A Life Through Books

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Virtual Book Tour: Big Tex by R. R. House #picturebook #adult #humor #interview #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours
6:17 AM0 Comments

 



Adult Picture Book

Date Published: July 22, 2024


 

This satirical tale disguised as a children's book follows an aspiring drag queen with dreams of dazzling stages and glittered wigs eager to shine in a world determined to hold him back.

Convinced that the tough buckaroos in the neighboring town of Ruff Ridge, known for their rugged cowboy way of life and home to the clothing brand Ruff Ryder, will hinder his glamorous ambitions, he devises an ingenious plan to win their acceptance. With courage, creativity, and a pair of chaps, he embarks on a journey to turn his dreams into reality.

Inspired by real events, this clever, funny, and heartwarming tale explores identity, ambition, and community. The story celebrates individuality, courage, and the transformative power of being true to oneself, all while providing a thought-provoking reflection on the politics of our times.




INTERVIEW


Introduce yourself and tell me about what you do.

Hello, my name is Roger Rittenhouse (no relation to the MAGA Murderer)

I’m a comedy writer originally from Denver, Colorado, and living in southern California for the past 30 years. I began my comedy career doing stand-up comedy in the ’80s and ’90s eventually appearing on The Arsenio Hall Show, The Denis Miller Show, and Jimmy Kimmel Live before becoming a writer. I’ve written for Bill Maher, Norm MacDonald, Ron White, DL Hughley, and Larry the Cable Guy. The latter two I still work with. My notable writing credits include writing on Bill Maher’s Politically Incorrect and several Comedy Central Roasts.




Tell me more about your journey as an author, including the writing processes.

After moving to Los Angeles, my writing options were mostly sitcoms, but I can’t stand sitcoms: the forced laughter, and the fake sets. My background was in joke writing but in the 90s jokes were out. It was the alternative comedy scene and I didn’t fit in. So, I got a job at Warner Brothers writing promos for the WB channel. Promos were just short jokes

with a plug. I wasn’t sure what path to take, but at this time Larry the Cable Guy, Dan Whitney, a friend and fellow comic was becoming huge selling out arenas. His whole act was one-liners and he needed a writer, so he put me on salary. His character was fun and easy to write for but different than my style. My humor is dark. I had one-liners like, “I met a nice girl last week on the road. But I was staying at a Budget 8 Motel. You don’t take a girl back there unless you’re going to kill her.” “I told the front desk I saw a rat. They brought me an extra pillow.” Long story short, I’ve been working with him ever since.

In 1996, It was the O.J. Simpson murder and the obviousness of his guilt that I couldn’t help but find so funny. It was a horrible tragedy, but the crime was so cartoonish. Bloody prints at both of their homes, racing to the border, an eyewitness in his guest house heard a “THUMP!”--it was Dr. Suess. That was when I imagined doing Suessian picture books on more irreverent subjects and pointed more towards actual events or people. But I couldn’t draw and knew there was no way it could go anywhere. Two people were dead. But I wrote and illustrated it anyway. To Think That It Happened On Snobbery Street follows a movie star, J.J. McQueen who while golfing misses a two-foo putt for Birdie when his girlfriend Bunny calls his cellphone. He angrily stomps through the watering hole leaving a trail of muddy footprints to her house where she’s found bonked on the head. The jury finds the putter guilty. It’s sitting in a drawer.

I was obsessed with wanting to do this and continued to draw. I had a cartoon published in Women’s Day Magazine in 2000, but single-panel cartoons are much harder to publish consistently to make a living. So I continued writing jokes; 23 years passed before my obsession returned.

The advent of digital drawing tablets,(anyone can draw with a digital drawing tablet.) and Tennesee banning drag performances is what sprung Big Tex.

About my art: I don’t have an art style. I grew up with Mad Magazine and Looney Tunes and just try to copy that. For me, the illustrations are just a way to communicate the story.




Tell me about your Book

Big Tex is a picture book in rhyme intended for adults but accessible to children. Inspired by the real events of drag performance being banned in several red states, It follows an aspiring drag queen who is convinced that the tough buckaroos in the neighboring town of Ruff Ridge will hinder his glamorous dreams, so he devises a plan to thwart their intentions.

I found his news story to be very Suessian. Like the Grinch hating the Who’s, the drag queen hates the buckaroos.

And with drag queens reading to children, Big Tex is essentially their story, the adversity they deal with, the homophobic attitudes they’re up against, trying to find acceptance.




About the Author

Roger Rittenhouse is a former stand-up comedian originally from Denver, Colorado who began his career in the 80s, appearing on The Arsenio Hall Show, The Dennis Miller Show, and Jimmy Kimmel Live. Notable writing credits include Bill Maher's Politically Incorrect and the Comedy Central Roasts. An armchair cartoonist turned author and illustrator, (after finding a digital drawing tablet on Craigslist) Roger brings his comedic antics to picture books intended for big boys and girls.

 

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Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Book Blitz: Symphony of a Heart in Pieces by E. Masson #romance #rabtbooktours @AuthorEMasson @RABTBookTours
10:30 PM1 Comments

Romance

Date Published: September 15, 2024

 

 

One heiress. One normal guy.

A love that will stand the test of time.

A family that won’t.

 

Victoria Smith is born rich and beautiful. She has fame and a name that opens any door. But there’s one thing she doesn’t have: Love.

Not until she meets Australian, Jeff Richardson, anyway.

 

Despite her family’s objections to her marrying a “nobody” Victoria chooses love over money.

And as they build a family, Victoria learns where true wealth lies: Love is the Richardson’s way.

 

But as Victoria builds a business empire of her own, she has to navigate her family through the challenges of growing up rich.

The Smiths made sure she understood that money talks. But she wants the Richardsons to believe that love is the greater gift.

 

When tragedy strikes, will love see their family through?

Or will love fail in a world obsessed with wealth?

 


About the Author

Hello there, lovely readers! Welcome to my corner of the literary world, where fiction comes alive in all its glory! I am E. Masson, a captivating romance author with my pen dipped in dreams and a heart full of romance, I set my readers on the path of unforgettable journeys through the depths of the human heart. From whirlwind romances to slow-burning love stories, each page of my books are infused with warmth and emotion, leaving readers yearning for more.

I have a talent for creating characters you'll adore while feeling like old friends and settings that transport you to new worlds. I am here to sweep you off your feet with every word. So, get ready to rediscover the joy of falling in love with my enchanting romance novels. Welcome to the adventure!

 

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Book Blitz: Wine Explained by Fabrizio Di Rienzo #nonfiction #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours
10:00 PM0 Comments

 

Nonfiction

Date Published: June 4, 2024

Publisher: MindStir Media


 

"Wine Explained - The Answer to all your Wine Questions" is the ultimate guide for wine lovers who want to expand their knowledge and appreciation of wine. This book, written by Fabrizio Di Rienzo, a highly experienced professional in the field, covers in a question-and-answer format all the essential topics, from wine production to tasting techniques, interesting facts, and many other tips and tricks related to wine.

Fabrizio's impressive qualifications as an Advanced Sommelier, Italian Wine Specialist, and more, combined with his practical experience, shine through in the book. It offers easy-to-follow explanations, making wine accessible to both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to learn the basics or refresh your knowledge, "Wine Explained" provides expert insights and practical tips to navigate the world of wine like a pro

This Must-Have book equips you with the necessary knowledge and skills to enjoy wine confidently. Fabrizio's passion and expertise make "Wine Explained" an invaluable guide for anyone eager to delve into the fascinating world of wine."

 

About the Author

Purchase Links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble



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Reading Time:
Virtual Book Tour: Dear Riley Rose, by Caroline Rose #memoir #interview #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours
5:52 AM0 Comments

 


Memoir

 

 

I’d like to tell you a story. It’s a fairy tale of sorts…


At the age of twenty-seven, Caroline Rose was finishing her first year of medical school and in the best shape of her life when she was shockingly diagnosed with a highly aggressive, incurable, stage IV cancer.

At the age of one, Riley, a Great Dane/Labrador mix, was rescued from inhumane abuse. An Internet search of rescue dogs during Caroline’s first remission led her to a picture a large broken dog with empty eyes that resembled her own. One impulsive decision later, Riley became a Rose.

This is the story of two lost souls coming together as one and their journey together through family, love, loss, pain, and hope.

Dear Riley Rose radiates the humor of Riley’s antics during even the toughest of times and illustrates the courage it takes for every being to rise up and choose life in the face of adversity.

Love heals us. Hope carries us. But is that enough for us to believe in a happy ending?






INTERVIEW


My process and journey as a writer:

I used to never think of myself as a writer- or as a creative type in any way or form! I loved living in my science and math and logical left-brain. I found comfort in seeing a problem and finding solutions. The endless creative options overwhelmed and intimidated me. Until...

I met Paige. Paige was the first friend I met at the Brentwood Dog Park in Los Angeles, CA. After rescuing my soulmate dog, Riley Rose, I began taking Riley to the dog park every morning at 7am. Riley was still in the rehabilitation phase- recovering from the horrific abuse he had endured the first year of his life. Paige and I began our friendship over our shared love of animals and quickly deepened our bond. Paige lived only in the creative world space and began to show me the beauty that awaited me in the other half of my brain.

Through Paige's encouragement, I began to dabble in journaling. It never felt natural but I was always amazed at the words that flew out of my subconscious and onto the page. I wrote words at random. I wrote words in a sentence. I wrote words I didn't even know I held so deeply inside my soul.

One day, after an exceptionally difficult hospital stay, I came home and wrote a letter to the founder of the dog rescue who gave me Riley. I thanked her for saving Riley's life and for being the conduit that brought him to me. I thanked her for saving countless animal's lives and told her how much she had affected mine.

This letter had more of an impact than I could have ever dreamed. This letter became the first words written of my now published book, Dear Riley Rose.

I found that writing in letter form allowed me to write in a way that felt comfortable and exciting and healing. I began writing letters to Riley. Unbeknownst to me, those letters were the early chapters.

Throughout the entire process, I would send my writings to Paige and she would make notes and comments. Paige worked with me through the entire process. When I wanted to give up (because I did!), Paige encouraged me to keep writing. So, that's what I did. I just kept writing.

Dear Riley Rose is the product of newfound creativity, persistence, doubt, fear, excitement, and pride. The writing process healed me in more ways than one and, for that, I am eternally grateful.





Tell me about your book

Dear Riley Rose is a story of love, hope, loss, and, ultimately, survival.
Riley should have been one of the 1.5 million shelter animals euthanized that year. I should have been one of the 610,000 individuals who died from cancer. We should not have found each other. But we did. DEAR RILEY ROSE: THE STORY OF A WOMAN AND HER DOG … AND HOW THEY SAVED EACH OTHER … is a memoir that tells the story of a young adult cancer patient and an abused rescue dog coming together for a journey of love, loss, pain, and ultimately hope.

I was in the best shape of my life. At twenty-seven years old, I’d just run my seventh marathon and was training to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Instead, I was diagnosed with a highly aggressive, incurable, stage IV cancer.

Riley was about a year old when, by sheer luck, he was rescued from inhumane abuse via a now-defunct pet store. A random Internet search of rescue dogs in Los Angeles during my first remission led me to a picture of a large broken dog with empty eyes that resembled my own. One impulsive decision later, rescue dog Riley had become a Rose. And I had become the other half of my soulmate’s heart .

DEAR RILEY ROSE is by turns light, funny, and gut-wrenching. Readers will feel my highs and lows as I marry the man of my dreams, get pregnant, lose babies, and endure a second and then a third cancer diagnosis—and yet through it all, I’m gifted with the constant love of a dog. Cancer patients, caregivers, and cancer survivors will relate to the strangling fear of a cancer diagnosis. Animal lovers will delight in the strong bond between animal and man and appreciate the power of healing that can only come from a beloved non-human companion. Riley’s endearing antics made him unforgettable and his unwavering devotion and unconditional love made him essential.

We all have moments where the question “Is life really worth living?” begs for an answer. We ache to know if the good outweighs the bad; if the joys are worth the pain. We all have our crosses to bear.





Any message for readers:

In November of 2004, I was in the very best shape of my life. A few months prior, I had finished my seventh marathon, and just one month earlier, I had completed my third triathlon. I was ready to start the most rigorous part of my training to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

And then, my entire world was turned upside down.

Meanwhile… in a pet store in Beverly Hills, a dog named Riley was enduring unimaginable suffering. Unable to walk or, let alone stand, this Great-Dane/lab mix existed in a cage that was way too small for his large young body. Circular burns caused by the grooming drying hose used by an abusive after-hours employee marked Riley’s thinning yellow coat. Sadness filled this dog’s eyes. He knew no one wanted him or even looked at him. But most of all, no one believed in him.

Until, his world turned right-side up.

While getting blood work and vaccinations done for my upcoming trip to Africa, my abnormally low platelet count indicated something was very, very wrong. Twenty-four hours later, I was diagnosed with a highly aggressive, incurable, stage IV non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

I was twenty-seven years old.

Riley was in between his life at the pet store and being put down. Living in a small cage had caused his shoulders to form incorrectly. The only way to fix Riley was to agree to an extensive and expensive surgery­-and no one wanted to take on that high-priced risk. Riley’s time was up. He’d been scheduled to be euthanized.

Riley was eleven-months old.

And then, while both facing our own death sentences, and against all odds - Riley and I found each other.

I still don’t know why on that chilly December morning I did a Google search for rescue dogs in Los Angeles. And I don’t know why I clicked on the link for Ace of Hearts. And I don’t know why I bypassed the first few pictures of the dogs listed under urgent. And I don’t know why I stopped when I saw Ri. And I’ll never know why, a few hours later, I brought that same battered and beaten rescue dog through our front door and into his forever home. And yet, I’ll always know that my irrational and spontaneous decision to adopt this dog that no one else wanted was the best decision I’ll ever make. Because that was the day that Riley became a Rose.

Riley Rose was with me through all three of my cancer battles. He rested his head on my tummy when I was pregnant with all of my babies. He protected and loved the two children that were born, and Ri was by my side as I mourned the three children we lost. Riley played with Ellie and Tommy when I was too sick to care for them myself. Ri kept my two children company while I was away in the hospital for months at a time. This dog sat through countless tea parties with Ellie and endured hours of Mickey's Clubhouse and the many manicures that included bright colors painted onto his paw nails. Riley gave my kids what I could not and, by doing that, Ri gave me the one thing I needed the most - comfort and assurance that they would be alright- that we would be alright- that I would be alright.

And, before everything became alright, Ri gave me the space to be whoever I needed to be. I never had to pretend to be okay for Ri like I did for the humans around me. With Riley, I was safe. He was pure unflinching devotion. This dog never asked me for anything. He only wanted my love. And, in return, Ri gave me his heart. And, as it turned out, that was the love that healed my broken spirit. And it was that same love that healed Riley as well.

DEAR RILEY ROSE is a profoundly honest memoir that is anchored in the ultimate message of hope. Each chapter is a separate letter written to Riley Rose. I never wanted to write a book centered around my battle with my cancer, so it wasn’t until I realized this story’s magic lies within the journey Riley and I took together that I understood the real purpose and meaning this book was meant to hold. DEAR RILEY ROSE takes the reader along the path I took through my cancer. This book highlights the ups and downs of motherhood and trying to parent through struggle. Experiences such as in-vitro, losing children, and coping with my cancer-induced guilt I felt towards my children are depicted. DEAR RILEY ROSE radiates the humor of Ri and his antics, and it illustrates the courage it takes for every being to rise up and choose life in the face of adversity.

Riley Rose was my soul mate dog. He healed me, and I healed him. We couldn’t have made it through our most difficult times without the love we had for one another- of that, I am certain. Because no matter how strong the human love is that we have to surround us, it’s that love of an animal that fills in the cracks and fills our hearts with that unconditional, unquestionable, loyal love. And that’s the love that heals.

Love heals. Animals heal. And, even when we don’t think it is possible, humans heal.

Even if the healing is just over one of the many wounds we carry, that’s something. Even if the love is only enough to fill a part of a heart, that’s significant. And even if the hope is only held onto with a light, untrusting grip, that’s enough. A rescue dog can do that for any one of us, or if we can do it for any one of them, that’s everything.

The journey Riley and I took together was bigger than the two of us. I feel this book and its message just might be as well - especially in today's world, this is a story we all need to hear.

Everyone can relate to a tale of struggle and the soul-searching that comes with hitting rock-bottom. Regardless of one’s background or life circumstances, pain comes for each one of us – in the form of physical, emotional and/or spiritual challenges. No human can love without loss. No human can rise without falling. This is my story of being setback, and it can be anyone’s story – because hardship, whether it is cancer or any other adversity, does not discriminate. And neither does the power of love. I don’t believe in fairy-tale endings, but I do subscribe to the idea that we can always be given a second chance—because it was in our second chance that Riley and I created our life together and taught each other that some things are worth the fight.

See, thanks to my cancer, I now know the struggle is what makes life worth living. That’s where we find the treasure. In the depth of my sorrow, I found goodness. In the darkness of my suffering, I found love. And in finding Riley, I found hope.

Animals heal us. Hope carries us. And love saves us.

That’s what this story is all about: healing and hoping and loving.




About the Author

Caroline Rose, a nationally recognized author, public speaker, and motivational storyteller, delivers compelling stories from her three separate battles with her highly aggressive, incurable stage IV cancer. After being diagnosed when she was 27 years old and undergoing two different bone marrow transplants, it was ultimately a groundbreaking clinical trial and the donation of her older brother’s marrow that saved her life. Caroline understands the universal struggles of trying to live life to the fullest, even in the face of fear and uncertainty, and is passionate about helping people recognize the beauty of life, even in the darkest moments.

Caroline’s compelling story has been featured by organizations such as MD Anderson Cancer Center, Livestrong, City of Hope National Medical Center, and Health Magazine. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society chose Caroline to be a candidate for their Woman of the Year campaign, and the National Cancer Survivors Day committee highlighted Caroline and her story as a featured speaker for this year’s speaker selection. Caroline is a frequent podcast guest on top rated podcast and travels the country, speaking to approximately 10,000 to 15,000 people annually. In 2018, Caroline was honored to be chosen as the speaker for the City of Hope Music, Film, and Entertainment Industry Spirit of Life Awards in Santa Monica, California.

Today, Caroline is embracing her thirteenth year of living cancer-free. She lives in San Antonio, Texas, and enjoys life as a wife and a mom to her two teenage children and two four-legged fur babies. Caroline is an avid dog lover and a deep believer in the healing power of animals. She is very excited about her soon-to-be-released memoir, Dear Riley Rose, the story of a woman and her dog…and how they saved each other.

In her free time, Caroline volunteers for organizations such as her local dog rescue, the MD Anderson Patient Advisory Board, the Be the Match Foundation, the National Charity League, and the Battle of Flowers Organization, and she fills several parent volunteer positions at her children’s school. Caroline also spends time in Austin and is involved with the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians and the local Austin-based medical device company, Wenzel Spine, which was founded by her life-saving brother, Chad Neely.

Caroline’s strong message of hope, even in the face of profound struggle, resonates universally, especially today. The world is craving hope, and Caroline is happy to be the one to provide it.

 

Contact Links

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Purchase Link

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RABT Book Tours & PR
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Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Book Blitz: I Know a Guy Named Noah Guy by Jeanne Ward #childrensbook #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours
10:30 PM1 Comments

 


Children's Book

 

I Know a Guy Named Noah Guy is a delightful and imaginative rhyming picture book that will capture the hearts of young readers! Follow along with Noah Guy, a character who knows he’s in a book, as he takes you on whimsical adventures where the only limit is your imagination. From riding bulls at the rodeo to joining the circus, Noah shows that anything is possible with a friend by your side.

This charming story celebrates friendship, teamwork, and the power of never giving up. The rhythmic verses are designed to engage young minds, promoting speech, cognitive development, and early literacy skills. Children will love the playful language, sound patterns, and the chance to predict what comes next—just like in their favorite nursery rhymes.


About the Author

My name is Jeanne Ward, I am a mother of three, grandmother of two and a business owner.  Family is everything to me.  Me and my eldest brother married siblings, creating a unique environment of double cousins and a close-knit family.   I live in Brooklyn NY where I own and operate an Early intervention program for young children with autism.  I opened my school in 1998, and I have all 3 of my siblings, had all 3 of my children, my daughters-in-laws, all my nieces and nephew, and my uncle work there at one time or another.  Additionally, I have my brother and brother-in-law who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure the school remains a success.  I am a special educator, and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and love what I do for a living.

My eldest are twins.  One lives right outside Asheville North Carolina with his wife and daughter.  He, like me, is a special educator and a BCBA. Although he has a physics degree from NYU, he found a passion working with children with autism after he graduated college and working for me while applying to graduate school.   My other son, my partner in these books has moved back from Nashville Tenn and currently lives in Newburgh NY with his wife and newborn son.  My youngest, Phoenix, will leave for High Point University in North Carolina in a month.   I lost my husband to cancer nearly 6 years ago and I am about to be an empty nester.  It is my sincere hope to spend my days writing Noah Guy stories, running my school and being the best mom and grandma I can be.

 

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Reading Time:
Preorder Blitz: Cotton by Harley Wylde #preorder #motorcycleclubromance #romanticsuspense #comingsoon #excerpt #rabtbooktours @ChangelingPress @RABTBookTours
10:00 PM1 Comments

 

(Hades Abyss MC)

 

Motorcycle Club Romance, Age Gap, Suspense

Date Published: October 18, 2024

 

 

Sometimes love is the only weapon against unspeakable evil.

Lavinia -- I thought love was my salvation, until my Prince Charming turned out to be not so princely. Then my pregnancy only made my relationship with Tyler spiral into an even worse nightmare. Trapped in a cycle of pain and fear, I worry there’s no escape. Until Cotton rides into my life. He sees through my pain and vows to keep me safe. But Tyler isn’t finished with me, and this time there’s more at stake. Escaping may cost me everything. Maybe even my life.

Cotton -- I’ve seen my share of darkness, but the cruelty Lavinia has endured is heartbreaking. I know I’m too old for her, but I’m all she’s got. Whatever it takes, I have to keep her from Tyler. Even if it means making her mine. I promised her protection, gave her nights full of passion… but when danger strikes, my promise is broken. I’ll get her back, even if it means sending Tyler straight to hell. Because Lavinia is mine, and I won’t stop until she’s back in my arms.

Embark on this thrilling, emotional ride and see if love can conquer all.

 

WARNING: intended for readers 18+ due to bad language, violence, and adult situations. Cotton contains scenes that may trigger sensitive readers.

 


 

EXCERPT


Cotton

I sat on the edge of the bed, my hands clasped together so tightly my knuckles turned white. The pressure helped ground me, keeping me tethered to the present. The past threatened to suck me under, drag me back down to the dark place where sleep was nearly impossible. I’d come a long way in the last year, but the guilt still ate at me, gnawing at my insides until I thought I might explode from the pain. My head bowed, so I closed my eyes, resting my elbows on my knees.

No matter how much time passed, I didn’t think I’d ever be able to forgive myself. Roe had told me more than once what happened wasn’t my fault. The demons in my head didn’t seem to care. Roe had been a victim. So had I. Knowing that hadn’t stopped me from thinking I could have done more, something to prevent what happened.

My brow furrowed, and my jaw clenched. The tension in my body made my muscles ache. Would I ever be able to let it go? Hell, would I ever want to? As the memories played in a continuous loop, I shifted on the bed, trying to find a comfortable position. When that didn’t help, I dragged my hand through my hair. The knots in my stomach made me nauseous. I hadn’t eaten much in the last few days. Seemed like the demon in my head had decided to visit.

Those memories could go fuck themselves. I knew I should get up, eat something, maybe hang out in the clubhouse. Except I couldn’t seem to make myself move. As I sat there, the edge of the bed digging into my ass, I stared at the room. Never needed a lot, but even this felt like it was closing in on me.

A few personal items dotted the room. Nothing too girly. I had a framed photo of Roe, something I probably should have put away. The book on my nightstand had been read so many times it was about to fall apart. Next chance I got, I’d order another one.

I peered down at my arm, my gaze snagging on the US Navy-themed ink. Remembering my time back then wasn’t always easy. The weight of what I’d done sometimes kept me awake, but those memories? They were easier to live with than what happened a year ago.

When I turned my head, I caught a glimpse of the photo. My chest tightened, and I forced myself to look away. Once I’d found out where Roe was living, I’d tried to let it all go… the guilt mostly. Thinking about her didn’t help. Roe had moved on, gotten married. She didn’t need me to protect her, but that didn’t stop me from wanting to make sure she was always safe. Not like I could help her if shit ever hit the fan. I’d been fucking useless that night.

I pushed to my feet and paced the room. As I made my third or fourth round, I sat on the edge of the bed again with a sigh. The tension in my shoulders was back, and I knew no matter how tired I was, sleep would evade me. I rubbed at my chest, wishing the ache sitting right behind my sternum would ease.

The silence didn’t help. If anything, it made things worse. I could hear every creak of the floorboards as I moved. Even my sighs sounded loud in the otherwise empty space. Maybe I needed to get back to work. Sitting on my ass around the house hadn’t done me any favors. I still hadn’t worked up the nerve to hunt down a woman to scratch my itch. Did I even have an itch anymore? It should have been impossible for me to go this long without pussy. I hadn’t had sex since…

I buried my face in my hands and inhaled deeply, then slowly blew it out. Despite how much I didn’t want to admit it, guilt pressed in on me. The same guilt that kept me from wanting to find someone. The same guilt that ate at me every day.

I straightened and lifted my head. I’d been the victim of a crime. So had Roe. The club hadn’t blamed me, and they’d let me stay without any questions. Don’t know what I’d have done without them.

Would there ever come a time I could think of Roe without pain piercing my chest? If I’d known the drinks were drugged, that she wasn’t willing, I’d have never touched her. But I couldn’t change the past.

My phone rang, and I jumped, startled out of my thoughts. I reached for it, my hand hesitating. My jaw tightened when I spied Bear’s name on the screen. “Yeah?”

“Think you can join us for a drink at the clubhouse?” Bear’s gruff voice came through the speaker. “We’re going to shoot some pool, maybe play some cards.”

I didn’t say anything. Hell, I didn’t know what to say. On the one hand, I could use a drink. On the other, what good was a beer if I couldn’t stop thinking about Roe?

“We’re worried about you. Don’t want to push, but you’ve been cooped up in that house for a long damn time. Might do you some good to hang out for a little while.” Bear’s tone softened, enough I knew he meant the words.

I ran a hand through my hair and rested it on the back of my neck. “You’re offering to babysit me?”

Bear snorted. “The fuck we are. I’m saying we need one more guy for a proper poker game and you’re it. If you want to drink a beer or shoot a game of pool while you’re at it, so be it.” He huffed out a breath. “It’s not babysitting. It’s called spending time with your brothers.”

“I don’t think I --”

“Don’t give me that. If you didn’t want company, you wouldn’t still be with us. You could have moved on. Instead, you stayed. That means you’re still one of us, and you need to get your ass over here. Don’t make me come find you.”

A smile tugged at my lips, but it felt rusty. How long since I’d genuinely smiled? “Fine. I’ll be there in a couple minutes.”

“Good. I’m going to set the table up. Don’t keep us waiting long,” he warned as he hung up.

I stared at Roe’s photo one more time. I kissed the tips of my fingers and pressed them to the glass. “Maybe someday you’ll be out of my head. Until then, I guess I’m just going through the motions.” I nodded to myself and headed to the clubhouse.

As I stepped through the doors, the sounds of my brothers’ laughter, clinking beer bottles, the scent of leather pulled me in. I paused just inside the entrance and took a deep breath. Biker life. My life. Why was I having a hard time reminding myself of that? I let my breath out slowly as I surveyed the room.

Some of the guys were shooting pool. The old, worn-down pool table had seen better days. Fox had found it at a garage sale and brought it here a few months ago. Now that we didn’t have women at the clubhouse, it was a nice addition. With all the families around here, things seemed to constantly change. For the better in all honesty.

Bear came toward me and lifted a beer in my direction. I hesitated and then reached out and took it. He didn’t say anything, just gave me a nod. Fangs walked over and slapped me on the back.

“Good to see you out and about, brother. You clean up all right.” He gave me a crooked grin. “Glad you joined us.”

I handled the beer, my fingers curling around the bottle. I took a few steps into the room before I froze. I forced a smile that felt more like a grimace.

It didn’t take long before everyone made it a point to come over and say something to me. My brothers didn’t blame me for what had happened, and they did their best to make sure I knew that every day. Even after Roe left. While that support should have made me feel better, it hadn’t. Because I blamed myself.

 

 

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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Virtual Book Tour: Treasure Hunting in the Underworld by Lillian Moore #selfhelp #nonfiction #interview #Rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours
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A Guide for Healing and Claiming What's Yours

 

Self-help, personal development, psychology, spirituality, trauma healing

Date Published: August 5, 2024

 

 

Everything you want: all the riches of the world, the depth, beauty, the fun.

Everything you want is in the underworld of your psyche.

This is where our capacity to experience lives.

Yet, most of us barely know what is happening in our own mind and are at least a little terrified of who we might really be.

Just as our wishes and dreams live in the underworld of our psyche, so do our worst fears, the things we desperately want to run from. This is the treasure.

Our traumas, patterns, addictions, seedy desires, and repressed memories once welcomed and transformed by the light of our consciousness give us our greatest power, creativity, and magnetism.

This is your guidebook to your underworld that you might claim everything that you are.




INTERVIEW



Introduce yourself and tell me about what you do.

My name is Lillian Moore, I've been studying the healing arts since I was a child and working with Trauma for the last 20 years. 10 years ago I co-founded a school teaching people how to work with their own emotions. We train practitioners



Tell me more about your journey as an author, including the writing processes.

I wrote "Treasure Hunting in the Underworld" right after my stepmom (primary parent, the woman who raised me) died last year. A few weeks after she passed, I was given a huge gift: three weeks to myself, with no kids, no work, and very few interactions. I spent my days in the river below our home in Colombia and my evenings by the fire with music.

Grief is an incredibly generous teacher. The loss connects us with the eternal by forcing us to face the temporary. The pain pulls our focus and demands our attention. The love that can be taken for granted when it’s a phone call away suddenly becomes the single most important thing.

For me, grief was an invitation to come home to myself. It was time to reorganize the home of that loss, pain, and love. I needed to clean out my underworld so I could move with grace through the portal of grief.

To do this cleaning, I systematically remembered what I know about healing and restoring power. Even after 19 years of teaching these techniques, I would still forget to use them. As I say in the book, simple things are both easy to remember and easy to forget.

This book was like wrapping up the most important principles for healing that I know into a box, tying the bow on it, and giving it to myself. Since writing it, I haven’t forgotten to use these powerful techniques for my benefit. When something bothers me, a pattern emerges, or I notice a strange reaction to something in my life, I deal with it by treasure hunting.



Tell me about your Book

Treasure Hunting in the Underworld gives the gift of facing ourselves and our lives unconditionally from a seat of power. It helps us become richer through loss, stronger through collapse, and more loving through heartbreak. As we do this process, we stop experiencing the same losses, collapses, and heartbreaks again and again, and our lives can move forward more creatively.

This book is a guidebook that shows you where healing is needed and how to approach any wound or pattern of negativity gently and systematically. More important than that, this book teaches and instills a practice of self-compassion and acceptance. Through the work that this book offers you can build a relationship with yourself based in deep respect and trust, learning to hold yourself in high regard.

While the work outlined in Treasure Hunting in the Underworld is inner work, the reflection of this work can be seen in the reader's life. When we know ourselves and are friends with ourselves the inner saboteurs become allies and our work lives, finances, and relationships all improve. You can bring your best to life and life will meet you there.




Any message for our readers

Everything is healable, there is nothing in you so scary or dark or painful that it can’t be accepted, loved, and ultimately turned into power.




Story

Everything that we experience is a product of our own inner world. It is where we create our lives from and it is the only lense through which we can perceive the world around us. There is no greater power for creating a beautiful life experience than having power in your inner world. But, for most of us our inner world is like a dreamscape that barely makes sense to us. We have fragmented and opposing feeling and beliefs born out of trauma and living in a world that provides us so much information and emotional stimulation but very few tools to understand or integrate. The result is that we walk around like a chorus of different voices each creating and perceiving according to one fragment of information without the wisdom and context of the whole of who we are.

The results that we get in our lives may feel mysterious, random, or even like tragedies echoing from our childhood, only because we don't know how we are creating what we are creating.

This book is a guidebook to your own innerworld and a tool kit for integrating all of the information of your life into a cohesive and powerful sense of self. The method of integration is radical honesty and radical self acceptance. The book teaches you to open yourself up like a map and visit the places in your being with stored energy and power. It teaches you how to systematically and gently transform pockets of pain or confusion into compassion, wisdom and depth. The result is the capacity to be what you want and have the life that you want using the raw materials of experience that your life has provided you.



About the Author

Lillian is a co-founder of Mindlight and the Mindlight Institute, which has trained thousands of people to integrate trauma. She has been studying and practicing the healing arts since she was a child. She was a volunteer for the Stress Project that helped veterans heal from PTSD, has led trainings for Google Vitality Labs and SXSW.

 

Contact Links

Website

Instagram


Purchase Link

Amazon


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