Barrel Proof

BARREL PROOF - A Martinez‐Adjacent Thriller NovellaJames Ryder vanished into the Savannah fog, leaving his past-and Ava Martinez-behind. Now he's resurfaced in rural Kentucky under a new name, working at a bourbon distillery with secrets aging in its barrels.When a young worker disappears after uncovering a money‐laundering scheme tied to horse‐racing syndicates, Ryder is pulled into a world of corruption, violence, and outlaw networks. The Iron Bit Riders-a local biker crew-want him dead. A polished fixer from Louisville wants him controlled. And the truth buried in the rickhouses could topple powerful people.Ryder doesn't want to be a hero.He doesn't want to be found.But some fires can't be ignored.And some ghosts refuse to stay erased.Barrel Proof is a gripping, atmospheric thriller that bridges Swimming With Manatees and the upcoming Ava Martinez novel. Ryder's past isn't done with him-and neither is Ava.