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E-book On Sale Now!
The e-book of both Partner Pursuit and Is This for Real? is on sale now for 99 cents. I put Partner Pursuit on sale for 99 cents through January 13th to celebrate the e-book launch of Is This for Real? available here.
Is This for Real? is now out in ebook! So excited for you to meet Penelope and Rory! On sale for 99 cents through Jan. 24. https://books2read.com/u/4DxdWO
Is This for Real? Blurb
Here’s the blurb:
An opposites-attract, friends-to-lovers, slow burn, fake-dating romantic comedy.
Love is all fun and games until somebody gets hurt. Usually, me. I admit it. I’m a relationship recluse. Ironic, given that I write romantic comedies. So, I’m on a sabbatical from dating.
Which is why fake dating my best friend, Rory, is foolproof. Rory suggested it because he needed a date for work functions. And I can use our experiences as fodder for my romcom novel. Plus, my sister doesn’t know it’s not real, and she is thrilled that I’m not walling myself off emotionally. Her words, not mine. But I do wish she would stop saying that she always suspected there was something more between me and Rory. She should realize that we’ve been friends forever so I’m immune to his appeal.
We would never work. Rory is such a romantic; he still believes in that perfect love similar to his parents’ marriage. My parents fought bitterly. So, we are better off as friends. I can’t risk losing our friendship, even if this might be my chance—before his ex-girlfriend wins him back.
Those flickers of attraction? Easily extinguished by cold-water reality, like a two-mile hike in drenching rain over sand with wheelie luggage.
But our relationship is not sticking to the plot—or is it?
And so happy with these reviews:
“Let me begin by saying I would risk it all for Penelope and Rory.” – NetGalley
“The slow burn pacing was perfection.” – NetGalley
“It made me feel good and that’s something I really enjoy in my books.” – NetGalley
Partner Pursuit Blurb
And here’s the blurb:
Workaholic lawyer Audrey Willems is not going to take any chances with her bid to become a partner at her New York law firm—especially with only six months until the decision.
Until she bumps into Jake—her new neighbor. Jake is a fun-loving music marketing executive who might just be The One.
He’s funny, caring, supportive—and able to kill water bugs in the bathroom.
But Jake will never date a woman married to her job. His father was a workaholic lawyer who never had time for family.
And she’s just got the case of a lifetime—the one she needs to win to make partner. Working 24/7 at the office may not even be enough hours to pull off a victory.
If only she had not met him now.
Audrey is determined to prove that she can juggle work and romance—even if managing court cases, candlelit dinners, and bike rides around Manhattan is a lot harder than it looks. She keeps canceling dates for yet another case crisis.
But when making partner is like a game of musical chairs and the last seat is a business-class alone, which partnership will she choose?
Let’s Talk
I’m about to get back to editing my third novel (sneak preview is available in Is This for Real?).
I hope you are all doing well and staying safe.
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Happy Holidays 2021!
I am writing to wish you Happy Holidays for 2021!
Piper and Rob from IS THIS FOR REAL? would also like to wish you a very happy holiday!
In Is This for Real?, Penelope, my protagonist, is a writer, but she also makes dollhouse miniatures to sell. She also has a blog where she posts scenes from the life of Piper and Rob.
A miniature scene with Piper and Rob waving to you! We’ve been busy baking cookies and checking out Christmas decorations.
Gingerbread cookies 
A NYC townhouse decorated for Christmas My holiday gift to myself was seeing my two novels in paperback both available on Amazon! The Partner Pursuit paperback is also available online at indie bookstores and at Barnes & Noble. A dream come true! Here is the link to their blurbs.
And I’m excited to revise Caper Crush and get that ready for publication in 2022.
Happy Holidays 2021!
Wishing you good times with family and friends — and with a good book.
And wishing you a happy and healthy 2022!
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Happy Paperback Publication Day!
Happy Paperback Publication Day to IS THIS FOR REAL?
Is This for Real? paperback mock-up Is This for Real? is available now in paperback on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737… It releases in e-book on January 11, 2022 –pre-orders are available now at 99 cents for the e-book until January 25. A Grand Romance included it in its list of Most Anticipated Romance Reads for January 2022.
I absolutely love my cover from COVER EVER AFTER.
IS THIS FOR REAL? BLURB
Here’s the blurb:
An opposites-attract, friends-to-lovers, slow burn, fake-dating romantic comedy.
Love is all fun and games until somebody gets hurt. Usually, me. I admit it. I’m a relationship recluse. Ironic, given that I write romantic comedies. So, I’m on a sabbatical from dating.
Which is why fake dating my best friend, Rory, is foolproof. Rory suggested it because he needed a date for work functions. And I can use our experiences as fodder for my romcom novel. Plus, my sister doesn’t know it’s not real, and she is thrilled that I’m not walling myself off emotionally. Her words, not mine. But I do wish she would stop saying that she always suspected there was something more between me and Rory. She should realize that we’ve been friends forever so I’m immune to his appeal.
We would never work. Rory is such a romantic; he still believes in that perfect love similar to his parents’ marriage. My parents fought bitterly. So, we are better off as friends. I can’t risk losing our friendship, even if this might be my chance—before his ex-girlfriend wins him back.
Those flickers of attraction? Easily extinguished by cold-water reality, like a two-mile hike in drenching rain over sand with wheelie luggage.
But our relationship is not sticking to the plot—or is it?
Wonderful Reviews
It has received some wonderful reviews:
“This is a beautiful friends-to-lovers story which really tugged at your heartstrings as our main characters battled with their own insecurities and background, and falling in love with each other whilst also battling this so as not to wreck their friendship.”
– NetGalley“I loved how closely the storyline in Penelope’s books and miniatures blog mimicked the events of her real life. Her side business in miniatures is her own form of art expression and seems to be a successful business even when her writing career is a challenge. So many aspects of this story felt like those photos of photos taken in a mirror, reverbated into infinity. I felt like I was sitting on Penelope’s shoulder, sharing her viewpoint and getting a clear line of sight into her thoughts. I felt so close to the story that at some points, I wanted to whisper to Penelope to just throw a tantrum and tell Rory to get rid of his horrible ex. I loved how, similar to Partner Pursuit, the city is such an integral part of the story, almost a character in itself. It’s a goodie.”
Read-athon2021, Instagram.“Funny, uplifting, true to life, relatable and cheerful. If you need [cheering] up, this is the perfect book for you.”
-NetGalleyLet’s Talk
I hope you are enjoying the holiday season! I’m so happy that I received an early holiday gift with the paperback publication day of Is This for Real? .
Wishing you all the best in 2022!
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PARTNER PURSUIT BOOK BLOG TOUR
Partner Pursuit is going on an international book blog tour hosted by Rachel’s Random Resources.
Blog Tour Poster Partner Pursuit Book Blog Tour Reviews
All three sites today have reviews so feel free to check them out. I am so happy with these lovely reviews.
Romance by The Book summed it up as :
“Partner Pursuit is a vibrant, fun rom-com that will leave you feeling all those wonderful good feels.”
Here’s an excerpt from Beauty Addict blog:
Partner Pursuit is a fun and cute romantic story, with well-written and strong main characters. I love that Kathy Strobos has written so passionately about the real-life struggles we can all face of managing a work/life balance, and being career-focused but still wanting to be happy in a relationship. For me, Partner Pursuit really is a must-read.
Beauty Addict Blog.And another excerpt from the review by Tizi’s Book Review:
“But this story is so much more than just a romantic, swoon – worthy tale… It’s about the struggles women also have to endure at work. And the author manages to show us that life isn’t always fair and some men still think they are the stronger sex. But this isn’t written in a patronizing way, but it’s also not too subtle to go unnoticed.
The most important lesson however is that even when we think that we know what our main goal is, sometimes these goals can change direction.
And that sometimes it’s meeting the right person, and also losing them, will make you understand what truly matters in life. And that falling in love and having a wonderful relationship doesn’t mean that you cannot have your successful career.I loved reading this beautiful story about lovely people, I laughed several times, discovered a shared fear of water bugs (where is my own superhero Jake?) and I admired the courage our main characters showed when they did follow their hearts and instincts and didn’t just go with the flow.
A truly heart – warming story that left me a warm feeling inside I didn’t want to get rid of!”
And another review from the Book Review Crew:
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, I love a good rom com book. This one is no exception. It’s absolutely adorable. Audrey is a strong female character who is focused on her career. She’s a big shot New York lawyer and is in the running for partner. She’s made it her life mission to her partner and won’t let anything come in her way… Unfortunately that means her love life generally suffers. That is until Jake moves in next door. They become friends and the rest is history. JUST KIDDING. Audrey is forced to make a lot of life decisions. Is she willing to give up partner? Can she have both? Is this total stranger worth giving up her dream job that she’s worked so hard for? This book is a roller coaster of emotions on what’s going to happen but it’s sooo cute and so good.
Kendra, Book Review CrewThanks so much to the reviewers for those insightful and warm reviews! Available to buy here. It will be discounted for Black Friday. For Barnes & Noble/Nook readers can use coupon BNPSAVE30PP to save 30% at checkout from 11/25/2021 to 11/28/2021 on Partner Pursuit.
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Cover Reveal: Is This for Real?
Is This for Real? cover It’s time for the Cover Reveal for my second book, Is This for Real? It’s fake dating and friends-to-lovers and dogs and dollhouse miniatures! My cover was again designed by Lucy of Cover Ever After.
Is This for Real? Cover and Blurb Reveal
Here’s the blurb:
An opposites attract, friends-to-lovers, slow burn, fake dating romantic comedy
Love is all fun and games until somebody gets hurt. Usually me. I admit it, I’m a relationship-recluse. Ironic, given that I write romantic comedies. So, I’m on a sabbatical from dating.
Which is why fake dating my best friend Rory is foolproof. Rory suggested it because he needed a date for work functions. And I can use our experiences as fodder for my romcom novel.
Plus, my sister doesn’t know it’s not real and she is thrilled that I’m not walling myself off emotionally. Her words, not mine. But I do wish she would stop saying that she always suspected there was something more between me and Rory. She should realize that we’ve been friends forever so I’m immune to his appeal.
We would never work. Rory is such a romantic; he still believes in that perfect love similar to his parents’ marriage. My parents fought bitterly. So, we are better off as friends. I can’t risk losing our friendship, even if this might be my chance—before his ex-girlfriend wins him back.
Those flickers of attraction? Easily extinguished by cold water reality—like a two-mile hike in drenching rain over sand with wheelie luggage.
But our relationship is not sticking to the plot—or is it?
The e-book is available for pre-order (releasing January 11, 2022) and the paperback will be for sale in December 2021.
Blog Tour Interview with Julie of A Little Book Problem
Today, I’m also chatting with Julie of A Little Book Problem. Here’s one of my favorite questions, but check out her blog for the rest of the interview.
What is your favourite thing about being a member of the RNA? What do you think you have gained from membership?
I have gained so much. First, my favorite thing is the friendships I have made. I made so many friends when I was at the RNA Conference in Leeds. That was an amazing experience. Everybody was so friendly. I went not knowing anybody.
I met my now-critique partner Giulia Skye on the train to Leeds, and we immediately clicked as we discussed The Hating Game and the novels of Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Now we email each other weekly, and she is the one who encouraged me to indie-publish. But I’ve made a lot of friends at the RNA (also online via the Facebook groups). It is great being friends with other writers.
Second, I think the critiques in the NWS are invaluable.
Third, I also enjoy the camaraderie, friendships and mentoring in the Facebook groups.
Also, the RNA Conference, the online classes and the magazine articles are really helpful. I had a 1-to-1 consultation for my Partner Pursuit blurb at the RNA conference this past summer.
Let’s Talk
 I hope you are all doing well. I just watched two fun romantic comedies LOVE HARD (Netflix) and THE LAST CONCEPTION (Amazon). Have you seen them? Any books or movies you’d recommend?
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Partner Pursuit’s Book Tour Continues
Partner Pursuit‘s virtual book tour continues.
On October 25, we will visit with All the Ups and Downs. She asked me what qualities I think make for the perfect significant other, so check out her blog for my answer.
For October 26, we will be talking with Sandra’s Book Club and Lisa’s Reading. We will also be hosted by The Faerie Review and Books a Plenty Book Reviews. Sandra’s Book Club will have a review of my book, and Lisa’s Reading will have an excerpt and an interview. She asked me if I ever write books with sad endings.
On October 27, we will hang out with Novel’s Alive with an author interview and a review. She gave me a choice of what question to answer and I chose: “What tips do you have for world-building and writing description?“
On October 28, I will be interviewed by Rogue’s Angels and The Avid Reader. They also have great interview questions, so check out their blogs for my author interviews and more excerpts.
On October 29, we will hang out with Harlie’s Books and Inside the Insanity. Both Harlies Books and Inside the Insanity also have author interviews.
For October 30, we will stop by Book Crazy for another author interview.
The tours will include excerpts and author interviews.
Here is the schedule for Goddess Fish Promotions, and here is the schedule for Silver Dagger Tours.
Halloween in NYC
A brownstone decorated for Halloween in NYC We have off on Halloween to go trick-or-treating! Hope you all have a fun Halloween! I just love when people decorate their brownstones in New York City for Halloween! These skeletons crack me up. I want to try to make our skeleton like the guy in the top row.
I spent part of Sunday helping out with my son’s school’s Halloween festival, volunteering at the obstacle course, so I spent about an hour yelling, “step on the o’s and x’s! Don’t let the hot green lava get you!”
Have a wonderful week! And I hope you enjoy Partner Pursuit‘s Book Tour as it continues virtually.
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PARTNER PURSUIT Releases Today
The e-book of Partner Pursuit releases today! It’s available on Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, Google Play and Kobo. Here is a link.
You can also request your library to order it!
Partner Pursuit is going on 3 virtual book tours around the world! I am so happy to see how well it is being received internationally. So far, it has positive reviews from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Malaysia, and South Africa.
The tours will include excerpts and author interviews.
Here is the schedule for Goddess Fish Promotions and here is a schedule for Silver Dagger Tours.
Everybody has such good titles for their blogs.
Book Tour Schedule for this Week
Today we are hanging out with Bowen’s Book Publicity, Literary Gold, Long and Short Reviews and A Pinch of Bookdust. Literary Gold interviewed me. She asked me what scenes I liked writing and what advice I have for a new writer, among other great questions. Long and Short Reviews asked me what lessons I learned from my heroine.
Tomorrow, on October 19, we are hanging out with Fabulous & Brunette and Lisa’s Everyday Reads. Fabulous and Brunette asked me how my book cover came about. I love my book cover by Cover Ever After, so that was really fun to talk about.
On Wednesday, October 20, we are hanging out with Read Your Writes Book Reviews, The Library of Erana and Literary Gold. I have an author interview with Read Your Writes Book Reviews.
On Thursday, October 21, we will be celebrating Partner Pursuit‘s release with Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews, Word Processor, Romance, Cats, Kids and Creed, and Insane Books. I have an author interview with Lisa Haselton.
On Friday October 22, we will be hanging out with Midnight Book Reader and Gina Rae Mitchell. Gina Rae Mitchell asked me to tell a story about anything entertaining related to the book or me.
We will have the weekend to recover. Lol.
Thank you for all your support as I celebrate that Partner Pursuit Releases Today
I am so excited to celebrate Partner Pursuit’s release today with you! Thank you all so much for your support. I am so happy about all the love my book baby has received.
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Partner Pursuit: Behind the Scenes
I’d love to share some behind the scenes photos of where I envisioned various scenes of Partner Pursuit taking place.
Here’s the corner where I envisioned Audrey and Jake’s cute-meet right outside the corner store.
A picture of the corner store where I envisioned Audrey bumping into Jake The Upper West Side also has many side streets filled with brownstones. They are a mix of single-family, two-family and multi-occupant houses. One floor could be an apartment or half a floor could be an apartment. Or you could have duplex apartment with a circular staircase like Audrey. They usually have about 5 floors. The parlor floor usually has eleven-foot ceilings so it can be the most desirable. I love the colorful colors of this row of brownstones on the Upper West Side.
And in another behind the scenes secret, this is the block where we did the photo shoot for my author picture.
Here’s a picture of Levain Bakery. I pictured them stopping by this Levain Bakery as they were bicycling to Riverside Park. It’s closed right now because of the pandemic because it’s an incredibly small space that gets really packed, but they opened up a more spacious Levain Bakery a few blocks north, so not to worry! And you may remember my previous post with a picture of the actual chocolate chip cookies. They weigh the cookie dough before they put in on the tray to make sure each is the right weight.
A picture of Levain Bakery Partner Pursuit: Behind the Scenes at Fairway
And here’s a picture of Fairway where Jake and Audrey go food shopping. Fairway has the most amazing selection of food.
Let’s Talk
How are you? Are there any other scenes from Partner Pursuit where you’d like to see my inspiration (if any?) Next time, I’ll do their bicycle date up the Hudson River.
Have a great weekend!
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Partner Pursuit Launch Week
Launch week for the paperback of Partner Pursuit was amazing and definitely exceeded my expectations.
I’ve been so thrilled and touched to see Partner Pursuit doing so well on NetGalley where it is Reader Recommended. Thank you also to all my ARC readers for your reviews. I have been so moved by them. It is amazing to see your book baby out in the world. And thank you to all my friends who bought the book and helped me this week.
Here is my first five star review on NetGalley. I was so relieved and happy when I read it.
NetGalley Reviews Partner Pursuit made it to #40 in Humorous American Literature in Amazon Best Sellers and also was in the Top 50 in City Life Fiction (Books). It was hanging out with Nora Ephron and Crazy Rich Asians.
PARTNER PURSUIT LAUNCH WEEK ENDS WITH BROOKLYN BOOK FAIR
Tomorrow, I will cap off this crazy 10-day launch by selling and signing books at the Brooklyn Book Festival from 2-4 at Booth # 220.
Thank you all for such a fabulous launch. I am so happy. And now I’m preparing for the e-book release on October 18. Partner Pursuit has three blog tours: Goddess Fish Promotions, Silver Dagger Book Tours, and Rachel’s Random Resources, so I’m busy answering the questions posed. I’m also sending my next book, Is This For Real?, off to be proofread this week. I’m also taking the Jenny Colgan CBC course (although I admit I’ve been quite absent), and I’m about to take Linnea Sinclair’s class offered by the RWA Contemporary Romance online chapter.
Let’s Talk
What have you been up to? Have you read any novels you loved lately?
Happy October!
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PARTNER PURSUIT COVER REVEAL
I’m excited to reveal the cover for my debut novel PARTNER PURSUIT available in paperback on Amazon. The e-book will release on October 18, 2021 and is available for pre-order.
Partner Pursuit Cover by COVER EVER AFTER It was designed by COVER EVER AFTER in Australia. I love it! I asked her to add the little briefcase on the back of the bicycle because Audrey is a lawyer.
Here’s the blurb:
Workaholic lawyer Audrey Willems is not going to take any chances with her bid to become a partner at her New York law firm—especially with only six months until the decision.
Until she bumps into Jake—her new neighbor. Jake is a fun-loving music marketing executive who might just be The One.
He’s funny, caring, supportive—and able to kill water bugs in the bathroom.
But Jake will never date a woman married to her job. His father was a workaholic lawyer who never had time for family.
And she’s just got the case of a lifetime—the one she needs to win to make partner. Working 24/7 at the office may not even be enough hours to pull off a victory.
If only she had not met him now.
Audrey is determined to prove that she can juggle work and romance—even if managing court cases, candlelit dinners, and bike rides around Manhattan is a lot harder than it looks. She keeps canceling dates for yet another case crisis.
But when making partner is like a game of musical chairs and the last seat is a business-class alone, which partnership will she choose?
Let’s Talk: COVER REVEAL
I hope you are doing well. What do you think of my cover?