Books
my reviews of books
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The Bad Date in Partner Pursuit
And in honor of its e-book publishing anniversary, I want to share my bad date story that inspired Audrey’s bad date in Partner Pursuit (only I made it much worse in Partner Pursuit). Evil author chuckle. Someone once asked me what expertise I brought to writing romcoms, and I said that I was single for many years in New York City and I had quite a few bad dates.
In fact, the bad date in my first book, Partner Pursuit, was inspired by a real date.
The Inspiration for the Bad Date in Partner Pursuit
After meeting via a dating site, my date and I arranged to go for a bike ride around Central Park.
I thought this was pretty romantic—to go for a leisurely bike ride in the park and maybe stop for a picnic. So I dressed in a t-shirt and a skirt, and I wheeled out my blue hybrid bicycle with its basket.
But no.
As I was standing there at the entrance to the park, a guy approaches whose face looks remarkably like the photo of my date. But he’s wearing a full-body black Speedo outfit. Tight. With little left to the imagination.
His first line, after confirming my name, was “That doesn’t look like it goes very fast.”
Not compared to the racing bike he brought.
He wanted to race around Central Park. Then he told me he liked to combine his workout with his dates to be efficient.
I wondered how successful this strategy was.
When we stopped at one point, he said he saw himself as a modern-day monk. I didn’t know what to say to this. What had I put in my profile that attracted a modern-day monk?
I went back and checked my profile to confirm that I’d written that I was social and outgoing. I had.
We did not have a second date. But I did get in my exercise for that day so there is something to be said for that.
Let’s Talk
Winnie, Eve and Audrey having brunch! Have you had any terrible first dates? And did you still have a second date?
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Partner Pursuit Publishing Highlights
Partner Pursuit Here are some more Partner Pursuit publishing highlights, in addition to those mentioned in this post. Partner Pursuit placed Third in the Orange County Romance Writers’ Book Buyers Contest for Mainstream Fiction with a Central Romance last weekend! Woo hoo!
The Book Riot!
The Book Riot included Partner Pursuit in its list of 8 Epic New York-Set Romances! How cool is that?
Partner Pursuit’s Blog Tour
Partner Pursuit had several amazing blog tours, and the lovely reviews really made me so happy. I was especially happy that it seemed to find an audience with book bloggers (and readers) around the world.
Partner Pursuit Publishing Highlight – Reviews from the UK!
“Partner Pursuit is a vibrant, fun rom-com that will leave you feeling all those wonderful good feels.”
– Romance by the Book“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“This is the story of Audrey and Jake… From the very beginning of this story, readers will be enchanted with Audrey. She is a workaholic by nature but as you read the book, you discover her reasons for being the way she is.
This book is full of cute interactions between Audrey and Jake, these moments are things that readers will adore. This is the definition of a slow-burn romance. The reader really gets the chance to watch as these two meet and get to know each other.
This book is easy to get sucked into and readers will soon find themselves absorbed by the story and interactions. This book is intriguing which will keep the reader interested until the very end.”
Lemon Nail Fiend“A compelling and empowering women’s fiction with a rom com vibe.
Partner Pursuit is such a heartwarming and empowering read. I loved how Audrey was a strong female lead, jugging her hectic career, proving she’s just as worthy as any man, and juggling a budding romance. Audrey is such a relatable character. If you love women’s fiction entwined with a romcom feel, then Partner Pursuit is definitely the book for you!”
Dash Fan Book ReviewsPartner Pursuit Publishing Highlight – Review from Belgium!
“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 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.”
– Tizi’s Book Reviews
Hudson River view from Partner Pursuit biking date Partner Pursuit Publishing Highlights – Reviews from the US
“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 Crew“What can I say? Aside from Sci Fi and Fantasy, I love reading rom coms. Audrey is career oriented, a lawyer and running for partner. Due to her career, her love life is non existent that is… until Jake arrives. Jake’s arrival causes Audrey to make some difficult decision especially concerning her career. So now, is she willing to risk her career for love? Definitely worth the read!”
– Book Lover Book ReviewsCoupons! and Let’s Talk
Google Play Promotion: Partner Pursuit is in a Google Play promotion for its e-book birthday. The ebook is on sale on Google Play Books for 99 cents with this code: 4C0R954K496CC for one week until October 18!
Barnes & Noble Promotion: For its ebook birthday, Barnes & Noble Nook is also providing this coupon code for 75% of Partner Pursuit from October 15 to October 19:BNPHAPPY75.What have you been reading or watching? I’m watching two Korean Dramas, Love in Contract and Love is for Suckers. I’m reading a whole bunch of witchy reads and hope to do a blog post on them soon 🙂
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Happy Book Birthday to Partner Pursuit!
Partner Pursuit in paperback Happy Book Birthday to Partner Pursuit! It’s been one year since the paperback publication of Partner Pursuit, and what a year it has been! Here are some favorite highlights from Partner Pursuit‘s launch.
Holding a Copy of My Book in My Hands
There’s nothing quite like holding the paperback copy of your book in your hands after so many years of work. I started writing Partner Pursuit years ago, after seeing a particularly bad romantic comedy and thinking I could do better. And then work and life got in the way until I finally took the Penguin Writer’s Academy “Constructing a Novel” course. My teacher, Bea Davenport, said that the dialogue between Audrey and Eve was “sparky.” That made my month. And gave me the hope that I could write commercial romantic comedy fiction. (That dialogue was from an early version of the scene between them in Chapter Six.)
Finding Readers Who Loved Partner Pursuit
Finding readers who loved Partner Pursuit was the most AMAZING feeling.
Thank you to all my readers. I can’t thank you enough. I’ve met so many people around the world now–from the United Kingdom, Norway, Croatia, South Africa, Australia, Canada, The Netherlands, and the US. Feel free to drop a note below if you’ve read Partner Pursuit and let me know where you’re from. it’s exciting to know it’s on e-readers and in libraries and on bookshelves around the world.
One of my favorites was the Partner Pursuit TikTok video by JSGoldenBooks on TikTok, so I definitely recommend checking that out. It captures so much of Partner Pursuit 🙂
Readers are giving it the most lovely reviews, and that means to much to me. Thank you.
My Friends Buying PP and Pushing It Up the Amazon Ranks
I was also so touched by all my friends buying Partner Pursuit and pushing it up the Amazon ranks where it hung out with Nora Ephron!!
And one of my friends even made a mini version of Partner Pursuit for me. I was so touched.
A mini scene reading Partner Pursuit Book Club Talks
Several book clubs invited me to join their book club meetings to discuss Partner Pursuit, and that was so uplifting! I did a few in person in New York City, and one over zoom with readers in New York City, one with readers around Washington, D.C. and another over zoom with readers in Connecticut. We had great talks about work/life balance and trying to succeed as a woman in corporate America. I also even did an author event at a law firm, and I was so impressed that the partner who organized it was a fellow romcom fan! He was able to guess the name of the bad romantic comedy I saw just from a brief description.
So, a huge thank you to everyone who invited me to come to your book club and discuss Partner Pursuit.
Awards
Partner Pursuit is a finalist in the Orange County Romance Writers Book Buyers Contest. I’m still so happy about that. I cried when they announced it. The winners will be announced in October but just placing to me is winning.
Partner Pursuit is a Finalist in the Book Buyer Best 2022 Contest. Partner Pursuit was also a quarterfinalist in the Screencraft Cinematic Book Writing Competition.
I also have to give thanks to the various writers organization (the Orange County Romance Writers and the Hudson Valley RWA) who supported PP when it was unpublished and thus gave me the courage to believe that it would find readers if published.
Happy Book Birthday to Partner Pursuit!
Happy Book Birthday to Partner Pursuit! If you read it, please comment below with where you’re from 🙂 And don’t forget to see my behind-the-scenes post about PP.
It’s also been selected for a Kobo writing life promotion through September 26 where it is 40% off, so if you’re a Kobo reader, check it out.
Happy Book Birthday to Partner Pursuit!
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If You Liked The Partner Track. . .
If you liked The Partner Track (either the novel or the Netflix series), here are some other women’s fiction and romantic comedy novels with female lawyers and legal drama: Partner Pursuit, The Undomestic Goddess and Practice Makes Perfect. If you liked The Partner Track and you’re looking for more work drama romances featuring Asian-American women, I recommend Circling Back to You and So We Meet Again.
The Partner Track The Partner Track by Helen Wan is about a Chinese-American female lawyer trying to make partner in Manhattan, while dealing with micro-aggressions and discrimination and while balancing romance, friends and family. I read it in one day and really enjoyed it. Highly recommend!!
Partner Pursuit
My novel, Partner Pursuit, has some similar elements:
- a female protagonist trying to make partner and dealing with the old-boy network
- legal drama
- a love for New York City (included in the Book Riot list of 8 epic New York-set romances)
- the desire to please family
- falling in love when the focus should be on career
- a great bunch of best friends
PARTNER PURSUIT BLURB
Here’s the blurb for Partner Pursuit:
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?
The Undomestic Goddess
This is one of my favorite books because it is a laugh-out-loud hilarious romantic comedy. But that may be because I’m a lawyer who’s not good at housework. Here’s the blurb for The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella:
Workaholic attorney Samantha Sweeting has just done the unthinkable. She’s made a mistake so huge, it’ll wreck any chance of a partnership. Going into an utter meltdown, she walks out of her London office, gets on a train, and ends up in the middle of nowhere. Asking for directions at a big, beautiful house, she’s mistaken for an interviewee and finds herself being offered a job as a housekeeper. Her employers have no idea they’ve hired a lawyer–and Samantha has no idea how to work the oven. She can’t sew a button, bake a potato, or get the #@%# ironing board to open. How she takes a deep breath and begins to cope–and finds love–is a story as delicious as the bread she learns to bake. But will her old life catch up to her? And if it does. . . will she want it back?
Practice Makes Perfect
Practice Makes Perfect Here’s the blurb for Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James:
WHEN IT COMES TO THE LAWS OF ATTRACTION…
Payton Kendall and J.D. Jameson are lawyers who know the meaning of objection. A feminist to the bone, Payton has fought hard to succeed in a profession dominated by men. Born wealthy, privileged, and cocky, J.D. has fought hard to ignore her. Face to face, they’re perfectly civil. They have to be. For eight years they’ve kept a safe distance and tolerated each other as co-workers for one reason only: to make partner at the firm.
…THERE ARE NO RULES.
But all bets are off when they’re asked to join forces on a major case. At first apprehensive, they begin to appreciate each other’s dedication to the law—and the sparks between them quickly turn into attraction. But the increasingly hot connection doesn’t last long when they discover that only one of them will be named partner. Now it’s an all out war. And the battle between the sexes is bound to make these lawyers hot under the collar…
My review: I just finished this one in one day and really enjoyed it! Both Payton and J.D. have great best friends too.
If you liked The Partner Track and are looking for more work drama romances featuring Asian-American women, I recommend:
Circling Back to You
Circling Back to You Here’s the blurb from Circling Back to You by Julie Tieu:
Cadence Lim has transformed from behind-the-scenes number cruncher to an integral part of the sales team at Prism Realty. But despite moving up the corporate ladder, her complicated relationship with her estranged elderly father weighs heavily and she can’t seem to shake the desire for a new beginning.
At least Cadence can always lean on her favorite co-worker and co-conspirator, Matt Escanilla. A top broker with an unsuccessful love life, the forever single Matt is constantly being nagged by his loving Filipino family to settle down.
Their relationship takes a turn when a business trip lands them both in their hometown and Matt enlists Cadence as a pretend girlfriend for a family gathering. The new after-hours setting forces the two friends to see each other in a new light, and their previously buried feelings rise quickly to the surface. When competing promotions threaten to separate Cadence and Matt, these office besties must work together to round up their ambitions and families to pursue their overdue romance.
My review: I was lucky enough to receive a Netgalley ARC of this book, and I really enjoyed it, especially the family dynamics and how thoughtfully and perceptively those were portrayed by Ms. Tieu. Cadence and Matt fit each other perfectly. The workplace dynamics were also spot on. And it even included some K-drama beta references like a piggyback ride and Matt picking up pharmacy supplies.
So We Meet Again
Here’s the blurb from So We Meet Again by Suzanne Park:
When investment banker Jessie Kim is laid off in a virtual meeting and then overhears why (“she’s already being overpaid anyway for a woman” and “Asians are worker bees, not someone who can drum up new deals”) she delivers an “eff you guys” speech and storms out.
After moving back home to Tennessee to live with her loving but meddling mother and father, she runs into her childhood nemesis—golden child Daniel Choi—at the local Asian grocery store. The smart, charming lawyer appears to have it all…while Jessie has nothing.
Jess begrudgingly accepts Daniel’s help to relaunch her long abandoned Korean cooking YouTube channel: HANGUK HACKS, showcasing easy meal prep for busy professionals. But just as she discovers Daniel’s life isn’t as perfect as it seems and there’s more to him than meets the eye, he shows up for a life-changing business opportunity, and their rivalry is back on . . .
Let’s Talk
So, those are just a few suggestions for your #TBR if you liked The Partner Track. Have you read or watched The Partner Track? What did you think of the Netflix adaptation? What’s on your #TBR for September?
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The Caper Crush Blog Tour
The Caper Crush blog tour just finished, and the reviews were very positive. From the UK to Belgium to the US, Caper Crush did quite a whirlwind tour 🙂
Here are some excerpts from the reviews. For the full review, click on the link for each blog. I was so impressed that Splashes into Books did another rhymed review! She is very talented. And my favorite line might be: “She’s feisty, acts first and reacts, He’s thoughtful and thinks before he acts.”
“This is a brilliant mix of opposites attract and romcom mystery, too
With great characters, clues and relationship dramas to entertain you. . .”
Splashes Into Books.“I love a slow burn romance and this definitely hits its mark. William is so reserved and I love how this fits in with Miranda . . . (I love those awkward moments in a romance but so much more in a slow burn) . . . This is definitely my kind of book, it’s so uplifting to read, funny, Miranda is just hilarious, I had tears of laughter so many times.”
Tara’s Bookish BlogSeveral tour bloggers have reviewed all three of my books, and I really appreciate their reviews. Tizi’s Book Review in Belgium is one who has reviewed all three books (and I’m also relieved that she liked yet another one of my books).
“This book is filled with so many emotions, there is anger, sweetness, love, laughter, frustration, determination and understanding. . .
The author for sure fulfilled my high expectations, and I found myself swept away in this mysterious yet lovely story, with not only amazing main characters, but also great side characters giving that little extra making this story even more amazing.”
Tizi’s Book Review“Everything just worked so well from the mystery that needed solving to the sweet romance that had a wonderful slow burn feel. Caper Crush had mystery, romance, but overall a charming and heartwarming vibe. It was lots of fun to read!”
Rae Reads Books“Overall I have loved this series and this book is no exception. This is a romantic comedy in the truest sense of the phrase that readers will adore.”
Lemon Nail Fiend“William and Miranda also just have so many layers as characters. I thought they were so well thought out and the reader learns more and more about them as the story goes on.”
Read it and Weep with MGD“I just love this series and cannot wait to jump back in and see who we follow next.”
Zooloo’s Book Diary Blog“A fun romance sprinkled with a generous dose of mystery.
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A lovely story that will make you smile and want some abstract art.”
Berit Talks Books“I loved Miranda’s character. She was very in touch with her inner child which I can totally relate to, but also just her quirkiness and kindness.”
HTDK Blog“Caper Crush is a wonderful, feel-good, opposites-attract slow-burn romantic comedy , and it definitely had me giggling in quite a few places!! It was also very easy to read and I found myself turning the pages faster and faster just so that I could find out what was going to happen next.”
MRSLJGIBBS on Instagram“This is a sweet uplifting mystery romance where the chemistry between the characters is slow and cute.”
Enjoying Books Again on InstagramCaper Crush Blog Tour Extracts
The Caper Crush Blog Tour also included extracts. For extracts, check out Novel Kicks, Fu Only Knew, Jazzy Book Reviews, and Portable Magic.
Author Interviews
I did an author interview with the Portobello Book Blog (find out what I did to celebrate publication day!) and Chicks, Rogues & Scandals (what a great name for a blog!) (discussing some of my favorite romantic comedies). The Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers Blog asked me what inspired Caper Crush. I discussed how I get to know my characters with Angel’s Guilty Pleasures. Thank you for all the wonderful questions!
Let’s Talk
I am so grateful to Rachel’s Random Resources for setting up the Caper Crush blog tour and to the bloggers for all the wonderful reviews and for hosting my book on their blogs with author questions and excerpts. Thank you so much!
What are you reading or watching? I’m about to dive into my #tbr and do some reading while at the beach.
Have a great August!
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Caper Crush is Out in Paperback and E-book!!
Caper Crush in paperback! Caper Crush is out in paperback on Amazon and e-book!!! I am so happy. I LOVE this book so much! It will also be available in Barnes & Noble later this summer.
Here’s the blurb again:
A feel-good, opposites-attract, slow-burn romantic comedy
Somebody stole my painting! The one I need for the career-defining Vertex Art Exhibit. This upcoming art show is my chance to finally be recognized as an artist—after ten years of waitressing and being asked if I still have that “lovely painting hobby.”
I have mere weeks to find my painting or lose my artist dream forever—but it’s going to mean working with William.
William Haruki Matsumura. Good-looking, if you like the Secret Service type. You know, law-abiding, protector of women and children. That’s all fine, but I can never tell what he’s thinking. Which drives me crazy.
He insists on coming along to do “damage control.” As if “accidentally” wandering into certain areas is “breaking and entering.” I may be an emotional artist, but William shouldn’t dismiss my investigative skills yet.
William is definitely my opposite, and if there’s one takeaway from my parents’ divorce, it’s that opposites might attract, but it doesn’t last. But detecting with William is kind of fun—and fluttery. I definitely can’t trust these feelings, or can I? However this caper ends, I think this may be more than a crush.
Caper Crush is out in paperback and e-book now– and it’s getting great reviews!
“KATHY STROBOS ONLY WRITES THE BEST BOOKS POSSIBLE! GODD I LOVE THEM SO MUCH! A ROMCOM MYSTERY?!?! MY FAVORITE THING EVER”
– Maddison O (NetGalley)
“Caper Crush by Kathy Strobos is a delightful rom-com with a heavy dose of mystery. The story revolves around Miranda, whose piece has just been accepted into a major art show. But what will she do when her painting is stolen from the show, along with a painting that was worth a lot more? She’ll have to team up with handsome Japanese-American William, the nephew of her uncle’s partner. Can they figure out who stole the paintings?
Here is a hilarious excerpt from Chapter 1:
“Pushing up my fake glasses on my nose, I shuffle closer to the two other women to listen in on their conversation about the ultramarine abstract painting in front of them. I resist the urge to touch my straight, gray hair. I’ve learned that once I put on a wig, I shouldn’t touch it.
This art gallery is a square, white-walled room in Tribeca with paintings hung a foot apart, about twenty colorful pieces in total. Between the cold air-conditioning and the pops of color, I feel like I’ve stepped into the middle of a vanilla ice cream with rainbow sprinkles. Next to the entrance, the gallery owner sits behind a shiny, white-laminate counter, typing on her laptop. Two large paintings are spotlighted in the storefront windows. My ultramarine painting, unfortunately, didn’t merit that prime real estate.”
Overall, Caper Crush is a lovely blend of romance and mystery. One highlight of this book is how it features a Japanese-American male lead. I rarely see this in romance fiction, and as a reader of Asian descent, I am so happy to support this book. Another highlight of this book is the adorable opening. The main character dressed up as an old lady to get people to buy her art.” –– Leighton, Layton’s Book Reviews
“I adored Kathy Strobos’ Partner Pursuit debut and it’s follow up Is This For Real? In this third instalment in the New York based series featuring loosely connected friends, I loved how there was absolutely no formula to the connected stories. Caper Crush delves into the world of abstract art, and is a romance-tinged whodunnit story. Similarities include the strong backdrop and intimate knowledge of New York City, a deep dive into a topic (in this case the art world and lost artwork, detective-ing), and an awesomely entertaining read. This story had me hooked! ❤️”
– Donna of Read.athon2021 (Instagram)
“Kathy Strobos writes yet another excellent book filled with sweet, funny and laughable moments. Caper Crush hits all the right spots, and leaves you with a good feeling.”
-Julie of JSGoldenBooks (Instagram)
Thank you all. I am so happy with these reviews.
And don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter for my magnet releasing in late July.
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Cover Reveal
Here’s the cover reveal for my short novella, A Scavenger Hunt for Hearts, by Cover Ever After.
A Scavenger Hunt for Hearts BLURB:
When Kiara is dumped by text and then ghosted by her boyfriend, she resolves to concentrate on her successful artist career and leave dating to those who can handle that heartbreak.
But the chance to dress up as a teacup work of art and participate in a scavenger hunt at the New York City modern art museum to win her favorite artist’s painting has her pairing up with a stranger dressed as a Rembrandt.
He may not know much about modern art, but he certainly knows how to make her heart beat.
Can Kiara take a chance on love again?
This will be FREE for everyone who signs up for my newsletter. So make sure you are on the list! I plan to publish it at the end of July.
Cover News Reveal: Is This For Real? Cover wins A Chill with a Book Cover Award
Is This for Real? won a Chill with a Book Cover Award. Thanks to my amazing cover designer, Cover Ever After, who makes the most amazing covers!
It’s the June 2022 Cover of the Month!
Caper Crush News
Proof copy of Caper Crush I just received my proof copy of Caper Crush! Woohoo! I can’t wait until Caper Crush is published and you can meet Miranda and William. Perfect beach reading!! The paperback will release soon and the e-book is available to order here.
What are you reading? Or watching?
Have a great weekend!!
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Cover Reveal Countdown!
Cover Reveal Countdown! I’m so excited to show you the cover for A Scavenger Hunt for Hearts. This is my short novella which I’m giving away free to my mailing list subscribers when it publishes. So make sure you sign up! As usual, my cover designer did a brilliant job!
A Scavenger Hunt for Hearts Blurb
Here’s the blurb:
When Kiara is dumped by text and then ghosted by her boyfriend, she resolves to concentrate on her successful artist career and leave dating to those who can handle that heartbreak.
But the chance to dress up as a teacup work of art and participate in a scavenger hunt at the New York City modern art museum to win her favorite artist’s painting has her pairing up with a stranger dressed as a Rembrandt.
He may not know much about modern art, but he certainly knows how to make her heart beat.
Can Kiara take a chance on love again?
Cover Reveal Countdown Check back here for the cover reveal! And make sure you sign up to my mailing list to get it for free when it publishes!
And don’t forget Caper Crush publishes in ebook on July 14 and is available for pre-order now! Woo hoo! And the paperback will be available in early July!
Caper Crush Let’s Talk
I hope that you are taking care of yourself during these times. I’m so excited for Caper Crush to publish because I started it in September 2020, during the pandemic, and it brought me so much joy to write and to read (because I’ve now read it so many times). My proof copy is arriving today, and I can’t wait to hold it in my hands.
What are you reading or watching? I highly recommend Christina Lauren’s Something Wilder for a feel-good feeling. If you like k-dramas, I highly recommend Once Upon a K-Prom by Kat Cho.
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Meet Author Rayna York
I’m excited for you to meet author Rayna York today on my blog, especially because her young adult romance The Right Kind of Unexpected releases on June 18! It’s available on Amazon.
The Right Kind of Unexpected Tess hasn’t experienced many kindnesses in her eighteen years. When her boyfriend abandons her at a small-town gas station, it’s just one more crappy event to add to the pile. Without a car, money, or cell phone, her options are limited, and calling her parents isn’t one of them. So when the family that owns the business throws her a lifeline, she grabs hold. Because even the worst situations can have a silver lining, and this one is a town called Jasper Creek, a diner everyone calls Earl’s, and a young mechanic named Colten Reed.
Rayna York’s standalone novel gives readers the small-town romance they crave with enough feels to make the heart sing. It’s the perfect feel-good, summer romance.My Review of The Right Kind of Unexpected
I want to spend summers in Jasper Creek with Colton’s family! This was such a heartwarming romance, and I was rooting for both Tess and Colton to end up together. Colton was so attractive in personality (and physique). I really loved the voice and character of Tess, and I especially appreciated her ability to perceive others who were also hurting and in need of love and to look out for them. I loved her relationship with the cantankerous Jeb. I also loved the friendship between the three girls and the message that first impressions are not always right. Highly recommend!
Meet Author Rayna York
Kathy: The place is so real in Jasper Creek. Did you visit or spend summers in North Carolina?
Rayna: No. I have never spent summers in North Carolina. Jasper Creek was based on small towns I was familiar with as a teenager growing up in Ohio. When writing the novel, I googled the different terrains in North Carolina and placed my imaginary town near a larger city that wasn’t fictional.
Kathy: The backstories were very well done in The Right Kind of Unexpected, and their scars from previous relationships really increased the conflict between Colton and Tess. Do you have any advice for creating those conflicts and back stories?
Rayna: Good question. I would emphasize the importance of knowing your characters well before writing the first draft. It will save you a lot of rewriting later on. Sometimes I know the character backstories ahead of times, but not always. I don’t plot, so everything that happens in the novel happens organically through the characters dialogue. They create their own conflicts, based on their personalities and backstories, from the situations they’re presented with.
Kathy: I especially appreciated her ability to perceive others who were also hurting and in need of love and to look out for them. I loved her relationship with the cantankerous Jeb. Was there anything that inspired that story?
Rayna: Not at all. That character showed up one day when I was writing. He interjected himself into the story and became one of my favorites, his story developing as I wrote.
Meet the Author Rayna York and Her Thoughts on Writing
Kathy: What’s your writing routine? Are you a pantser or a plotter?
Rayna: My writing routine is breakfast, clean the house, workout, have lunch, then write from one to four in the afternoon. If I am in the final stages, editing or in reader mode, I will spend four to six hours a day working, but I never forgo the workout. I need it to wake my brain up.
I’m a pantser all the way. I tried to semi plot my latest first draft, thinking I would write out the entire story in a couple of days, giving me a baseline for everything to follow. It was hell. I was trying to guess what they would do instead of them doing it naturally, if that makes sense. As I said before, my novels progress on their own thru my characters dialogue.
Kathy: This is your third book. Do you have to read your books in order? And do you feel more assured now as a writer? Was this easier or harder to write than the first and second ones?
Rayna: All my novels are standalone works. I know that having a series is more profitable, but when I finish my manuscript, I don’t want to live with those characters anymore. I’m done with them—really done. As far as being more assured as a writer, I think I’ve accepted I can only be as good as the time I put in, and that every time I write, my skills progress. I’ve also gotten past the imposter syndrome. That went away after the first novel. I am who I am. I may not be for everyone, but I accept myself as a writer, regardless.
My Favorite Question: If you could choose five writers to join you for a dinner party, who would you invite?
Kathy: And my favorite question: if you could choose five authors to join you for a dinner, who would you choose?
Rayna: James Patterson. Nora Roberts, Nicolas Sparks, Colleen Hoover, Penelope Douglass (because I’m curious how that woman’s mind works) and Brigid Kremmerer.
Kathy: That would be an amazing dinner party. Thanks so much for joining me on my blog!
Let’s Talk
Where do you spend your summers? I spend most of my summer by a beach, but New York City has so many great summer events that it’s fun to experience those as well.
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Mini Scenes: Is This for Real?
Is This for Real? I made some mini scenes that match what Penelope made in Is This for Real?.
In Is This for Real?, the protagonist, Penelope, is a struggling writer and she sells miniatures to make money on Etsy. She also has a blog where she tells stories acted out with miniatures.
“In my blog storyline, Piper, a doll with curly, brown hair like mine, was dating Julian, a doll with blond curls like Jamie. But then Julian abruptly broke up with her. Followers are still upset. Many of them took that break up quite personally and shared their own personal stories of how they’ve been dumped. I definitely tapped into something; I think, in part, because the breakup was so unexpected. But once Jamie told me he wasn’t interested in me, I lost all desire to play with his doll avatar. And I used those feelings to write the opening chapter of Fake Dating Folly, where the protagonist, Piper, learns that her boyfriend, who dumped her a year ago, is now engaged.”
Is This for Real by Kathy Strobos at 13.Mini Scenes: Is This for Real?
Here’s Piper busying writing her novel. I particularly like the fat cat lying on the floor. And of course, I included some discarded scraps of writing on the floor.
Piper writing her novel And here are Piper and her new beau! They are on a date learning how to cook in a restaurant. I bought that miniature range from a miniature shop in Tokyo.
A date with a new beau cooking at a restaurant Chill with a Book Readers’ Award
Is this for Real? won a Chill with a Book Readers’ Award! I am so happy!
Let’s Talk
What are you reading or watching? I just finished Christina Lauren’s Something Wilder. I read it in one day!
And the countdown for the release of Caper Crush is on! I can’t wait to share it with you.