Today, I have a fiction novel in our book blitz spotlight! Check out The Belmont and learn about author 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.

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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MIT Out Sound brings an engaging, unique storyline to readers.  Honestly, I almost didn't read the book because I didn't know what "MIT Out Sound" referenced in the Hollywood world--and I wasn't sure if I would be interested in a book focused on "that" side of the Hollywood camera. Ultimately, I was drawn in by the nostalgic lure of John Wayne and James Dean. After a few pages, I was so glad I picked up the book! The author is a wonderful storyteller who brings the real-life side stories of his characters to life as he quickly pulls readers into the settings and the Hollywood world he depicts. The story is unique and engaging, with elements like the main characters' medical condition and the character relationships that pull readers in and keep them rooting for Emily and the story to the end. 

Expect Characters and Settings to Love. I loved Emily after the first page and was excited to follow her story to closure. The settings, the blending of the past and present, the realistic-feeling side stories and the dialogue all create a book to love from start to finish. 

Would I Recommend MIT Out Sound by Rick Lenz? This book actually surprised me--because I had expected to feel "out of the loop" since I didn't even know what the title meant. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. The stories and pasts of the characters are presented perfectly as the storyline builds. There is almost a magical feel to the story that blends dramatic elements with history and human nature. If you enjoy page-turners that transport you into new worlds in realistic ways, this is a great book for your reading list.

When Rick Lenz retired as a stage and film actor (playing opposite Ingrid Bergman, John Wayne, Lauren Bacall, Walter Matthau, Peter Sellers, etc.), his passion for drama refused to retire with him. Although he was an actor most of his life, he is also a seasoned writer.

His plays have been produced Off-Broadway, on PBS television, and in regional theatres across the country. Rick’s memoir North of Hollywood was called “masterful” by Writer’s Digest. His first novel, The Alexandrite was named “one of the best books of the year” by Kirkus Reviews. Bret Easton Ellis called it “almost impossible to put down.” Booklife calls A Town Called Why, “An absorbing tale of mystery and revenge… nuanced … powerful.” Rick’s books have won several awards, including, Readers Views (first place), the Chanticleer Somerset Grand Prize for Literary, Contemporary and Mainstream Fiction, an IPPY Award, and a Foreword Book of the Year. Most recently, his time-travel love story Hello, Rest of My Life was a 2022 Silver Nautilus Book Award winner (fiction), and Eric Hoffer Award finalist (fiction).

He lives in Los Angeles with his wife Linda and an ever-shifting array of animals.

connect with the author:  website  ~  x/twitter  ~  facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads ~ bookbub

 

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Enter the Giveaway

MIT OUT SOUND by Rick Lenz Book Tour Giveaway  

This morning, I have a fiction novel in our book spotlight! Check out A Just Revenge and learn about author Patrick L. Scott, Esq.!

Fiction

Date Published: August 26, 2024

Publisher: MindStir Media

Sean Roberts loved farming and his girlfriend. After they broke up she disappeared into San Francisco's drug filled hippie environment of the 1960s. Her parents were frantic and no one in their small-town seemed able to help them find their daughter. They reached out to Sean and he agreed to search for their lost daughter.

His search forced Sean to assume his nom de plume, George Wescot and enter a world of extreme wealth and of people who only cared about their own pleasures and not the pain it caused other people. George uses his skills learned from hunting, fighting and evasion to penetrate this sadistic society. Subsequently, he pursued across the United States, India, and Europe. Finally, Sean stopped running from the Brothers, and started hunting those people who caused his ex-girlfriend's and her family's pain from injuries she sustained.

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About the Author

I have been a writer all my life. I wasn't very good partly because I'm dyslexic and partly because of my dyslexia I was a terrible reader. But I love to write and therefore wrote often. I wrote many stories. One was published in a magazine. Before the pandemic I started writing my first novel,"Farm Tough", and self published it. The book got good reviews from readers but wasn't promoted. Shortly thereafter, I started to write "A Just Revenge" partly about my time at Yuba College, Chico State College, Los Angeles and finally Europe. I found that I write best when I write about something I know, about something I've done or about something I feel.

Book Title:  To Be Loved: Ain't Gonna Be Denied by Ronald D. Steele
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+), 463 pages
Genre:  Memoir / Autobiography
Publisher:  Ronald D. Steele
Release date:   July 31st, 2023
Content Rating:  PG-13 + M

Ronald D. Steele is a versatile talent, renowned as a writer, photographer, world traveler, and ardent tennis player. With a career spanning over two decades in federal government public affairs and information technology, Steele’s remarkable journey is a testament to his adaptability and dedication. As a freelance journalist, his work graced media outlets nationwide, and he made appearances on various television and radio stations.

Steele’s leadership as the president of the African American Writers Guild from 1989 to 1992 underscores his impact in the literary world. Born in Manhattan, he now calls Prince George’s County, Maryland home.

 

connect with author: website ~ X ~ facebook ~ instagram 

This morning, I am featuring Flying Home by R.D. Kardon in our book spotlight!  Check out the book, learn about the author & enter the book tour giveaway too!

The Flygirl Trilogy

Fiction

Date Published: 02-21-2023

Publisher: Acorn Publishing LLC

Never forget…

In September 2001, Tris Miles faces difficult choices. As Chief Pilot of Westin Charter Company, she’s mentoring Jannat, a brash young captain with limitless potential and a shocking secret. An offer to summit the peak of the pilot pyramid entices Tris to quit her job, but an old nemesis stands in her way.

Meanwhile, Tris juggles the men in her personal life. A friend-with-benefits pushes for commitment. An ex-boyfriend returns, still in love with her. Unexpectedly, Tris develops new feelings for someone who is already dear to her.

On September 11th, Tris and her crew depart Edinburgh for the United States. Just feet off the ground, they are mysteriously ordered back to the airport where they learn of a deadly terrorist attack on U.S. soil—using airplanes as bombs.

When Tris discovers that her best friend was a passenger on one of the planes that crashed into the World Trade Center, her world is shattered.

With a broken heart and her entire life up in the air, Tris doesn’t know where to turn. Can she find the courage to navigate her way home?

About the Author

Robin D. “R.D.” Kardon is a native New Yorker, educated in the New York City Public school system. She attended New York University where she earned a B.A. in Journalism and Sociology, magna cum laude, and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Robin graduated with a J.D. from the American University, Washington College of Law.

After ten years as a litigator, Robin began her professional flying career. She holds an FAA Airline Transport Pilot certificate with three captain qualifications and has flown all over the world in everything from single-engine Cessnas to the Boeing 737.

She currently resides in San Diego where she volunteers with local animal rescue organizations and dotes on her beloved rescue pets.

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Today, I have a fiction novel in our book spotlight!  Check out Flying Home from The Flygirl Trilogy, learn about author R.D. Kardon and enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.

The Flygirl Trilogy

Fiction

Date Published: 02-21-2023

Publisher: Acorn Publishing LLC

Never forget…

In September 2001, Tris Miles faces difficult choices. As Chief Pilot of Westin Charter Company, she’s mentoring Jannat, a brash young captain with limitless potential and a shocking secret. An offer to summit the peak of the pilot pyramid entices Tris to quit her job, but an old nemesis stands in her way.

Meanwhile, Tris juggles the men in her personal life. A friend-with-benefits pushes for commitment. An ex-boyfriend returns, still in love with her. Unexpectedly, Tris develops new feelings for someone who is already dear to her.

On September 11th, Tris and her crew depart Edinburgh for the United States. Just feet off the ground, they are mysteriously ordered back to the airport where they learn of a deadly terrorist attack on U.S. soil—using airplanes as bombs.

When Tris discovers that her best friend was a passenger on one of the planes that crashed into the World Trade Center, her world is shattered.

With a broken heart and her entire life up in the air, Tris doesn’t know where to turn. Can she find the courage to navigate her way home?

about the author

Robin D. “R.D.” Kardon is a native New Yorker, educated in the New York City Public school system. She attended New York University where she earned a B.A. in Journalism and Sociology, magna cum laude, and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Robin graduated with a J.D. from the American University, Washington College of Law.

After ten years as a litigator, Robin began her professional flying career. She holds an FAA Airline Transport Pilot certificate with three captain qualifications and has flown all over the world in everything from single-engine Cessnas to the Boeing 737.

She currently resides in San Diego where she volunteers with local animal rescue organizations and dotes on her beloved rescue pets.

connect with the author

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Blog

Goodreads

Instagram

BookBub

buy the book

Books2Read

Amazon

B&N

Kobo

iBooks

enter the giveaway

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Today, we are joining the cover reveal for fiction novel Flying Home from the Flygirl Trilogy by R.D. Kardon.  Check out the cover and learn about the novel and the author!

The Flygirl Trilogy

Fiction

Date Published: 02-21-2023

Publisher: Acorn Publishing LLC

Never forget…

In September 2001, Tris Miles faces difficult choices. As Chief Pilot of Westin Charter Company, she’s mentoring Jannat, a brash young captain with limitless potential and a shocking secret. An offer to summit the peak of the pilot pyramid entices Tris to quit her job, but an old nemesis stands in her way.

Meanwhile, Tris juggles the men in her personal life. A friend-with-benefits pushes for commitment. An ex-boyfriend returns, still in love with her. Unexpectedly, Tris develops new feelings for someone who is already dear to her.

On September 11th, Tris and her crew depart Edinburgh for the United States. Just feet off the ground, they are mysteriously ordered back to the airport where they learn of a deadly terrorist attack on U.S. soil—using airplanes as bombs.

When Tris discovers that her best friend was a passenger on one of the planes that crashed into the World Trade Center, her world is shattered.

With a broken heart and her entire life up in the air, Tris doesn’t know where to turn. Can she find the courage to navigate her way home?

About the Author

Robin D. “R.D.” Kardon is a native New Yorker, educated in the New York City Public school system. She attended New York University where she earned a B.A. in Journalism and Sociology, magna cum laude, and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Robin graduated with a J.D. from the American University, Washington College of Law.

After ten years as a litigator, Robin began her professional flying career. She holds an FAA Airline Transport Pilot certificate with three captain qualifications and has flown all over the world in everything from single-engine Cessnas to the Boeing 737.

She currently resides in San Diego where she volunteers with local animal rescue organizations and dotes on her beloved rescue pets.

Connect with the Author

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Blog

Goodreads

Instagram

BookBub

Pre-Order the Book

Books2Read

Amazon

B&N

Kobo

iBooks