Cover Reveal: Hunt of the Gods

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

I’m happy to welcome Canadian author Amy Braun. Today, Amy reveals the cover for her upcoming release, Hunt of the Gods.

Two months have passed since Derek Areios—war-scion and heir of Ares—and the band of rogue scions he’s aligned with recovered both the Thunderbolt of Zeus and the Heart of the Devourer and returned them to the Gods. During the battle, Derek discovered he could control not only the element of fire, as all war-scions can, but also the dark element “aether,” making him the only scion alive to wield two types of elemental magic.

Commanded by Zeus to retrieve the Trinity Weapons and the Shards of Cronus, Derek and the rogue scions are thwarted in their goal by a gang of water-scions with a grudge against one of the rogues—Thea, heir of Poseidon. Both groups travel to an uninhabited island to recover one of the Shards––the Eye that belonged to Cronus, King of the Titans. But what they encounter will lead them down a path of brutal betrayals, hard truths, painful memories, and desperate actions.

With angry and impatient gods breathing down his neck, a curse that allows Ares to control him, a prophecy he’s desperate to avoid, a magic spear corrupting his thoughts, and two forms of elemental magic, Derek has a lot of baggage—and a lot of power. Will the price of using that power to satisfy the Gods be too much for him to pay?

Mythological monsters, explosive magic, and devastating truths take center stage in the second novel of the action-packed AREIOS BROTHERS series from Amy Braun.

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Book 1, Storm of the Gods – Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Amy is a Canadian urban fantasy and horror author. Her work revolves around monsters, magic, mythology, and mayhem. She started writing in her early teens, and never stopped. She loves building unique worlds filled with fun characters and intense action. She is an active member of the Weekend Writing Warrior community.

When she isn’t writing, she’s reading, watching movies, taking photos, gaming, struggling with chocoholism and ice cream addiction, and diving headfirst into danger in Dungeons & Dragons campaigns.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon | Goodreads

Amy Braun will be awarding a $5 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. Enter here.

Follow Amy on the rest of her Silver Dagger tour. You can find out more here.


Listen to Your Inner Critic

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

I realize this is contrary to all the advice that’s out there. But there is something to be gained by analyzing the selected thoughts of our inner critic and taking action.

How can you distinguish those selected thoughts?


Very simply, take note of all sentences that start with “Someone should…”

Continue reading on the Sisterhood of Suspense blog.

Effective Frequency

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

On Wednesdays, I share posts, fables, songs, poems, quotations, TEDx Talks, cartoons, and books that have inspired and motivated me on my writing journey. I hope these posts will give writers, artists, and other creatives a mid-week boost.

Whenever I connect with fellow writers, the conversation often ends up focusing on the promotion of our books. A common lament: I don’t want to annoy potential readers with too many ads, tweets, and newsletters.

And then the inevitable question follows: How many tweets (ads, newsletters, emails, etc.) are too many?

I have yet to hear a definitive answer from anyone–online or IRL.

So, when I came across this PDF file, I knew I had to share it.



Lisa See Visits Kitchener

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

Yesterday, I attended “An Evening with Lisa See” at the central branch of the Kitchener Public Library. This 85 Queen Event was well attended by fans of the best-selling author of On Cold Mountain, Flower Net, The Interior, Dragon Bones, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Peony in Love, Shanghai Girls, and The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane.

Lisa See’s latest novel, The Island of Sea Women, was released earlier this month.

Kitchener reader, blogger, and dedicated volunteer Lizz DiCesare joined Lisa for an armchair conversation.

After announcing that she didn’t plan to read aloud, Lisa launched into the back story behind The Island of Sea Women.

Ten years ago, Lisa was sitting in the waiting room of a doctor’s office when she came across a short article about the haenyeo, female divers on Jeju Island off the South Korean coast. She ripped the page from the magazine and took it home.

After eight years of thinking about a possible story, she experienced a sense of urgency. Realizing that the work tradition would die within fifteen years, she decided to spend two years researching and writing the book.

While visiting Jeju Island, Lisa had a “full senses immersion” into the culture. She interviewed women in their 70s, 80s, and 90s and collected anecdotes about the matrifocal society of the island.

For generations, women divers supported their families by free-diving deep into the ocean to harvest its bounty. They possessed the abilities to hold their breaths for prolonged periods and withstand cold temperatures. Their husbands stayed home to raise the children and do menial chores.

Having read several of Lisa’s novels, I am familiar with her extraordinary attention to detail and focus on female relationships. She has always been intrigued by stories that have been lost, forgotten, or deliberately covered up.

The Island of Sea Women is sitting on my nightstand…I can’t wait to start reading!


Don’t Hesitate…Act!

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

I’m happy to welcome Soul Mate author Barbara Nolan to the Second Acts series. Today, Barbara shares the events that triggered her second act and her debut novel, Beyond Paradise.

Here’s Barbara!

My first act centered around my family. Raising my three children who are now adults with children of their own.

There was no one specific trigger or need for change as I had been writing off and on for most of my adult life. I always said I would become serious about my writing and I believe that the passing of my father and the tragic events of 911 in the same year motivated me to take action. I furthered my education, and received a degree in Creative Writing from New York University. At NYU I worked with many talented professors who mentored me while editing and critiquing my work. Their knowledge and guidance helped me gain the confidence to move forward.

I am now an author with Soul Mate Publishing and my debut novel, Beyond Paradise, was published on December 12, 2018.

My best advice is not to wait if you have a dream. I wish that I had followed through with my dream earlier, but wherever you are in life, don’t hesitate, act.

Blurb

Jonny Vallone, the dark, brooding owner of Manhattan nightclub, Beyond Paradise, doesn’t need any more complications in his life, or women. Then savvy con artist Cheryl Benson, barges into his office and spits out a confession that would make most men run for cover.

Cheryl’s fast-paced, out-of-control life is closing in, and her only hope against a ruthless crime boss is bad boy Jonny and his powerful connections. Her knight in black Brioni has a body made for sin with enough baggage to fill a 747, but when a near-fatal attack throws the two together, they implode in a night of steamy, sheet-gripping passion.

Jonny can’t resist the beautiful blonde with the pleading green eyes plus he has his own agenda with the underworld thug who owns a piece of his soul.

Their wild ride whisks them from the high-powered glitz of Manhattan to the sultry beaches of Miami in a desperate attempt to break free of their shady pasts while trying to tame their fiery passion and the dangerous deceptions swirling around them.

Excerpt

“I’ve got you.” He pushed a stray hair away from her face and kissed her, wanting to taste more of her, be part of her, sink into her sweetness and make all her fears go away.

His eager hands roamed up her back. A decent man would’ve paced himself, given her space, but he’d never been a decent man when desire overwhelmed him. He nipped his way down her slender neck, loving the feel of her skin against his lips. He knew what he wanted. He’d wanted it ever since he’d seen her at the Oasis.

He fumbled with the hem of her T-shirt, and she covered his hand with hers.

“You want me to stop?” His words caught between a sigh and a gasp.

She pushed his hands away, tugged her shirt over her head and flung it onto the couch.

For one tantalizing second her eyes dared him with desires as overpowering and primal as his. Standing, he snatched her hand, jerked her up, and pulled her toward the bedroom, nudged the door open with his foot, then kicked it closed.

A heat boiled in the pit of his stomach and shot through his veins, melting him from the inside out. One part of him wanted to take time and explore every inch of her, while the part that controlled him wanted to tumble her to the bed.

“This isn’t a game.” He meant it as a warning, but the lust in his voice made it sound more like a challenge.

“I know.” She gasped as he snaked his hands around her waist. “‘Cause games have rules.”

buynow

Where to find Barbara…

Website | Amazon | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram | BookBub | Facebook

Joanne here!

Barbara, Thanks for sharing your insights and advice. Too often, we wait too long and fail to act on our dreams. Best of luck with sales.

Movie Review: Five Feet Apart

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

A romantic drama, Five Feet Apart follows two teens with cystic fibrosis—Stella Grant (Haley Lu Richardson) and Will Newman (Cole Sprause)—as they deal with a budding but forbidden relationship.

CF patients must maintain at least six feet of distance to reduce any risk of cross-infection, a rule strictly upheld by Nurse Barbara (Kimberly Hebert Grégory) and the hospital staff.

A determined rule follower, Stella has organized her life around her treatments and harbors the hope that she will someday receive a lung transplant. Cynical Will, on the other hand, likes to flaunt the rules and take risks.

Stella initially dislikes Will and admonishes him to follow his prescribed regimen. In exchange for sketching her, Will agrees to take more responsibility for his treatments.

As they grow closer, Stella decides to bend the hospital rule and “take one foot back.” Using a billiards cue, she keeps five feet away from Will during their encounters and secret dates.

The storyline is an engaging one, with many tender and bittersweet moments. My favorites include the scavenger hunt that Stella sets up for Will, the surprise dinner party hosted by best friend Poe (Moises Arias), and the sharing of their scars.

Intertwined are the crushing blows that many CF patients and their families must endure: the sudden death of a close friend and ally (Poe), the realization that a drug trial isn’t working (Will), and the final parting of the ways.

Bring lots of tissue and prepare yourself for an emotional rollercoaster.


Spotlight on the Hotel LaBelle Series

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

I’m happy to welcome author Sharon Buchbinder. Today, Sharon shares the three novels in her Hotel Labelle Series: The Haunting of Hotel Labelle, Legacy of Evil, and Eye of the Eagle.




When hotel inspector, Tallulah Thompson, is called in along with her pug, Franny, to investigate renovation delays, she meets an extremely annoyed and dapper turn-of-the-century innkeeper. The only problem is he’s in limbo, neither dead nor alive, and Tallulah and the pug are the first to see him in a hundred years.

Cursed by a medicine woman, “Love ‘em and Leave ‘em Lucius” Stewart is stuck between worlds until he finds his true love and gives her his heart. When he first sees Tallulah, he doesn’t know what he’s feeling. Yet, her stunning beauty, and feisty attitude pull him in.

With the fate of Hotel LaBelle on the line, Tallulah with the help of a powerful medicine woman turns Lucius back into a flesh and blood man. She and Lucius team up to save the hotel, but Tallulah can’t help but wonder if he will ever let go of his past love and learn to love again.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

On sale for 99 cents ~ March 1st to 29th

When a wild mustang is shot in Montana, renowned horse whisperer and telepath, Emma Horserider, is called in to calm the herd and find out what happened. Once on scene she is almost killed by a bullet-spewing drone, and calls her black ops brother for back-up.

Emma’s help roars into her life covered in tattoos and riding a Harley. Remote viewer Bronco Winchester takes the assignment because he is ordered to, but he wonders what type of assistance, his boss’s sister needs. That is until he sees Emma, a valiant Warrior Woman proud of her Crow heritage.

Posing as a married couple, Emma and Bronco go undercover to infiltrate and stop a hate group. Both are anxious enough without the now growing attachment they feel for one another. When the lives of many are on the line, they are not sure if they will live or die—let alone have a chance at love.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

On sale for 99 cents ~ March 1st to 29th

One soars like an eagle. One strikes like a thunderbird. But forboth hearts, revenge can be deadly when it’s nourished.

Anomaly Defense Director and shapeshifter Bert Blackfeather doesn’t need a boss with no experience. So what if she’s beautiful or gives him a jolt when she shakes his hand? He never plans to get seriously involved with another woman–not in this lifetime.

Phoebe Wagner, an empath with psychometric abilities and an advocate for the deaf, gets more than she bargained for with Bert. One touch and she relives his IED injuries. So what ifhe’s handsome and hot? She doesn’t need to add his secrets to her own. Phoebe’s are bad enough.

When his niece goes missing from Hotel LaBelle, Bert goes to Montana to help–and Phoebe insists on going with him. Can these two hard-headed people share their darkest secrets in order to work together? It may be the only way to save an endangered child–and their own hearts when Bert’s past rears its ugly head.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

On sale for 99 cents ~ March 1st to 29th

After working in health care delivery for years, Sharon Buchbinder became an association executive, a health care researcher, and an academic in higher education. She had it all–a terrific, supportive husband, an amazing son and a wonderful job. But that itch to write (some call it an obsession) kept beckoning her to “come on back” to writing fiction. Thanks to the kindness of family, friends, critique partners, and beta readers, she is published in contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and romantic suspense–as well as textbooks! When not attempting to make students, colleagues, and babies laugh, she can be found herding cats, walking her dogs, fishing, cooking, dining, and laughing with family and friends, or writing.

Website | Amazon | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Follow the tour HERE for exclusive excerpts, guest posts, and a giveaway.


Movie Review: Captain Marvel

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

Oscar winner Brie Larson delivers a stellar performance as Vers aka Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel, expertly balancing the superheroine’s spectacular powers with her humanity. In a recent interview, Larson spoke about the nine months of preparation for the role. In addition to learning judo, boxing, and wrestling, Larson also met with active duty airmen.

Surrounded by male fighters, Vers gives as good as she gets and then some. But more importantly, she demonstrates resilience: repeatedly falling and then rising again. A role model for women of all ages!

When the film opens, we learn that Vers struggles to remember her past. For six years, she has lived on the planet Hala as a Kree warrior, fighting green aliens called Skrulls across the universe. Flashes of memories reveal a young child berated by her father, a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force, and camaraderie with other women.

One woman dominates many of her nightmares: Supreme Intelligence aka Mar-Vell aka Dr. Wendy Lawson. Annette Bening elevates this supporting role, delighting us with her voice and superb acting skills.

Jude Law delivers an excellent performance as Yon-Rogg, the Kree leader who acts as Vers’ mentor. Concerned about the memory flashes, he belittles their importance and accuses Vers of being too emotional. His advice stings: “Think with your head, not your heart.” “Your feelings will betray you.”

The narrative escalates when Vers crash-lands through the roof of a Blockbuster Video store in Los Angeles and meets with S.H.I.E.L.D. agents Nick Fury and Phil Coulson (Samuel L. Jackson and Clark Gregg). An unlikely friendship develops between Vers and Fury as they attempt to track down remnants of Carol Danvers’ life on Earth.

In the second half of the film, Vers appears less wooden as her sense of humor emerges. When she reconnects with old friend and fellow Air Force pilot Maria Rambeau (Lashana Lynch), she relaxes and reminisces about their shared past.

Akira Akbar delivers an inspiring performance as Monica (Maria’s pre-teen daughter). I also enjoyed the antics of Goose, the scene-stealing cat who pops up in the most unexpected places and displays a unique talent.

A must-see film that will delight both old and new fans of the Marvel series.