A horse-crazy girl from the suburbs, with the help of a colt that nobody wanted, made history in 1992 when Casual Lies placed second in the 118th running of the Kentucky Derby. He was the highest-placed finisher trained by a woman since its inaugural running in 1875. A record that still stands to this day as the 150thrunning approaches. Casual Lies went on to run in all three Triple Crown races, another record.
My Books
Labyrinth of Ruin
Your expertise in horseracing shines through in “Labyrinth of Ruin,” offering readers a unique and thrilling perspective on dragon racing — Anthony Ryan.
The ability to communicate with dragons is essential in competitive dragon racing. When Jackson McLoughlin is born lacking this gift, he’s labeled ‘Creature Deaf.’
Assigned only the most menial tasks around the racing stable, Jackson’s sense of inadequacy festers, and he increasingly isolates himself emotionally.
After Jackson saves Tivet, a tiny dragonet, from profound abuse, a bond forms that transcends their differences, a bond that speaks of resilience and hope. More than malnourished and underdeveloped, Tivet is a unique creature who defies the norms of the racing community. As he blossoms under Jackson’s care, their unusual connection becomes a source of strength and hope.
But as the unlikely duo explores their growing bond, a sinister threat looms over their small Irish racing community. Like a creeping shadow, corrupt forces are gaining a foothold, threatening to shatter the harmony and fairness that once defined their world. The stakes are high, and the time for action is now.
Available for sale at: Amazon and most bookstores worldwide.
Casual Lies – A Triple Crown Adventure
A memoir that is far more than the recounting of one horse’s racing career. Trainer Shelley Riley guides us down her own life path from horse-obsessed girl to history-making woman, who in 1992 up-ended a male-dominated sport by becoming the first of her gender to saddle a starter in all three American Triple Crown races. The head-strong, charismatic horse who took her there was Casual Lies, a $7,500 auction bargain, whose outsized heart was magnificently revealed under Riley’s patient and loving care.
Available for Sale at: Amazon and most bookstores worldwide.
Into Madness – Born From Stone Saga #1
When Princess Ravin and her mother are imprisoned by their archenemy King Grigorii, the full depth of his depravity is revealed. Ravin vows to save the Carolingian people from Grigorii’s evil dominion.
But who can Ravin trust? The handsome and arrogant princeling that fate has bound her to? An honorable but conflicted lord? A taciturn tree spirit? Or will the great dragon, Mystislav, honor an ancient oath in the kingdom’s time of need?
Before their quest can begin, Ravin and Delinda must find a way to free themselves from the monster who rules the halls they once called home.
Available for Sale at: Amazon and most bookstores worldwide.
Hearts Divided – Born From Stone Saga #2 (coming soon)
With Grigorii’s soldiers dogging her steps, Princess Ravinia, along with an unlikely group of allies, strikes out on a quest to find the meaning behind her magical talisman. She believes the answer may be found in an ice cave at the top of a mountain in a land steeped in dark myths—Foedirus. Challenged by strange creatures and the specter of death at every turn, Ravin must not waver if she is to survive in the land of ice and fire.
The Reckoning- Born From Stone Saga #3 (coming soon)
In Ravin’s absence, King Grigorii has descended into complete madness. If possible, more ruthless and diabolical, the mad king now commands a magically altered horde. With the long overdue reckoning at hand, Ravin hesitates at the prospect of brutal and indiscriminate slaughter, leaving her to question what constitutes life itself.