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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 🙂