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Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Review: Red Shadows at Saugatuck (Haunted Shores Mysteries #4) by Randy Overbeck @OverbeckRandy

Red Shadows at Saugatuck

Haunted Shores Mysteries #4

by Randy Overbeck

Published: July 23, 2025

Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Ghosts, Paranormal


Blurb:


Darrell Henshaw hoped he was past it all. After all, no ghosts had visited him for years. Instead, he learns his five-year-old-son, Leo, has inherited his “gift.”
Now, they both can see ghosts.
Upon his parents’ insistence, Darrell drives his young family 800 miles to celebrate his aunt Gertrude’s 80th birthday. But, once they arrive in the resort town of Saugatuck, Michigan, their participation gets derailed by the spirit of a Native teen who went missing weeks earlier. When he and Leo inquire about the girl, the locals dismiss their concerns—"Those girls run away all the time.” Still, as questions pile up and threats grow, Darrell senses they may have stumbled onto something far worse and even more evil than one missing teen.
Can Darrell continue to pursue justice for the girl if it places his wife and son in danger?


Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ BookBub


 

My Review:

Darrell Henshaw, his wife Erin, and son Leo are driving to the town of Saugatuck, Michigan, to celebrate his aunt Gertrude’s 80th birthday. Along the way, they make a couple of stops, and each time they see posters of missing native teenage girls.

Leo is worried about the missing girls and wants to help them, especially one girl named Sheila. Leo believes the girl is real or alive, but what he doesn’t know is that he is only seeing her ghost. Leo has inherited his dad's ability to see ghosts and spirits.

Five-year-old Leo, like any other child his age, keeps disappearing on his parents, scaring them half to death. He sees Sheila and follows her; he wants to help her, but she keeps vanishing. Leo’s disappearances keep his parents on edge with fear as they search for him everywhere.

Darrell wants to help the girls, too, but his involvement could put his family in danger. The deeper Darrell gets into the case of the missing girls, the more perilous it becomes for his family. However, what options does a man have? Can he uncover the truth about what happened to the girls while keeping his family safe?

I truly enjoyed reading Red Shadows at Saugatuck. I would love to see Red Shadows at Saugatuck adapted into a TV show, since I enjoy watching family shows like Little House on the Prairie and The Waltons—shows with kids. Not only that, but I also love a good mystery.


Red Shadows at Saugatuck kept me hanging on every word as I raced to the end with Darrell and Leo, trying to help Sheila. The mystery and suspense kept the story engaging, not to mention the numerous twists that kept popping up.

I can’t wait to read more in the Haunted Shores Mysteries Series and discover what mystery awaits. I highly recommend grabbing a copy of Red Shadows at Saugatuck today!


Check out all the books the Haunted Shores Mysteries Series I’ve read


Scarlet at Crystal River #3

Goodreads

Amazon

BookBub


Red Shadows at Saugatuck #4

Goodreads

Amazon

BookBub


Connect with Randy Overbeck

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ BookBub ~ Website

Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ YouTube ~ TikTok

Review: Claiming a Braver Jules (Timeline Retreats #3) by Daisy Landish @daisy_landish

Claiming a Braver Jules

Timeline Retreats #3

by Daisy Landish

Published: July 23, 2025

Publisher: Beaches and Trails Publishing

Genre: Sweet Romantic Comedy, Short Stories, Time Travel Romance, Romance, Romantic Comedy


Blurb:


She never got picked. Until now.

Jules has always played it safe—at work, in relationships, and with her dreams. When she’s passed over for yet another promotion, she’s offered a one-week stay in a timeline where she made bolder choices.

Suddenly she’s CEO, engaged to a man she once thought was out of her league, and living in a sleek high-rise instead of her cozy rental. It’s everything she thought she wanted… so why does it feel like she’s performing someone else’s life?

Her fiancé, Nate, is charming, steady, and surprisingly sweet—but he’s in love with a version of Jules who no longer exists. As cracks form in her perfect timeline, Jules must decide if the success she craved is worth the distance from the people and passions she left behind.

Because sometimes bravery doesn’t mean chasing the biggest title.
Sometimes, it means choosing yourself.

A clean, heartfelt romantic comedy about second chances, quiet confidence, and falling for the life you didn’t expect.

Visit Daisy's website to find out about upcoming releases or to join her newsletter at daisylandishromance dot com.


Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ BookBub



My Review:

I'm thoroughly enjoying the captivating stories in Daisy Landish's Timeline Retreats. The unique characters are fascinating, and I'm learning so much from their journeys. These stories follow individuals who are chosen to travel to alternate timelines, where they get to experience a week as a different version of themselves. This allows them to explore how their lives could have unfolded if they had made different choices.

One particularly engaging story is Claiming a Braver Jules, which follows Jules as she decides to take a chance on a better life. In her new timeline, Jules is the boss and is engaged, but she's had to make some sacrifices from her previous life. This thought-provoking tale kept me hooked from start to finish, and I can't wait to read more stories in the Timeline Retreats series.

If you're looking for an engaging and captivating read, be sure to check out Claiming a Braver Jules and the rest of the Timeline Retreats collection.


Check out all the books in the Timeline Retreats Series I’ve read


Borrowing a Better Mara #1

Goodreads

Amazon

BookBub



Becoming a Bolder Lana #2

Goodreads

Amazon

BookBub


Claiming a Braver Jules #3

Goodreads

Amazon

BookBub



Connect with Daisy Landish

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ BookBub

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter/X ~ Instagram

Book Tour: Rising From The Roots by Jasmine Farrell @jfarrellwrites @RABTBookTours




Poetry. LGBTQ. Personal Growth.

Date Published: June 24, 2025




Rising From the Roots is a collection of poems that invites readers into a world of deep introspection and emotional exploration. Through heartfelt lines, and a transparent flow, Farrell examines the labyrinth of identity, love, and personal evolution. Each poem resonates with raw honesty, encouraging readers to reflect on their own experiences and emotions.

 


Interview with Jasmine Farrell

    How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?

    Publishing my first book, My Quintessence gave me the confidence to take myself seriously as a writer. Before that, writing was this thing I did to release and sometimes share. But putting a book out into the world shifted things for me. I now had to think about audience, about clarity, about how vulnerability can become a bridge. It made me more intentional, but also freed me to experiment more because I knew I had a voice worth sharing. The voice worth sharing part took me awhile to believe but I do now.


    What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?

    It was so simple as I answer this. When I was in the second grade, my teacher, Steve had a student poetry night. We wrote poems, he compiled them and made a book for us and our families to share. I wrote a poem about getting up in the middle of the night to sneak some snacks that I had no business eating in my belly. The giggles and laughter as I read it made me realized the power language had. It can bring us to tears, make us laugh, educate us and woo us into mushy romance. Words, when they’re honest, can move us. They can heal. They can affirm. I didn’t know it back then but that moment lit a fire in me.


    What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?

    There are still some scraps of fear that I need to scoop out of the metaphorical jar. Fear of not being understood. I will be...I am understood...but the people I am trying to reach! I think shedding that fear...ALL of it, or at least, not letting it steer will opens up some depth in my writing as far as my short stories are concerned.


    Tell us a little about yourself? Perhaps something not many people know?

    I’m a sucker for the late 90’s-early 2000’s sitcoms like The Jamie Foxx Show, The Parkers, Will and Grace and The Game. I also like, All About Eve, Carmen Jones, The Glass Menagerie (1950).


    If you had to do something differently as a child or teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do?

    I would have shared my work sooner. Still, I believe everything unfolded as it was meant to.


    What is the biggest surprise that you experienced after becoming a writer?

    How much community comes with it. The connections I’ve made with readers, with other writers, with people who see themselves in my work, have been some of the most beautiful surprises. It reminds me that vulnerability isn’t weakness. It’s an invitation.


    Could you tell us a bit about your most recent book and why it is a must-read?

    Rising From the Roots is one of my most personal and intentional collections yet. It’s a journey through identity, queerness, grief, church trauma, and ultimately, liberation. There are pieces in there that were written during a time when I was deconstructing a lot: spiritually, emotionally, and even creatively. It felt like I was digging into my own roots unearthing pain, yes, but also rediscovering joy, self-love, and inner strength.

    What makes this book a must-read, in my eyes, is how raw and honest it is. I didn’t hold back. I let the messiness in: the parts of healing that are nonlinear, the beauty of queer self-discovery that comes later in life and the ache of unspoken grief. If you’ve ever felt unseen, uncertain, or like you were blooming too late, this book is a “must-read”

    I wanted to create something that could offer support and strength to folks navigating similar journeys. Especially those in the LGBTQ+ community who have experienced spiritual or familial disconnection. These poems speak to reclaiming yourself, daring to flourish even when the soil you grew from wasn’t nurturing. A few arch readers have told me it feels like reading someone’s diary, like being invited into moments of truth and softness. That means everything to me. I hope these pages feel like a safe space: affirming, vulnerable, and real.


About the Author


Jasmine Farrell is a New York-based poet and author known for her candid and emotionally resonant work that explores themes of identity, love, and personal growth. With eight poetry projects to her name, including Rising From the Roots, Orange September, and Long Live Phoenixes, it’s safe to say, poetry is Farrell’s first love. Her writing often reflects her journey of self-discovery and resilience, addressing topics such as grief, empowerment, and the complexities of relationships. In addition to her poetry, Farrell made her debut as a novelist with Sloppy (2022), a work that delves into LGBTQ+ experiences and personal transformation.

Farrell's work resonates with readers seeking authenticity and connection, offering a blend of vulnerability and strength that encourages introspection and healing. Through her writing, she continues to inspire and uplift individuals navigating their own paths toward self-acceptance and understanding.


Contact Links

Website

YouTube: @JasmineFarrell

Instagram: @authorjfarrell

Twitter: @jfarrellwrites

TikTok: @jasminefarrellpoetry


Purchase Links

Applebooks

Barnes and Noble

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Smashwords

Author Website


RABT Book Tours & PR

Book Tour + #Giveaway: Bolo the Brave by Jim Jones @RABTBookTours





Kids Western Adventure

Date Published: 04-17-2025

Publisher: Speaking Volumes


 

 

You can learn a lot from a dog . . .

 

Meet Charlie Spears, a 10-year-old boy living on the High Plains of Texas in the late 1800s. Charlie lives with his Grandpa Will, who runs a chuckwagon, feeding all the adventurous folks traveling West in wagon trains. After losing his parents to illness, Charlie is often lonely and longs for a true friend. One day, by a stroke of luck and a big wag of a tail, Charlie meets a funny-looking dog named Bolo, who is also looking for a friend. Together, they embark on a journey where Charlie learns important life lessons.

 

In the first story: Bolo the Brave, Charlie discovers the meaning of courage and how to face challenges when a friend is in danger.

 

In the second story: True Friend, Charlie gains valuable insight—not to judge people by their limitations, but rather by their actions and character.

 

In the third story: Outcast, Charlie and his friends learn the importance of getting to know someone instead of passing judgment based on their appearance.

 

Together, Charlie and Bolo make new friends, confront dangers, and grow through valuable life lessons. As the story reminds us, you can learn a lot from a dog. 

 


Interview with Jim Jones

    What is your favorite part of the book?

    It’s kind of hard for me to pick out a favorite part because there are three different stories. Some of my favorite parts though are when Charlie and Bolo are interacting around every day things like getting fed, getting his belly scratched and regular “dog stuff” like that. Those are some of the best parts of having a dog.


    Does your book have a lesson? Moral?

    Yes, each of the three stories has lessons, sometimes a couple at once. I really took our phrase, “you can learn a lot from a dog” to heart.


    Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?

    Some are related to real people, or in the case of Bolo, a real dog. Grandpa Will has a bit of me in him since I’m a proud grandpa myself.


    Of all the characters you have created, which is your favorite and why?

    I like all of the characters a lot but my favorite is definitely Bolo, the dog. I had a dog named Colter who had a crooked nose and was pretty goofy but he was SUPER loyal and affectionate and that’s who the Bolo character is based on (which makes our “current dog”, Ruby, VERY jealous!)


    What character in your book are you least likely to get along with?

    The character, Jed, who first appeared in the second story, True Friend, would be the one I would be least likely to get along with. The important thing though is that by the end of that story, Jed had learned some valuable lessons and had changed his attitude and behavior. I think by the time he appears in the third story, Outcast, I would get along just fine with him.


    What would the main character in your book have to say about you?

    Since Bolo the dog is the main character in the stories, I’m pretty sure he would say that as long as I feed him, give him snacks and rub his belly, I’m a good guy.


    Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?

    I would say that I’m building a body of work in that Bolo, Charlie and Grandpa Will are on a journey, both literal and figurative. The stories follow their adventures and track what they are discovering. They also feature characters who first appeared in one book and subsequently are still a part of the story. 


About the Author


Jim Jones is a native Texan who lives in Rio Rancho, NM. In addition to being a Western novelist, he is also an award-winning Western singer/songwriter (International Western Music Association 2014 Male Performer of the Year; IWMA Song of the Year Award, 2019; Western Writers of America Spur Award, 2013, 2017 & 2021 for Western Song of the Year) who performs at festivals, coffeehouses and other venues throughout the West. Rustler's Moon, Jim's first novel, was a finalist in two categories for the 2009 New Mexico Book Awards, Best Historical Fiction and Best First Book. His novel, Colorado Moon, 2011, is the second in the Jared Delaney Series and it won the Western Music Association's 2011 Award for Outstanding Western Book. The third book in the series, Waning Moon, was published in 2013 and was also a New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards Finalist for Best Historical Fiction. The Big Empty, a spinoff series, was published in 2016 by Five Star Publishing and it, too, was a NM/AZ Book Awards Finalist in the Best Historical Fiction category. The second book in the spinoff series, The Lights of Cimarron, was published by Five Star in early 2019. The fourth book in the Jared Delaney Series, Halo Moon, was released in November, 2022 and won the 2023 AZ/NM Book Award for the Best in Adventure category. Jim creates gripping Old West characters about whom readers in the 21st century can care deeply. They struggle with tough economic times and corrupt government officials...wait, that's going on right now! Guess what, it was happening then, too. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Jim is a proud member of both the Western Writers of America and the Western Music Association. Although he writes about cattle rustling, Jim has never rustled cattle.


Contact Links

Website

Facebook

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Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/BolotheBrave

Amazon




RABT Book Tours & PR

Release Blitz + #Giveaway: Daemones ex Machina by Russell Anders @RABTBookTours




Cyberpunk/Urban Fantasy Fiction

Release Date: July 23rd, 2025

Publisher: Acorn Publishing



If you make a deal with the Devil, don’t forget to read the fine print. 


Three operatives find themselves on the run after a corporate sabotage job goes awry. Now, their predatory employer, a heavyweight weapons-tech firm, wants its elite A-team dead at all costs.  Jon is a smooth-talking charmer. Friedrich is a hacker prodigy. And Guion is the ice-cold tactician who keeps them all in line.

Backs against the wall, the men strike separate infernal pacts to stay alive. They vanish into the urban badlands of New York’s Five Hives, vowing to lie low and figure out why they’ve become targets. Meanwhile, Jon suspects there’s an insidious evil possessing his friends, and he wonders if they all got more than they bargained for. 

Amid an escalating war between local gangs and the firm’s private shock troops, the fugitives uncover a conspiracy that threatens to destroy everyone they know and love. But can they stop the destruction before their inner demons seize control?


About the Author

 At the age of four, Russell Anders started telling stories, often interrupting his mother during bedtime reading to ask, “Then what happened?” She always answered, “You tell me,” and his imagination conjured fantastical tales of dragons and dinosaurs.

He gravitated toward a career as a technical writer and writing coach for software companies. He also briefly served as a columnist for Dragon Magazine. One of his favorite hobbies includes tabletop role playing, especially as the game master. And yes, he's as cruel to the characters in his games as he is to the characters in his books; his players love him for it. 

Russel lives with the constant canine companionship of whip-smart but goofy Sigurd, an English Mastiff (the best breed ever).     

Daemones ex Machina is his debut novel.

 

Contact Links 

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Goodreads

Bluesky


Purchase Links

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RABT Book Tours & PR

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Book Blitz + #Giveaway: Seven Hundred Beachfront by Ligia de Wit @LigiadeWit @XpressoTours

Seven Hundred Beachfront
Ligia de Wit
Publication date: July 22nd 2025
Genres: Adult, Magical Realism, Romance, Women’s Fiction

Some places hold memories. Others have opinions.

I didn’t mean to run again.
But when life gets tangled, I untangle it by leaving. And this time, my escape came with strings attached: a five-year-old brother I never signed up to care for, a seaside town I barely remember, and a tattered house on stilts that belongs in Renter’s Hell.

I told myself it was just for the summer. A break. A pause. A way to escape the people I care about but can’t seem to fit with anymore, and the choices I don’t know how to fix.

But the sea doesn’t let you stay distant for long.

Then there’s him. Quiet. Grumpy. Mysterious. The kind of man who doesn’t ask questions, but somehow sees more than he should. I don’t even like talking to him, and yet… here we are. Sharing long silences. Unexpected moments. Maybe even something more.

And as for the house? Let’s just say it has opinions—and it’s not afraid to share them.

Seven Hundred Beachfront is a heartfelt, magical story about learning to stay, letting people in, and discovering that healing doesn’t always come the way you expect it. But when it does, you’ll feel it down to your bones.

Goodreads / Amazon

EXCERPT:

Carole hadn’t sent a thing to keep him busy, damn woman, and I’d only used the TV for movies. Wait a sec—Jessie left a Star Wars movie at my place, the first one, so I should have it here.

“No Scooby, kiddo,” I said while looking in the boxes, “but you’re gonna like this one. It’s the real thing, not a single goofy character one mile near it.”

“ ’Kay.” He sat on the old, flowery couch and gazed at me, expectant.

“How do you want your fish?” I asked while putting the movie on, realizing I had no idea what Bobby liked.

“Dead.”

I gave a small smile. “But how do you like it prepared? Pan fried?”

“No. Like Mom does it.” He lifted his little arms and mimed putting something in a pan. “Like this.”

“You’re not much help, kiddo. I’ll cook it pan fried.”

“ ’Kay,” Bobby whispered, gaze down.

After leaving him with the movie, I got ready to cook. The stove burners were a little rusty but worked. I prepared pan-fried fish, along with steamed vegetables and wild rice. Maybe I didn’t have many accomplishments in my life, but, damn, I could cook. It had been either that or be resigned to eating frozen dinners.

When other kids watched cartoons, I watched cooking shows. At ten, I prepared chicken cordon-bleu. Even Aunt Marie was impressed. Carole just grimaced. It’s overcooked, she’d said.

The aroma of spices and well-cooked fish filled the space, and any knot in my body vanished.

My cell rang, and I picked it up, frowning at the caller ID. “Hey,” I answered flatly.

“Honey!” Carole’s voice came clear. “Darling, you have no idea what a marvelous flight we had.” She laughed, evidently delighted. “First class. The only way to fly. Don’t you ever dare fly coach again, Beverly.”

“Sure. Will do that next time I fly overseas in, I don’t know, my next life, I guess.”

“Oh, don’t be such a bore! Don’t you want me to spill the tea, girlfriend?”

She giggled. Giggled.

“Are you drunk, Mother?”

She sobered up. Nothing like reminding Carole of the maternity role she’d never wanted.

“Sweetheart, you are such a bore.”

I put her on speaker and placed one of my unopened boxes on the counter while Carole talked nonstop about her marvelous, fantastic flight and the wonderful five-star hotel in Madrid.

My Lladró figurine lay wrapped in newspaper. Carefully, I unwrapped it and placed it on the counter. Crap, one of the fruits had broken off.

“Bobby and I are okay,” I managed to say when she took a small pause. “The house’s too old, though. I don’t know if this is a good place for me.”

The wind moaned, and the noisy branch thumped above.

“You haven’t asked me a thing about Madrid,” Carole complained. “Make sure to check the pictures I posted because they are a-ma-zing. I already have more than one-hundred likes!”

“Thank heavens for the social media gods.”

“Don’t give me that snarky tone of yours. You need more good energy in your life, girlfriend. You need a man.”

“Ugh, please.”

“You do. And not that silly cowboy—”

“Gary’s a friend. One of my best friends, actually. Since you’re my girlfriend, then you certainly remember I’ve known him since the seventh grade.”

Author Bio:

Ligia de Wit writes fantasy romance adventures with heart, humor, and just the right dose of magic. A lifelong romantic with a soft spot for fairy tales and found family tropes, Ligia writes characters who are strong in more than just a physical sense. Her characters face fears, fight for themselves, and find love in the most unexpected places.

When she’s not writing (or rewriting) her imaginary worlds, she works for a global distribution company and dreams up stories during lunch breaks. You’ll often find her with her nose in a book, exploring a new city, hiking through forests, or acting like a total goof at theme parks. She’s a proud kid at heart—and owns it.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram


GIVEAWAY!
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Book Blitz + #Giveaway: Illusionist by Laurie Buchanan @RABTBookTours


 


A Sean McPherson Novel, Book 5

Mystery/Thriller/Private Investigator
Date Published: 04-15-2025
Publisher: SparkPress



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.


When an illusionist arrives at Pines & Quill, one of the retreat’s owners vanishes—right in front of witnesses who see nothing. Meanwhile, crime boss Georgio Gambino tightens his grip, blackmailing a writer into murder and framing Sean McPherson. His threat is clear: obey, or your daughter dies.


As McPherson investigates, he uncovers a brewing power struggle—Carmine Fiore, Gambino’s second-in-command, is staging a coup. While Gambino’s network traffics drugs, weapons, and humans, Fiore manipulates the Sureños gang, planting evidence to shift blame.


Desperate to turn the tide, McPherson seeks a dangerous alliance. But when deception is the game, only illusion can outmaneuver the truth. Enlisting the retreat’s eclectic writers—including a NASCAR driver, a triathlete, a house-flipping architect, and a magician with secrets of her own—McPherson sets the stage for the ultimate trick: survival.

 

About the Author


A blend of Dr. Doolittle, Nanny McPhee, and a type-A Buddhist, Laurie Buchanan is an active listener, observer of details, payer of attention, reader and writer of books, kindness enthusiast, red licorice aficionado, and lover of the Oxford comma.


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


Contact Links

Purchase Links


RABT Book Tours & PR

Teaser Tuesday: Salvation by Harley Wylde @harleywylde @changelingpress @RABTBookTours



Reckless Kings MC, Book 6


Motorcycle Club Romance

Date Published: July 25, 2025

Publisher: Changeling Press



Is it friendship or something more? I think I’m ready to find out.


Yulia -- They call him Salvation, and that’s exactly what he’s been for me. I was only sixteen when he swept me up into his arms and carried me out of hell. Things were so bad, all I wanted was to die. He and his club, the Reckless Kings, they saved me. Salvation’s never touched me, even though we’re technically married, and he honestly has enough on his plate already with a daughter who’s badly scarred from an explosion. But we’ve been together for eleven years now, and the older I get, the more I want our marriage to be real.

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.


Warning: Salvation is intended for readers 18+ due to adult situations, bad language, and violence. It can be read as a stand-alone, but the series will be enjoyed more if read in order. This is a slow-burn romance with steamy scenes. There’s no cliffhanger, no cheating, and a guaranteed HEA!

 


Excerpt


All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2025 Harley Wylde


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

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RABT Book Tours & PR

Review: The Girl from Moscow's Edge (Zoya Volkova Russian #1) by Nadya Frank @nadyabauman

The Girl from Moscow's Edge

Zoya Volkova Russian #1

by Nadya Frank

Published: July 10, 2025

Genre: Murder, Mystery, Thriller, Suspense


Blurb:


Stealing from the Russian mob is Zoya’s only chance to support her little brother. Until someone kills her accomplice.


With Russia’s sexist law banning women from working as auto mechanics, Zoya turns to small time cons. But luring gullible drivers into staged crashes and car repair scams doesn't bring in enough to rescue Zoya's little brother from their toxic mother and build a life away from Moscow’s underworld.

Out of options and desperate, Zoya agrees to partake in a heist risky enough to put her life on the line. When the heist mastermind is murdered, Zoya must find out whether it was the crime boss they were targeting or one of the other accomplices. If she doesn’t figure it out fast, she’ll be the next to die.

Before she can walk away from the plan and run for her own safety, tragedy strikes her family—and now she needs the heist money to find out if her brother is even alive. But to survive the heist, she’ll first need to uncover who killed her friend and determine who she can trust. Easy, right?

Except the truth can be more deadly than a Russian mobster’s gun.

A dark and twisted page-turner with a spine-chilling whodunit in its heart, The Girl From Moscow's Edge is perfect for fans of Karin Slaughter, Lisa Gardner, and Robert Dugoni.

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ BookBub


My Review:

The Girl from Moscow's Edge is an exhilarating beginning to Nadya Frank’s new series, Zoya Volkova Russian. I relished every moment of it and am eager to read the next installment.

From the very first page, I was captivated by Zoya’s journey. I am excited to discover more about Zoya, her younger brother, and their circumstances. It seems Zoya is on the verge of getting involved with some quite perilous individuals.

Zoya is doing her utmost to look after her younger brother, who resides with their mother, a woman fond of vodka. Her little brother wishes to live with her, but her current situation is not suitable for a child.

Zoya is a mechanic, but there is a law in Russia that prevents women from working as mechanics. Therefore, she finds ways to survive by taking on jobs that are not entirely legal.

Some very threatening individuals approach Zoya with a lucrative job offer. What choices will Zoya make? Will she take the job? Is she making the right call? Could her decision cost her more than she is prepared to lose? If she accepts the offer, she might be able to rescue her little brother from his present circumstances and provide him with a better life far away from their mother.

Zoya stumbles upon her best friend, Vadik, lying on the shop floor, his face brutally injured. Zoya does everything within her power to uncover who killed her friend. Every step of her inquiry drags her deeper into peril from those responsible.

The Girl from Moscow's Edge continually pulled me into its narrative with each page turn. It kept me on the edge of my seat, filled with suspense over who was behind the murder of Zoya’s friend.

The Girl from Moscow's Edge is a highly intriguing and engaging tale that had me enthralled from the very start. I wholeheartedly recommend it to all fans of murder mysteries! Be sure to grab a copy today!


Connect with Nadya Frank

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