published: 07-01-2025
It has been seven years since Analette Dyson stopped practicing magic and headed to New York, where she created a new life, complete with a fabulous job, an apartment in Central Park West, and a sexy werewolf fiancé. She never planned on returning to her small home town in Maine, but when she learns her grandmother is ill, she decides to pop over for a visit and what better time than Christmas? Excited for her fiancé to meet her family, they head up a day early.
Worst idea ever!
After doing some last minute Christmas shopping, Analette returns to their hotel to find her fiancé in bed with another woman. Cursing the universe for her never ending bad luck with men and dreading telling her family about her cheating fiancé, she heads to the bar to self medicate.
Not one to celebrate the holidays, vampire and assassin, Cole McRae, has followed a lead to a rustic town in witch territory. But after a few days of research and waiting for his target to show, he begins to suspect he has wasted his time. That is, until he meets a curvaceous blonde with bewitching green eyes at the local bar. One night with the enchanting Analette could make this useless trip well worth his time.
Their passion is undeniable and unbeknownst to them, their fates are intertwined. Magic and romance will strike on Christmas, changing their lives forever.
Surrender to the Chase
A year after the tragic death of his close friend and fellow assassin, Ethan Halstead is ready to take up his sniper rifle once more. But his first assignment is nothing he ever expected. Ethan must hunt and retrieve a beautiful, spirited, alluring werewolf.
Knowing no other way to escape an arranged marriage, Fraya flees from her pack. As she contemplates slipping across the border and heading to South America, she is captured by a dangerously seductive vampire who plans on escorting her back to her family. Even as Fraya vows to make Ethan’s mission as difficult as possible, she can’t resist the riotous desire he sparks within her.
But Ethan isn’t the only predator that pursues Fraya. A powerful rival pack’s alpha wants to make her his mate. Will Ethan be able to keep Fraya safe and return her to her pack? Or will he surrender to temptation and claim Fraya as his own?
Wicked Passion
James Stonewoll is an Elite Assassin for the Under Realm Syndicate—an expert hunter and merciless killer. As a former pirate, he thrives on danger, the more perilous the mission, the better and he can't resist his newest contract: eliminate a rebel shape-shifting magic thief that stalks the border of the Under Realm kidnapping and murdering innocent Others. But never did the centuries old vampire anticipate playing hero to a mythical temptress with luscious curves, tantalizing lips, and hypnotic eyes.
Captured and held prisoner, Katya Moro was trapped in a seemingly endless loop of unimaginable agony as her magic was slowly being torn from her soul. A gasp away from death, she is rescued by a sinful kiss and awakens in the strong arms of a powerful warrior whose roguish smile, sharp fangs, and intense strength unlock dormant instincts within her, an all-consuming madness that demands complete surrender.
Gazing down at her, James knew he had to kill her. Dark Magic Wielders, like the beautiful female he’d found, were a grave threat to human society and were not permitted to roam the mortal world. But Katya’s smoky voice and sweet kisses stir a fierce hunger inside him. She is unpredictable, uncontrollable and wickedly seductive—his perfect kind of dangerous. To keep her safe, James will protect her from the magic thieves that hunt her and his fellow assassins until he can find a way to return Katya to her home in the Under Realm.
Can Katya’s passion conquer the darkness within his soul?
About the Author
Within the chaos of life she finds time to write and create detailed worlds with exciting characters for her ravenous readers.
"Amanda's vampires are seriously sexy and I can't get enough!" - Kristina's Books & More
"Fans of Nalini Singh’s Psy/Changeling series, Gena Showalter’s Lords of the Underworld, and J.R. Ward’s BDB are in for a treat..." - VampBard review of Caressed by a Crimson Moon on That's What I'm Talking About
Native American Literature, Family Saga Fiction, Western, Biographical Fiction, Western
Date Published: 06-01-2025
Told with vivid detail, this is the story of a man caught between loyalty and his past, between a brother’s shadow and the light of his own becoming. A tale of love, betrayal, and the quiet courage it takes to change your fate.
From a stagecoach town in Tennessee to the first railroad towns of the Indian Territory, we delve into the lives of the charismatic and flawed brothers, Matt and Robert. Their sibling dynamic shapes the lives of the entire Brown family, steering them down a road of familial struggles and cultural clashes.
Matt always idolized his oldest brother, Robert – a smooth-talking charmer who taught him at a young age to live hard and win big. Following Robert’s footsteps, Matt is drawn into a life of high-stakes games and deception. Then he meets Milla. Sharp-eyed, brave, and unafraid to speak the truth, Milla is a woman rooted in her Choctaw heritage, carrying both strength and sorrow in equal measure. For the first time, Matt imagines a different future. But the past doesn’t let go easily and buried secrets never stay buried for long, clawing their way back to the surface when you least expect it. Now, Matt must choose between what consumes him and the life he wants to build.
Set against the raw beauty of the Choctaw Nation, this is a powerful story of blood ties and hard choices, of the people we love and the ones we betray. Gritty, tender, and unforgettable—this is where redemption begins.
Excerpt
Albert kicked the door once, twice.
The window lit up with the light of a lamp. Through the window he saw Milla jump out of bed. He kicked the door harder.
Milla wrapped a blanket around her shoulders and stood at the bedroom door. “I told you I don’t want you here anymore,” she yelled. “You can just go...”
“Milla, open the door! It’s Albert!” He kicked again, struggling to hold Matt upright. “Matt’s hurt bad!”
She dashed to the door and let her brother-in-law in.
Albert held Matt tight around the waist and draped Matt’s left arm over his shoulder as the pair stumbled across the threshold. “Help me get him to the bed. I’m going for Doc Poor.”
Milla lifted Matt’s other arm over her shoulder and sat him on the bed, holding him steady. “Hurry,” she gasped.
Albert grabbed the coat hanging by the front door and ran out of the house.
“What have you gotten yourself into, Matt?” Milla pulled his coat off and unbuckled his holster, laying it on the nightstand. The sight of his shirt and pants covered in blood and dried mud sent a chill through her veins. He fell sideways on the bed and then she saw it—the cut on the back of his shirt.
“Owww!” Matt cupped his hand protectively over his wound, but the pain was too intense. He cried out again.
“You hold on, Matt. Albert went to find Doctor Poor. You just hold on now.” It was an order.
Matt gasped for air, then spoke in fits of agony. “They... got... Robert.” He strained to sit up and failed. His body fell limp, then he fell silent.
“Who got him?” Milla tried to roll Matt over, but he wouldn’t budge. Gasping at the sight of the blood on the bed, she backed away, hands trembling.
Is he dead?
Did he die?
Albert bolted straight up in bed and strained to listen. What was that? He thought he heard a horse neigh, but all he heard now was the creaking of the loose shutter and his own breath. But there it was again, the sound of a horse.
He stretched to look out the window. And there it was, the shape of a horse in the front yard.
Throwing off the blanket, Albert fumbled for his pocket watch on the nightstand and held it to the window. In the moon’s light, he saw it was near two in the morning. The horse was neighing again, louder and longer this time.
Albert glanced out the window as he slipped on his pants; it was Matt’s horse, Girl. The moon lit the corner of the yard where she stood, stomping her front right hoof on the frosted ground in distress.
In his bare feet, he flung open the door and rushed to the panicked horse. Matt sat slumped in the saddle, unconscious or dead. He couldn’t tell.
“Matt?” Albert touched Matt’s leg, but he nearly slid from the saddle at Albert’s touch. “Matt?”
The blood on his coat and shirt told Albert all he needed to know. It was bad, and it looked like he’d been bleeding for a while.
Without thinking, Albert mounted the horse, wrapping his arms around Matt to hold him steady, and rode as fast as he could to Matt’s house. Doc Poor lived on the back side of the field behind Matt’s place. He would take Matt home, then go wake the doctor at once.
About the Author
With no close relatives nearby, R.G. Stanford turned to online resources in search of extended family. That search became a twenty-year journey through genealogy websites, Federal Census records, the National Archives, and old newspapers. Along the way, R.G. Stanford uncovered incredible stories about her family and the people who once lived in the Choctaw Nation, Indian Territory.
Compelled to record the truth of her family in the lore, sprinkled with imagination, R.G. Stanford is a history lover, a research buff, and a passionate genealogy enthusiast. She is also a mother, a grandmother, and a teller of stories, now living near Orlando.
https://mybook.to/TheBrothersBrown