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Meet me at the Brooklyn Book Festival!
I hope you can come meet me at the Brooklyn Book Festival! I will be there from 12- 2 today at Booth 502 selling and signing books (and giving away bookmarks).
Here’s my table set-up from last year:
I will have paperback copies of all my books available. It’s the day I get to feel like I have my own physical little bookstore like my mini bookstore 🙂
It’s always such a highlight of the year and I’m grateful that RWA-NYC sponsors the booth. If you are looking for reviews, please check out my books page.
But if you can’t make it in person, remember that you can always buy e-books and paperbacks from my Shopify store (US only):
And for non-US customers, you can buy e-books from my Story Origin store:
Hope to meet you in person at the Brooklyn Book Festival today from 12-2 at Booth 502!
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My Secret Snowflake Publishes Today!
My Secret Snowflake, my holiday, workplace romantic comedy, publishes today! I’m so excited for you to meet Sebastian and Iris. And the reviews have been great!
My Secret Snowflake Blurb
A holiday, workplace romantic comedy
Burned by love, Sebastian has sworn to remain single, but he may have just met his match.
Sebastian: I admit I’m attracted to my co-worker Iris—and not just because she was wearing glowing cat paw underwear. But even though she’s breached my first line of defense, I’m set in my Grinch ways. I need to prove myself—and dating my co-worker is definitely forbidden.
Iris is the Secret Snowflake for her perfect man—who is definitely not Sebastian.
Iris: No more naughty heartthrobs for me. Catching my rock star ex cheating cured me. All I’m asking Santa for is my work bonus and a nice guy. And that’s my Secret Snowflake recipient, Ernest. My plan: Befriend Sebastian, Ernest’s colleague, to figure out the perfect gift for Ernest to spark his interest.
But now our company has been hacked, and secrets abound. I’m working around the clock to figure out who and why—with our aloof, but oh-so-attractive company counsel, Sebastian—before I get a stocking filled with coal for the holidays. The last thing I should also be trying to decipher is him. But then I get blamed.
I know I can trust Sebastian to help me. It’s trusting my heart that’s the problem.
When things are definitely not what they seem, sometimes it takes the light of the holidays to reveal the clues to love.
Rachel’s Random Resources Blog Tour
My Secret Sebastian is going on a blog tour. First stop is Tizi’s Book Review and Storied Conversations:
Here’s what Tizi’s Book Review wrote, but please check out the full review:
“Picking up a book written by Kathy Strobos for me always feels like picking up a book filled with happiness. Because she always manages to write great stories with great characters but also realistic and just real characters…
I absolutely loved this book, the author did a wonderful job with this story… “
“I couldn’t stop turning the pages.”
Check out her full review 🙂
More Reviews
Thank you so much to my readers for all your support.
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Meow! I’m taking over this blog!
Meow! I’m taking over this blog. Yes, this is me, Fatma, the cat soulmate of Iris. I’m taking over the newsletter today. My scene was cut!! I think a dog lover suggested that it was too sad. So Kathy said I could take over the newsletter. That may have been because I wouldn’t stop meowing in protest.
“But what was the scene?” You ask. “And what was your role?”
Iris’s rock star boyfriend cheated on her, and I was there! And I didn’t let that slide. The woman tried to pet me. As if I ‘d fall for that. I scratched her. When they were kissing on the couch, I stuck my head between them. I hissed at them.
Only then they disappeared into the bedroom and shut the door. So it didn’t work out quite the way I planned.
I wrapped myself around Iris’s ankles when she found out to give her comfort and to explain that it’s better just the two of us.
I still can’t believe my scene was cut. Kathy needs to warn her friend who asked for his daughter’s cat, Fatma, to be memorialized in a book. I’m quite warm and loving but also feisty. A bit like Iris? And apparently my previous namesake did not like being a housecat because she always ran out the front door whenever she could and then hissed when they’d try to bring her in from the garden. I suggested to Kathy that she add that scene in the book, but she said I’d have to go through the bar. I told her I’d be a great bar cat. She said she’d think about it.
Meow! Update on My Secret Snowflake and How I’m Helping
Kathy is hard at work polishing My Secret Snowflake before her proofreader does the final edit. She just got it back from her line editor. I’ve been very helpful, sitting on her lap and lying on her desk, holding the papers in place so they don’t blow away. You never know when there might be a breeze. Sometimes I also help her by typing on the keyboard.
Anyway, don’t forget to pre-order your copy today. I still have a few other scenes, so it’s worth it for those, including one pivotal moment where I give my approval to Sebastian.
Burned by love, Sebastian has sworn to remain single, but he may have just met his match.
Sebastian: Being single is under-rated. No inexplicable mystery of love for me. I admit I’m attracted to my co-worker Iris—and not just because she was wearing glowing cat paw underwear. But even though she’s breached my first line of defense, I’m set in my Grinch ways.
Iris is the Secret Snowflake for her perfect man—who is definitely not Sebastian.
Iris: No more naughty heartthrobs for me. Catching my rock star ex cheating cured me. All I’m asking Santa for is my work bonus and a nice—dare I say boring?—guy. And that’s my Secret Snowflake recipient: Ernest. But now our company has been hacked, and secrets abound. I’m working around the clock to figure out who and why—with our aloof, but oh-so-attractive company counsel, Sebastian—before I get a stocking filled with coal for the holidays.
The last thing I should also be trying to decipher is him. I know I can trust Sebastian to help me. It’s trusting my heart that’s the problem.
When things are definitely not what they seem, sometimes it takes the light of the holidays to reveal the clues to love.
Meow! I’m taking over this blog!
Please also tell Kathy you’d like me to take over her social media posts too 🙂 She also has a cat in her next book, so if you’d like to suggest a cat name, feel free to leave a comment.
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My Secret Snowflake Cover Reveal
I can’t wait to share My Secret Snowflake with you, my holiday Romantic Comedy, and so here is the Cover Reveal!!
What do you think of the cover? And if you want to check out the first two books in the New York Spark series, click here.
Here’s the blurb:
Burned by love, Sebastian has sworn to remain single, but he may have just met his match.
Sebastian: Being single is under-rated. No inexplicable mystery of love for me. I admit I’m attracted to my co-worker Iris—and not just because she was wearing glowing cat paw underwear. But even though she’s breached my first line of defense, I’m set in my Grinch ways.
Iris is the Secret Snowflake for her perfect man—who is definitely not Sebastian.
Iris: No more naughty heartthrobs for me. Catching my rock star ex cheating cured me. All I’m asking Santa for is my work bonus and a nice—dare I say boring?—guy. And that’s my Secret Snowflake recipient: Ernest.But now our company has been hacked, and secrets abound. I’m working around the clock to figure out who and why—with our aloof, but oh-so-attractive company counsel, Sebastian—before I get a stocking filled with coal for the holidays. The last thing I should also be trying to decipher is him. I know I can trust Sebastian to help me. It’s trusting my heart that’s the problem.
When things are definitely not what they seem, sometimes it takes the light of the holidays to reveal the clues to love.What tropes does My Secret Snowflake have?
But let’s not forget: friends-to-lovers and closed door.
My Secret Snowflake Cover Reveal Celebration
I will be over here eating a chocolate chip cookie in celebration and frantically fine-tuning the revisions. The expected publication date is September 12, 2024, but if I can publish it sooner, then I definitely will.
Let me know what you think of the cover! Thank you so much for all your support.
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My Book Boyfriend Audiobook Tour
Thank you to Home Cooked Books and all the bloggers who took place in the My Book Boyfriend Audiobook Tour. It’s been wonderful to see all the positive reviews being posted. If you’d like to listen to some audiobook samples, click here.
Thank you to TeaandBiscuits13 (Instagram) for this review (and I loved the background image with the plants):
“This was such a fun, laid back romance.
The story was engaging and fun, the characters were unique, real, and engaging.
I really enjoyed the banter between Lily & Rupert. They were both such kind people that even though they were supposed to be adversaries, they were always kind.
The narrator both did such a wonderful job portraying the characters so well.
This was all around a fun romance with some laughs and swoony moments.”More Reviews from the My Book Boyfriend Audiobook Tour
Thank you also to Lindsey for this Instagram post: “I absolutely loved this book! The banter was fantastic and I love an MMC who is a book nerd!! This story was so sweet and one of the most relatable stories I have read in a while! This is definitely a must read!! The audiobook was absolutely fantastic!!!”
Thank you to Bella for this review:
This was such a cute slow-burn frenemies/rivals-to-lovers story. It was fun, entertaining, and such a good read. I really enjoyed their chemistry and how, although they tried to stop their feelings from developing further because they were on opposing sides, they just couldn’t help it, and couldn’t help spending more time together. I enjoyed seeing their friendship develop and also seeing that turn into the romance we eventually got. The various side characters, and friends and family of Lily and Rupert also made this book even more enjoyable and fun to read. If you’re in need of a cute, fun, cosy-type rivals-to-lovers romance story, pick this one up, you won’t be disappointed!
Stacy Gonzalez and Eric Altheide were excellent with the narrations. Their voices, and the emotions that were portrayed, helped bring the story, and its characters to life. I definitely felt all the feels!
BellaThank you again to all the bloggers for taking part in the tour and to Home Cooked Books for organizing the My Book Boyfriend audiobook tour.
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Audiobook New Releases and Deals
This is an exciting week for Audiobook New Releases and Deals. My Book Boyfriend is being featured in a Kobo Plus Indie Audiobook Deals and a Get that Book promo. It’s exciting that I now have an audiobook.
My Book Boyfriend Blurb
Here’s the blurb for My Book Boyfriend:
A feel-good, enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy.
Tall, dark, and handsome. That’s what I think the first time I see Rupert Evans in the library.But then I find out he is the developer who just sent my community garden a cease-and-desist letter because he plans to raze the garden and construct some towering monstrosity there.
The only one who is going to cease and desist is him. That community garden is my found family.
But then he asks me out at book club night.
Suspicious, right?
I’m attractive, but I’m not the type hot bachelors are lining up around the block to ask out. Let’s be real. I’m still in the brunch date spot with my next-door neighbor after a year of my pursuing him.
Rupert is trying to butter me up and lead me down the garden path so I’ll concede. Never.
He has no idea what we’re planning to do to stop him. Our little community group may look like a bunch of frail roses, but we’ve got thorns. As long as I weed out these pesky feelings for him, I know we can win. But will I lose my heart?
*The romcom books in this series are interconnected closed door romantic comedy standalones set in the same world in New York City. Each can be listened to as a pure standalone with a guaranteed happily ever after.Have you listened to it yet? What did you think? Remember that you can always buy it directly from me at my store for $10.99:
If you haven’t listened to it yet, what are you waiting for?
Here are some book reviews from the blog tour to tempt you.
Kobo Plus Indie Audiobook Deals
All those books look great. Click on the image below to access the site and other audiobook deals:
It’s also featured as an audiobook new release in Get That Book Deals – click on the image below to access the deals:
What Audiobook Deals and New Releases will you pick up?
Wishing you a lovely week!
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Easter Egg Book Hunt
And in honor of the Easter eggs I will be hiding on Sunday, I’ve created a little egg hunt for you.
The winner who answers all of the questions correctly will receive a code to redeem the audiobook of My Book Boyfriend and listen to it via Bookfunnel!
Let the Easter Egg Book Hunt Begin!
1. Which characters from the New York Friendship series show up in the New York Spark series?
2. Which book is this passage from:
“Rumor has it that you’re competing against your cousin,” I say.
He tilts his head. “Rumors are not always correct. Page Six will have us married by tomorrow.”
“There are still 12 hours left in this night,” I say.
What book?3. In which museum does A Scavenger Hunt for Hearts take place?
4. What museums do they visit in Is This for Real?
5. What is the chocolate cookie bakery that my characters frequent?
6. What book is this scene from:
“Could you unbutton my dress?” I ask. “I’d really like to change into jeans and a T-shirt.”
He moves closer. I present my back to him, as my hands hold up the straps on my shoulders.
I tilt my head, exposing my neck to him. His fingers graze my neck softly as he uses both hands to unbutton that top button. I close my eyes. His touch is light and sure. I swallow as he works his way down the buttons, slight touches feathering my skin. My heart flutters. Can he hear it?
“It’s done.” His voice is almost a whisper. His warm breath caresses my neck. Sends tingles down my spine. Without thinking, I find myself arching toward it.
More Clips from My Book Boyfriend Audiobook
Here’s a clip of Rupert 🙂
I think Eric Altheide is perfect as Rupert! And My Book Boyfriend is now available on Amazon, Apple, and Google Play, in addition to StoryFair, Kobo, Kobo Plus, and my website. It should also be available on other retailers soon!
Happy Easter!
I hope you enjoyed this Easter Egg Book Hunt! Here is a link to a hint 🙂
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Buy Direct from ME!
I’m excited to announce that I have my very own bookstore(s) and you can now buy my e-books directly from me via either my Shopify store or my Story Origin store! Click on the images if you’re someone who wants to support authors directly. My Story Origin sells e-books only, but sells internationally. My Shopify store sells ebooks, paperbacks and audiobooks, but it is set up for the US, because of tax reasons.
I’ve set up book bundles of my series, so there is a New York Friendship Bundle and a New York Spark Starter Set in the Story Origin store. Click on the image below for the links.
New York Friendship Series
Three interconnected, feel-good, standalone, closed-door romantic comedies set in New York City in one box set!
This set includes:
Partner Pursuit: Audrey is a workaholic lawyer who is determined to become a law firm partner. Jake is a fun-loving music marketing executive who would never date a lawyer. When Jake moves in next door, and sparks fly, will Audrey choose love or career?
Is This for Real?: Take one relationship recluse writing a novel with a fake-dating trope. Add in one yummy romantic guy shanghaied for her romcom research. Layer in a history of genuine friendship on top of her recent heartbreak. Is this a recipe for true love or disaster?
Caper Crush: She’s an emotional artist. He’s a reserved accountant. When they team up to solve who stole her painting, will they find love?
“Overall I have loved this series.”
Lemon Nail Fiend Book Blog“[Partner Pursuit] is an old-school romcom! If this book was a movie, JLo or Reese Witherspoon would play the female lead, with Matthew McConaughey as the love interest.”
– StephanieNew York Spark Starter Set
My Book Boyfriend and Love Is an Art – the first two closed-door, happy-ever-after, standalone, interconnected books in the New York Spark series!
My Book Boyfriend: Lily loves her garden. Rupert wants to bulldoze it. When feelings grow, will they blossom or turn to rubble?
Love Is an Art: A Fish Out of Water Romantic Comedy
Tessa: He hates lawyers. So I’m a lawyer pretending to be an artist. Forgetting one tiny detail: I can’t paint. Zeke: She’s the worst artist I’ve ever seen.
“Kathy Strobos has proved to me again why she’s one of my go to authors, for HEA, for feeling happy and warm and making the world feel a better place.”
– Tara from TheWoollyGeek on InstagramFree E-Book Copy of A Scavenger Hunt for Hearts
As always, A Scavenger Hunt for Hearts is free when you sign up to my newsletter.
What do you think of my own e-bookstore?
Have you ever wanted to own a bookstore?
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Shepherd’s Book Recs: Find Your Next Favorite Book
Shepherd’s Book Recs: Find Your Next Favorite Book! Shepherd’s ask authors for their book recs, and so it’s a great site to find your next favorite read. They asked me to recommend five of my favorite books around a theme with the release of Love Is an Art. I was so honored.
I love their site. It feels like walking into a bookstore and asking for recommendations and being given so many good ones. As they say, “it’s like wandering the aisles of your favorite bookstore.”
As the founder writes:
To start, I’ve asked 9,000+ authors to share five of their favorite books around a topic, theme, or mood and why they love each book. This infuses each book with magic and meaning.
Then, we give readers fun and unique ways to follow their curiosity down rabbit holes and bump into those books and authors. At every step, you meet the person who recommended that book, the book list it came from, and what they are passionate about.
Ben FoxMy Shepherd’s Book Recs: Find Your Next Favorite Book To Read
If you click on the image above or this link to the site, you can read why I chose the books I did.
I wandered around the site and found so many books to read based on their recommendations. #neverendingTBR Lol.
For example, Partner Pursuit would fit in this list of the Best Chicklit Books on Lawyers from a Former Big Law Attorney. If you liked Partner Pursuit, you might want to check these books out. Or if you’ve read any of those books (which includes The Undomestic Goddess and Emily Giffin’s Something Borrowed), then you will probably also like Partner Pursuit.
Fun to Explore: What other authors liked Sophie Kinsella?
There are so many fun ways to explore the site. For example, I searched for other authors who’d chosen The Undomestic Goddess as one of their favorite books. I found the list above, but also a list by Octavia Butler of The Best, Romance, Chicklit and Women’s Fiction Books.
Love Is an Art is also featured on the RNA Blog!
Love Is an Art is also featured on the Romantic Novelists Association Blog, along with an interview of me giving writing tips and explaining how my journey to publishing. I think most of you know that I was in the RNA’s New Writer’s Scheme. I cannot recommend that highly enough to unpublished writers. It really made me so happy to see one of my books featured on the RNA Blog. They also asked me what was the inspiration behind Love Is an Art and what was the hardest part of the book to write.
Let’s Talk
Had you heard of Shepherd’s before? Did you go check it out and find any books to add to your #TBR? And if so, please share in the comments below.
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Love Is an Art! Teaser
Look at this great teaser trailer for Love Is an Art. It’s so clever. I love it!
Love Is an Art Blurb
Here’s the blurb:
He hates lawyers. So I’m a lawyer pretending to be an artist. Forgetting one tiny detail: I can’t paint.
Tessa: There’s something about the way the blond guy laughs and leans in to listen. My gaze keeps returning to him.
The only problem is, we’re at an art gallery after work, and I’ve swapped my lawyer suit for a paint-splattered shirt. I’m pretending to be a struggling artist, acting as bait to entice a scammer who conned my friend out of thousands of dollars.
I look pathetic. But still, I approach Hot Guy.
Our glances meet, and an awareness shimmers across. He offers to buy me a drink–we’re definitely flirting–and then he asks me what I do.
Just when Scammer Guy is in earshot.
I have no choice but to say I’m an artist. I can tell Hot Guy later that I’m not.But then he says he hates lawyers.
Now what?
Zeke: She’s the worst artist I’ve ever seen.
And I hate that that makes me suspect that she’s lying to me. After my ex-girlfriend cheated on me, trust is in short supply.
She makes me laugh, and it’s one adventure after another with her. Definitely different from my workaholic lawyer ex.
Maybe it’s time to give love a second chance.
All is fair in love and litigation, but when truth and deception clash, can you trust your heart?
*The romcom books in this series are interconnected standalones set in the same world. Each can be read as a pure standalone with a guaranteed happily ever after.
A Scavenger Hunt for Hearts Audiobook!
My author reading aloud of A Scavenger Hunt for Hearts is now all up on YouTube so you can listen to the whole book read aloud by me there. You can click the image above for the link. It’s like attending an author reading but in the privacy of your home 🙂
Let’s Talk
What are you watching/reading? I’m watching My Demon and Please Marry My Husband (both k-dramas). I’m reading When In Rome by Sarah Adams. And I’m hard at work on my next book.