Saturday, July 5, 2025

Book Blitz ~ Break Free From Burnout by Roj Dee, MSc.

 



The Ultimate Blueprint for High Achievers to Reclaim Your Life, Revitalize your Mind and Restore Well-being to thrive in a Fast Paced World.


Self Help

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


**ROJ Dee, MSc**, is a Swiss-based scientist and versatile author with a passion for turning knowledge into inspiration. With a background in science and a curiosity for the world, she writes across a rich tapestry of genres—from self-help and wellness to history, travel, and cooking. Whether guiding readers through ancient civilizations, helping them navigate burnout recovery, or sharing flavorful recipes, ROJ Dee blends research, insight, and creativity to inform and uplift. Her work reflects a commitment to lifelong learning and demonstrates a deep appreciation for culture, resilience, and everyday discovery.

 

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Book Blitz ~ The Heartbeats of Aloha - Under the Hawaiian Stars by Brooke Gilbert

 

The Heartbeats of Aloha
Brooke Gilbert
(Under the Hawaiian Stars)
Publication date: July 1st 2025
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Romance

𝙎𝙚𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙙𝙮, 𝙧𝙚𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙛𝙖𝙩𝙚. 𝘾𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧-𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧?

Reef has been in love with Luna since they were kids. As a secret romance novelist, he pours his unrequited feelings into his books, reliving their love on the page. But when Luna’s uncle proposes a fake relationship to thwart a stunt her PR wants to pull, Reef’s wildest dreams and worst fears are about to collide.

Luna never stopped loving Reef, even when she broke his heart to protect him. Music became her refuge, but fame brought unexpected complications. Now, fate has brought them back together, but the demons of their past threaten to consume them both.

As Reef and Luna navigate their rekindled feelings amidst a whirlwind of secrets, heartache, and desire, they’ll discover that sometimes reality is even more extraordinary than fiction. When their truths come to light, will their love survive, or will they wish they’d left the past buried in the sands of time?

The Heartbeats of Aloha is a poignant, swoon-worthy standalone in the International Soulmate series. Immerse yourself in:

  • A heart-melting second chance romance
  • The lush, tropical beauty of Hawaii
  • A fake relationship that feels all too real
  • Deep, nuanced portrayals of mental health and disability
  • Unforgettable characters, including an adorable canine companion

If you love emotional journeys filled with tender moments, sizzling chemistry, and the healing power of love, then Brooke Gilbert’s moving story is a must-read.

Let the rhythm of the islands guide you to your next great romance. Grab The Heartbeats of Aloha today and lose yourself in Reef and Luna’s unforgettable love story!

Content note: This book contains discussions of anxiety, depression, and panic attacks.

Goodreads / Amazon

EXCERPT:

As soon as the doors closed, I turned to her. “Luna,” I breathed. I didn’t know what to do, but I was being drawn to her, the tether from earlier pulling at me even harder. I placed my hands on either side of her hips, grabbing the cold railing with everything I had, desperate to be close to her.

Then I leaned into her slightly. “He’s just an idiot who’s upset he lost the best thing he’s ever had. Nothing in the world could make me want to ‘return’ you. If you were mine, I’d do anything to keep you.”

Her eyes became even glossier as they drifted up to meet mine. “You don’t even know what it is.” She looked away. “I didn’t think I needed to tell you since this is all . . .”

“This is all what?” I asked her more pointedly. Her lips parted, but she said nothing. I could see the ghost of the word ‘fake’ on them. I gripped the railing tighter. “I never wanted any of this to be pretend. Not one second of it has been for me. Has it been for you?”

She shook her head methodically, as if knowing what she was unleashing, and my lips curved upward at her response. Especially when her body gravitated toward mine like she couldn’t stand to be apart.

I started to remove my glasses, knowing this was the first time my feelings and intentions would be on full display for her. The first time, nothing would be covered up under the guise of Louis’ plan.

“Luna, why did you write One More Hour? Was what you said on stage true?” I asked with urgency.

But her face said it all. I didn’t need the words her lips mouthed so sensually . . .“Yes . . . It was you I wanted. I’ve always wanted you. I still do.”

As I went to pull off my glasses, she stopped me, shaking her head emphatically. I felt like a dork, with the goofiest grin on display.

“What? You want me to keep them on? I was trying to look less like a nerd.” I laughed nervously as I leaned even closer to her, my hands clutching the railing beside her.

“Yes, they have to stay on. It’s required.” But she was only halfway teasing, and I loved it. “Do you know how many fantasies I’ve had about this?”

“No, why don’t you tell me?” I began coyly.

“Enough to have a bet with myself about how fast I can fog them up.” She smirked.

“Oh, I’m seeing the appeal now. Maybe this nerd thing can have some perks,” I mumbled. But all my cockiness left me as I became overwhelmed by her. Especially as she reached up for the collar of my dress shirt and tugged me toward her. The smell of the plumeria flower in her hair and the scent of Luna overcoming any hesitation. I wanted to bottle her scent along with this moment.

Our faces were only inches apart, warmth radiating between us. And I was ready to close any of the distance between us. Need taking over in a way I’d never known, when she breathed out, “Why didn’t you ever kiss me?”

“I couldn’t tell if you wanted me to.” A pain twisted at her cheeks with my words.

There was a hard tug on my shirt collar. A very clear sign of her want. And with that, all space and time vanished. It was just her lips on mine as I leaned into every part of her. Every part I knew intimately and loved . . . all of her. Allowing myself to taste her for the very first time.

I pulled back suddenly, and her eyes looked simultaneously confused and incredibly disappointed.

“Wait,” I interjected, and her face fell. I pushed off of the handrails and moved toward the elevator pad. Quickly, I pulled the emergency button, halting the elevator.

“Reef, you can’t do that.” Her eyes flashed with mixed amusement and sheer concern.

With a confidence I didn’t know I possessed, I strode back over to her. “Oh, but I think I already did.” I readjusted my glasses to look at her, the ones that were already fogged up. “Now, where were we?”

She laughed as my hands slid around the back of her thighs to pick her up, gently propping her against the elevator railing. Her legs seamlessly wrapped around me like they were always meant to be there.

“Oh yeah, here.” The words tumbled out of me.

Luna only laughed harder and then raked her hands upward through my hair, pulling me in with more force this time. I met her heady passion with a strong desire of my own this time. But I was becoming increasingly aware that I had kind of cornered her. And what started out feeling sexy now felt like it could cause anxiety. And that’s the last thing I ever wanted. I spun us around, effectively swapping our positions, hoping to give her more space and control. I was absolutely fine with her cornering me.

Luna looked at me and her legs squeezed even tighter around me as her fingers dug deeper. Sending shockwaves through my scalp and back. I guess I’d made the right call. Especially when her lips melted over mine and then started roaming, making use of my neck in ways no one had ever properly done before. I had gotten everything wrong in my novels. No kiss I wrote could ever compare to this. I was going to need to make a few revisions.

“Miss!” the intercom burst forth from the elevator speaker. We looked at each other with wide eyes. “Miss, please disentangle yourself and step away from the gentleman.” I started laughing and Luna gave me a look that said it wasn’t funny. “We’re going to be overriding the elevator panel and resuming normal functions as soon as . . . you . . . huh hmm . . . Remove yourself.”

But Luna just stayed glued to me, like a scared monkey. Her face was a mixture of shock and embarrassment. “Ma’am,” the booming voice rang out, “Please don’t make me call security.”

“Yeah, stop mauling me, Luna. Geez.” Now she was laughing, too, as I helped her stand beside me. She seemed as off balance as I felt. Her knees even buckled at the point of contact with the floor. With a sly smile, I pointed to the other corner of the elevator. “You better go over there, just to be safe.”

She just shoved me lightly, like when we were kids, and the elevator started moving. The booming voice thanked us for our ‘cooperation,’ no matter how unenthusiastically we had complied with the request. And then Luna’s long, petite fingers found their way in between mine. A peaceful reverberation echoing throughout my body when she did. She was like that first cool breeze coming off the ocean at the end of the hottest day. She was my happy place. Everything that made our island special, she encompassed it all so well. The heartbeats of this place were the people. The heartbeats were her.

My eyes dared to glance over at her, and the intimacy of this moment changed me. I would never look at love the same way. She had just cracked something wide open inside of me. Right at the place that had been scarred so many years ago, and then forever placed herself inside it.


Author Bio:

Brooke Gilbert is a Tennessee native, a microbiology graduate of the University of Tennessee, and a border collie mom. She is, as you may have already guessed, a hopeless romantic and a lover of Jane Austen. When she isn’t writing, she works as a jewelry designer, an audiobook narrator, and a graphic designer. Her writing features characters with autoimmune disorders, something she deals with herself. She believes it is important for these types of characters to be seen in modern literature and started writing so she could see someone like herself in literature. She is considered a medical mystery and has several rare autoimmune disorders. These disorders caused her to withdraw from Physician Assistant School, but she is happy to be pursuing her dreams of designing, creating, and writing. She thanks God for leading her heart on this new path and recites “perhaps this is the moment for which you were created” in times of doubt (Esther 4:14).

She loves watching classic films (thrillers and romantic comedies, too), reading, playing the ukulele, painting, dancing, Pilates, and spending time with her dog, family, and friends. One of her favorite quotes is from Flashdance: “When you give up on your dreams, you die.” She believes that if you’re waiting to pursue your dreams, stop waiting and start doing. Your time is now. And may you never stop being a hopeless romantic. Contrary to popular belief, it’s a very good quality. She’s still looking for her Mr. Darcy. Visit brookegilbertauthor.com to connect and stay updated on her latest projects.

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Friday, July 4, 2025

Review ~ Beginning of Arrogance - Book 1 of A Paladin's Journey by Bryan Cole



 Beginning of Arrogance

Book 1 of A Paladin’s Journey

By

Bryan Cole

 

About the Book:

Genres: Fantasy, Heroic Fantasy, Hero’s Journey

Publisher: Tellwell Talent

Publication Date: June 29, 2022

 

Paladins are nothing but trouble. Stories about paladins are everywhere, noble warriors riding magic steeds into battle against terrible foes. Champions of their gods. Heroes to everyone, except those who already have everything. Paladins are notorious for upsetting the balance of power, to the detriment of any who don't worship their deity.

 

So when Krell is called to service by the capricious god of the seas and skies, ReckNor, those with wealth and power can't help but be concerned. ReckNor hasn't called a paladin in years, and his nature is ever-changing and erratic. The fact that Krell is also an uneducated nobody with a stubborn streak as wide as the sea turns their concerns into fear.

 

All of which matters less than the threat clawing its way from the waves, ready to turn the ocean red with spilled blood...

 

Purchase Links:


Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Books-A-Million

Walmart

Smashwords

Goodreads

 



Dynamite tale. This book hooked me right from the start, and I read it so consistently. I was just taken in by the great world building, the characters, and Krell was an amazing character with such depth, wit, and a troubled side like none other. He's a really amazing character that you will root for and want to see overcome all that stands before him. A truly fantastical tale that you will not want to put down, and a world you will want to visit again and again. A great start to a great series!

Bryan Cole is a master storyteller; he can weave a tale of fantasy and invite one into a world all his own. Truly amazingly gifted artist, and I look forward to many more of his books. 


Giveaway:



Excerpt:


“So, Krell, how do you know about the Forge Father and all that? Never heard you say anything like that before, you know?” Gerrard smiled up at him.

Krell laughed. “It’s true enough, Gerrard, that my education could best be described as lacking. Most people say I don’t know anything. I grew up alone, you see, so nobody taught me anything useful. I had to learn it all myself.”

Gerrard looked at him questioningly. “Alone how? I can’t see humans, even as insane as they often are, abandoning a youngling to grow up alone.”

“Oh, I had a family. Still might, somewhere, maybe. But I was lost at sea when I was young. Not sure how young. Washed up on an island somewhere and spent a bunch of years surviving.” Krell looked up at the sky. “My memories there are… poor. Can’t remember much, but I remember the cold, the loneliness, and the hunger. Those stand out in my mind.” Krell shook his head and frowned.

“Olgar taught me basically everything I know, aside from how to survive alone. Whatever knowledge I have is thanks to him, and one thing he made sure I knew well was who all the gods and their followers are. Paladins apparently spend a lot of time in conflict with faiths other than their own.”

“Ah,” said Gerrard, nodding in agreement.

Krell shrugged and looked back at Gerrard. “Whatever else I am, Gerrard, I’m a survivor. Maybe that’s why ReckNor chose me to be a paladin. Maybe he wrecked the ship on purpose to see if I had what it took. Maybe he didn’t. Either way, I hear the call. My blade is in his service, my will is his will. His voice thunders in my head, making his will known to me.”

“Wow. You know, Kraven’s right, you are intense!” Gerrard walked along in silence for a few minutes next to him. Then he turned and said, “That sounds really hard, having another voice in your head all the time.”

Krell laughed. “Nah, it’s really easy. When he tells me something, I do it. When he says nothing, I do whatever I want.”

Gerrard frowned. “I thought paladins had all sorts of rules they had to follow.”

Krell grinned at him. “You’re thinking of followers of Hieron the Honorable, lord of justice. There’s a big temple of his in Heaford, just up the coast, where the duke holds court. I’ve never met one of his followers, but apparently he loves calling paladins, and they’re pretty common in that faith. Most paladin stories are about paladins of Hieron.”

“Not common in ReckNor’s faith, though?”

“Not remotely. Apparently, Olgar can’t remember the last time ReckNor called one. He’s… well, most people think he’s insane, and that if you don’t appease him, he’ll destroy you. A cult of sailors and the mad. That he’s temperamental enough that even if you appease him, he still might destroy you. Which is all… somewhat true, I’d say.”

Ahead, Tristan laughed. “You’re telling me you think your god is insane?”

Krell shook his head. “No, but temperamental? Absolutely. Appease him or else, which is how his faith works. Sailors and those who live and work on the sea pay homage, though for many, it is out of fear. He’s often thought of as a survival-of-the-fittest sort of god.”

Krell noticed they were all looking at him now. Orca looked unhappy, Kraven appeared to be controlling his laughter, and Tristan and Gerrard were looking at him like he was dangerous.

“So… what does ReckNor teach, then?” asked Gerrard.

Krell thought about it, and Tristan looked like he was dreading an explanation. Better to keep things simple for now, he thought.

“Basically two things. The first is that the seas and skies are his, so make offerings when you use them and he’s happy. The second is that he takes joy in the freedom of choice.” Krell went silent, and they walked on for a few moments before anyone said anything.

“I thought you were going to drone on incessantly about your god and how great he is all the time,” said Tristan. Krell looked at him and smiled. 

“I’m a paladin. If you want that, go talk to Olgar. I’m here to show the faith of ReckNor through action, not through words.” Thunder rumbled in the distance as if on cue, adding ominous weight to his words.

Gerrard snorted. “Did ReckNor just add some thunder in the background to make you sound more intimidating or dramatic or something?”

Kraven laughed, and Krell joined him. Orca said, “That’s ridiculous!” at the same time Krell said, “Probably!”


About the Author:

Bryan Cole is the author of the Paladin’s Journey series. New to the writing world, he spent years working in the enterprise software space, focused on quality assurance and delivery of software applications. Which is weird, because that has nothing to do with writing fiction.

For that, we need to go back – way back – to his first experience with Dungeons & Dragons. His friend Chris brought over the box set for Myth Drannor, eager to play. Together, they realized they had no idea what they were doing, because neither of them owned a copy of the Players Handbook, Dungeon Master’s Guide, or the Monster Manual.

From those incredibly awkward beginnings, a lifelong passion for epic science fiction and high fantasy adventure was born. Everything from his grade 4 teacher letting him stay after school to play a video game where you were the wizard on a quest, defeating monsters by answering math problems, to some truly memorable movies like Willow that showed him a world bigger and more exciting than the real one.

Of course, Star Wars and Star Trek have had a major influence on him. Want to get in good with Bryan? Lead with a Star Wars meme.

From one of the good movies. Otherwise your plan will backfire.

Bryan is also an avid gamer, and enjoys video games, board games, and tabletop roleplaying games.

These days, he lives in Toronto with his wife and daughter, and his adorable cat.

 

Contact Links:

Email - fat.paladin.contact@gmail.com

Website - https://www.fatpaladin.ca/

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BFV7T7PR

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FatPaladin

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fatpaladinbooks/

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22517522

 

Hosted By:

Quill and Ink Book Tours

https://quillandinkbooktours.com/

 

Book Tour ~ The War in Heaven by Mano Sotelo

 



Fantasy / Adventure / Religious & Spirituality




After a third of Heaven's angels rebel, a fearful archangel struggles to save Heaven, humanity, and his older brother from absolute ruin.

Moving beyond that, The War in Heaven is an epic allegorical myth that explores humanity’s endless struggle with a multitude of psychological, ideological, and emotional conflicts. It ultimately presents a transformative journey of two brothers that discover peace in the face of addiction, diversions, anger, fear, and desire.

As mentioned, The War in Heaven is an allegory. It’s a story of one’s relationship with reality. It’s an invitation to look at our identities, our relationship with ourselves, other human beings, and the world around us. It’s about facing internal and external conflicts and ultimately obtaining peace.

 

They said, “let me tell you a story, a true story, a story about good and evil, … a story that lives inside of you.”

About the Author

Mano has always been interested in belief and value systems (i.e., philosophy, psychology, religion, and mythology), and the study of inherited truths. Specifically, how we create our realities every day through the adoption of prescribed precepts and largely unquestioned thoughts. Mano is an award winning visual artist that has over 23 years of higher education teaching experience. His work has been highlighted in national and international competitions and has been exhibited in art museums and galleries across the United States. Mano’s formal education includes a BFA, MFA and MBA degree.


Contact Links

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Purchase Links

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Book Tour ~ Elmer Kelton's the Familiar Stranger - A Hewey Calloway Adventure by John Bradshaw

 



A Hewey Calloway Adventure, Book 5


Western Adventure

Date Published: 12-03-2024

Publisher: Forge Books



Elmer Kelton’s Hewey Calloway, one of the best-loved cowboys in all of Western fiction, returns in this novel of his middling years, as he looks for work―but not too much work―in 1904 West Texas.Hewey Calloway had intended to pass straight through Durango, Colorado, en route to visit a friend several miles northeast of the city. He had left his home range about a year before, with a herd of young horses. It was supposed to be a relatively straightforward affair; deliver the horses, collect the payment, and return home with the money. Things got out of hand, however, and there he was in Durango a year later with plans to go north rather than south. Oh, well, he thought, he had always wanted to see new country.

It isn't long before his travels lead him to a cabin on a rainy night. There he meets a young man, sick as a dog, who weakly tries to send him off. And for good reason: the man has smallpox, and soon enough, Hewey catches the deadly disease. The man cares for him in turn, and it's just as he is feeling better that the man disappears. The next morning a Pinkerton detective turns up with posse, looking for a wanted bank robber.

As he travels north, Hewey seems to run in with both the young man who tended to him, as well as the detective. But something seems off about the Pinkerton detective, and Hewey keeps his mouth shut. When he reuinites with his friend Hanley, they do everything they can to get to the bottom of the mystery that threatens both theirs and this young man's life.



At daybreak Hewey was tying up his bedroll, preparing to head out, when he heard a loud voice from outside.

“Hello the house! Whoever’s in there, show yourself!” The voice was commanding and not a bit friendly.

Hewey opened the door and stepped out onto the broken- down little porch. He saw better than a half-dozen riders arrayed in front of the cabin, all armed to the teeth. They were not pointing those guns at him, but they were all casually standing ready. That prompted a momentary urge to jump back inside and bar the door, tempered by a sudden recollection that the cabin door didn’t even have a bar.

“What can I do for you?” Hewey asked the man who appeared to be in charge.

“The name’s Murphy. I’m with the Pinkertons.” Hewey took an immediate dislike to the man who called himself Murphy. He dressed more like a town dude than a cowboy or lawman, but it was his manner that rubbed Hewey the wrong way. He had small, mean eyes that made Hewey mistrust the man instantly. Hewey had always felt he could read a horse by its eyes, and in his experience the same usually worked on a man.


“We’ve been trailing a bank robber for better than two weeks, and we received information that he was holed up near here. Maybe in this very cabin. For all we know, you’re him.”

“You got the wrong man,” Hewey replied, “I’m Hewey Calloway. But I suspect I might’ve spent some time with the feller you’re after.” Hewey explained how he came to be there and to become well acquainted with their quarry.

“Smallpox, you say,” answered the Pinkerton man.

 

About the Author

John Bradshaw is a native of the small town of Abernathy, Texas. He is an award-winning journalist with well over a thousand published stories. Elmer Kelton’s The Familiar Stranger, co-authored with Steve Kelton, is his first book.

Bradshaw attended South Plains College followed by Texas Tech University. He spent several years shoeing horses for a living as his writing career progressed.

While the desire to write books was always there, Bradshaw first pursued a career in journalism. He wrote numerous stories for ranching, horse and horseshoeing magazines.

Growing up, Livestock Weekly came in the mail once a week, as it does for most in the livestock industry. Writing for Livestock Weekly was always a goal, and in 2005 Bradshaw’s first story was published. It was a profile of Brownie Metzgar, a humorous cowboy still working in a feedlot while in his late 80s.

In 2007 Bradshaw accepted a fulltime position with Livestock Weekly. While with the paper he had over a thousand stories published, as well as enough market reports to give him permanent nightmares.

Horses have always played an important role in his life. The son of a horseshoer, he has spent a significant amount of time either on or under a horse. He still shows in both ranch horse and reined cow horse competitions.

He and his wife, Sara, live outside Abernathy. Sara owns an architecture firm, SK Architecture Group, and they raise Spanish goats, hair sheep and cattle.

In 2013 the couple had a stillborn son, Fox Joaquin Bradshaw. After several years of heartbreak they adopted an infant boy, whom they named Julian Boone Bradshaw. Boone died in his dad’s arms following an accident at the barn five days before his sixth birthday.

 

Contact Links

Website

Facebook

Goodreads

Instagram

 

Purchase Links

https://mybook.to/ElmerKelton

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

 

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Thursday, July 3, 2025

Book Tour ~ The Belmont by Anthony Cocco

 


Fiction

Date Published: February 28, 2025

Publisher: MindStir Media



The Belmont is a tale of a young man's struggles with a heartbreak he cannot get past, set against the backdrop of a bacchanalia-filled weekend centered around the 1998 Belmont Stakes horse race, which ended with a Triple Crown bid thwarted by a photo finish. During a long "weekend" spread out over six days and in three different states, a weekend fueled by alcohol and sexual tension, but also filled with reflective, heartbreaking, exhilarating, hilarious, and heartwarming moments, Tommy Cippolini embarks on a journey of self-discovery, experiencing just about every single human emotion along the way. In between episodes filled with anger and frustration, anticipation, anxiety, disappointment, sexual arousal and temptation, binge drinking, daringness and trepidation, hilarity and debauchery, and longing and sadness, Tommy confides in good friends, casual friends, strangers, and family members about his feelings and past trials and tribulations.


 

CHAPTER 1

Wednesday, June 3, 1998.

On the road, while looking back.

Tommy Cippolini steered his 1991 Nissan Sentra toward the exit ramp off Route 684 in upstate New York and onto Route 287 West to begin the last major phase of the five-plus-hour drive from his parents’ suburban home just north of Boston to his friend Vince Piolini’s bachelor pad in northern New Jersey. Tommy had been on the road for about four hours now, having departed the Boston area just after the morning rush hour had begun to die down on this Wednesday morning of June 3, 1998.

As his compact car followed the bends along the ramp leading from 684 to 287, the opening strains of Green Day’s “Basket Case” began to blare from his car stereo.

Tommy smiled at the symbolic irony of the most upbeat song on Green Day’s Dookie record starting to play just as he’d finally made it through the longer and more difficult parts of his journey and was now heading into the homestretch. He’d started out the day listening to some “mood” music, particularly some of Pink Floyd’s later albums, including the very depressing Final Cut, because he wasn’t in the best frame of mind when he’d left home that morning. But, as he got deeper and deeper into his drive and closer to his final destination, he perked up, switched over to some Black Crowes, and then decided to pop Dookie—one of his favorite records of the ’90s—into his car’s CD player.

Vince’s place was located just off Exit 148 on the Garden State Parkway, and Tommy now had just one more highway change to make before reaching the Garden State and the last leg of his drive: driving west on Route 287, crossing the Tappan Zee Bridge, and then hooking up with the Garden State not too far beyond the other side of the bridge.

Tommy was making this trip to New Jersey to kick off the annual Belmont Stakes Weekend. Vince and his friends had been attending the Belmont Stakes Triple Crown horse race every year since at least the 1980s. In actuality, they didn’t “attend” the race so much as stake out a spot inside the gates of Belmont Park, but outside the racetrack facility itself, along with hundreds of other people with the same idea, and camp out for essentially an all-day picnic filled with massive amounts of food, alcohol, and other debauchery. It was the ultimate male-bonding experience.

For Tommy, though, this was just his second Belmont Stakes, having attended his first one just the year before, in 1997. Tommy was eight years younger than Vince and the rest of the Belmont crew, which was comprised of Vince’s old high school friends from Yonkers and his college friends from the University of Delaware, most of whom he’d known since the ’70s. He’d met Vince during his sophomore year in college at the State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz, when Tommy was nineteen, but Vince was already a twenty-seven-year-old grad student who’d opted to live in the dormitories on campus rather than renting an apartment or commuting like most other grad students did.

Vince was a smart, gregarious, fun guy with an extremely calm demeanor, a math-oriented mind, a meticulous nature, an almost impossible wellspring of optimism flowing from every pore of his body, and big dreams. He and Tommy became fast friends and had remained very close through all of life’s trials and tribulations.

Unsatisfied with his early post-college life, Tommy had moved to Miami in 1990, spending five-plus years there, and so he’d missed out on all the Belmont fun during his years living in South Florida.

He decided to head back to the Boston area in 1995 for numerous reasons, but the primary reason for Tommy’s return to Massachusetts was the fact that his brother and two sisters lived in different states and had their own families, so there was no one around to take care of their parents if anything should happen to them. At that point in time, both of Tommy’s parents, while retired, were in good shape and doing just fine. But he knew that situation wasn’t going to last forever.

He also had one other, major reason for leaving South Florida and heading back north: He was heartbroken, as his fiancée, Alissa—a woman he’d been seeing, admittedly off and on, for ten years—had broken up with him several months before he’d left Miami. In reality, they were “engaged to be engaged” since no ring had been purchased or placed on Alissa’s finger—yet. Still, the wedding plans were in the talking stages, and Alissa had agreed that, at least at first, the couple would make their home in South Florida since her sister also lived in the area at the time. Things came crashing down in early 1995 when Alissa’s rich parents, who’d known Tommy since 1985 and always seemed to like him a lot, decided that he wasn’t good enough for their daughter. She listened to them and ran off to start dating some guy who had a seven-figure bank account.

So, Tommy limped back home that December and tried to regroup and begin anew. It took about sixteen months for him to get his life back on reasonably solid footing. Things weren’t perfect, but Tommy felt they were good enough, at least, for him to finally attend his first Belmont with Vince and his buddies.

 

  About the Author

My name is Anthony Cocco.  I’m 59 years old and a native of Malden, Massachusetts, but I’ve spent most of the last 21 years living about 20 miles north of Boston. Since 1997, I’ve worked in the financial services industry (some asset managers and some retirement services providers), in various roles, and recently started my fifth different job in that industry in February of 2025. Prior to that, I worked (out of college) in the health insurance field, mainly in customer and provider relations (three different companies in two different states—Massachusetts and Florida).

I am the fourth (and final) child born to the late Morris and Dorothy Cocco. I have two living (and one recently deceased) siblings, one brother and one sister (my eldest sister passed away suddenly in July 2024 at age 72).

I have no children of my own and have never been married, but I do have five nieces and nephews (3 of the former and 2 of the latter), two of which are the daughters of my late sister. Since I’m the only one of our parents’ kids to have remained living (for the most part) in Massachusetts, the rest of my family (except for some cousins) is somewhat spread out across the country.

I attended the State University of New York at New Paltz from 1984-88, where I earned a (largely unused) degree in Journalism (I wanted to be a sports broadcaster but got sidetracked when someone convinced me I needed to be a sportswriter instead). It wasn’t long before I realized that vocation wasn’t a good match for me, but my years at New Paltz weren’t entirely wasted because it was during that time when I met one of my lifelong friends, the guy who introduced me to the “Belmont Stakes crew”—his friends from his youth and from his undergrad college years. One of the main characters in my book is based on him, and all of the characters that make up the entire Belmont “tribe”, as I call it in the book, are based on his friends and other acquaintances.


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Book Blitz ~ Redeye by Syntell Smith

 



Contemporary Fiction, Romance

Date Published: November 27, 2024

 


New bodies, new careers, new scandalous discoveries. But will Nate and Cynthia Durant be able to keep their old love alive?


Seven years ago, Nate and Cynthia Durant were unrecognizable. They were in love, newly married, and hundreds of pounds overweight. Now, they turn heads wherever they go, but as their 10th anniversary looms, it becomes increasingly apparent that their paths are diverging.

Despite their newfound external allure, the insecurities of their former selves still linger within. Nate, now a modern renaissance man juggling a myriad of careers—from podcasting and photography to writing, DJing, and stand-up comedy—struggles to reconcile his past with his present. On the other hand, Cynthia, living comfortably off her wealthy parents’ support, finds herself in a state of career limbo as a former substitute teacher.

Everything takes a turn when Nate makes a chance discovery online and rekindles a connection from his past. This new relationship sets off a series of unforeseen events, from the sudden loss of their beloved pet to an unexpected confrontation with their own demons. Secrets, lies, and confessions intertwined, pushing their marriage to the brink. As past wounds are laid bare, Nate and Cynthia must confront their own vulnerabilities and redefine the boundaries of their love.

 

“Redeye” is an emotionally charged novel that perfectly blends romance and drama. Join Nate and Cynthia as they navigate the road to self-acceptance, chance encounters, and discover love is anything but predictable.

 

About the Author


Syntell Smith is the author of the book award winning Call Numbers series. He was born and raised in Washington Heights, Upper Manhattan in New York City. He began writing while blogging his hectic everyday life experiences in 2004. After gaining an audience with a following of dedicated readers, he studied scripts and plays and got into screenwriting. He loves comic books, video games, and watching reruns of Law and Order. Syntell is active on Facebook. Tumblr & Twitter, and currently lives in Detroit.

 

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Teaser ~ Airplanes, Atlanta, & and Assassin - Katie & Maverick Cozy Mysteries by Mary Seifert

 

 


Katie & Maverick Cozy Mysteries, Book #10


Cozy Mystery

Date Published: 07-10-2025

Publisher: Secret Staircase Books



A National Competition and a Deadly Detour

High school teacher Katie Wilk is thrilled when her students qualify for Mock Trial America, a prestigious courtroom competition in Atlanta. Alongside her best friend and fellow teacher Jane Mackey, a team of eager teens, and a crew of devoted chaperones, Katie boards a flight from Minnesota—ready for a week of intellectual showdowns and Southern hospitality. But things go sideways before the plane is even off the ground.

With canceled flights, endless delays, and one particularly obnoxious passenger stirring up trouble, the trip turns into a logistical, almost deadly, nightmare. When that same rude traveler turns up later in Atlanta, the chaos takes a deadly turn—and suspicion lands squarely on the Mackey family.

As Katie digs deeper, she uncovers a web of secrets: stolen documents, corporate espionage, dangerous toxins, and enough motive to make her question everything. Can she untangle the truth before the killer strikes again?

Luckily, she’s got help—from Maverick, her sharp-nosed, loyal Labrador retriever and trained search-and-rescue dog, who’s always ready to sniff out danger.

Smart, suspenseful, and full of heart, this latest installment in Mary Seifert’s charming cozy mystery series delivers Southern intrigue, tricky puzzles, and the kind of dogged determination only a Lab (and a resolute teacher) can provide.



Excerpt


Weather delayed the incoming plane. We had boarded thirty minutes behind schedule, and forty-two minutes later, after anxious bouts of fits and giggles checking watches and phone screens, we saw our pilot step out of the cockpit to make a brief announcement.

“Good morning, folks. Sorry for the delay, but due to mechanical issues, we’ve had to cancel our non-stop flight to Atlanta.” As the air around me took on a rumble, he smiled uneasily and took a big breath. “We apologize for any inconvenience, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you and get you to your final destination as quickly as possible. Please gather your belongings and check the seat pocket before disembarking. See the gate attendant for more details.”

We exited the aircraft. Our students crowded around me, and I said decisively, “We’ll catch another plane soon and still arrive in plenty of time to take advantage of everything we’ve planned before your competition begins in three days. Don’t worry.”

Famous last words. I hoped I wasn’t constructing a false narrative for our future.

I massaged my temples as we waited our turn and inched our way to the desk for information. The smile glued to the young man’s face never wavered as he checked our tickets. “It’s a very busy Memorial weekend.” His fingers flew over the keys. “It’ll take a bit of maneuvering to get your entire group in the sky, but we’ll get you on the next available flight, however ...” He looked up at me, and one corner of his mouth turned down in a bit of alarm. “The operative word is available.

My heart leaped to my throat, and I gritted my teeth in frustration.

“And a nonstop will be impossible.” His eyebrows, cheeks, and lips morphed into one big apology. “You’ll be rerouted first through Detroit.”


About the Author


Mary Seifert is the author of the Katie and Maverick Cozy Mysteries 2024 International IMPACT Award winner for books in a series, a collection of fun and thrilling tales that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Her books, including the 2023 American Fiction Award finalist Maverick, Movies & Murder and the 2024 Chanticleer Murder and Mayhem finalist Santa, Snowflakes & Strychnine, are must-reads for cozy mystery fans who enjoy a good puzzle wrapped in a heartwarming story.

Set in the charming landscapes of West Central Minnesota, where the lakes begin and the criminals are caught, Mary’s stories transport readers to a world of intrigue, humor, and small-town charm. Each book is a delightful mix of suspense and warmth, featuring memorable characters, ingenious puzzles, and clever twists that keep you guessing until the very end.

Busy crafting her next mystery, Mary indulges in her love of research, currently studying the flora and fauna of the Nantahala National Forest and the magnetic call of Atlanta for the upcoming installment of her series. She believes that every great mystery starts with a curious mind and a love for uncovering the truth, but scrupulously scrubs her browsers history of any hint of crime.

Join Mary on her literary journey, where a good story is always paired with a cozy blanket, a glass of wine, and a touch of mischief!


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ANGUS & ROBERTSON


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