Book Review: Another Shot At Love (What's Love Series??) By Niecey Roy

Blurb: Imogen Gorecki has a problem—her twin sister just got engaged, and guess who’s the best man? That’s right, her scum-of-an-ex-boyfriend whom she caught cheating with a bottle-blonde, with fake breasts and a stripper’s flexibility. There’s a disturbing possibility her eyes will never recover.

Gen needs a date for the engagement party, but finding Mr. Perfect in a time crunch is proving impossible. Just when she’s about to give up, she face-plants into the crotch of the sexiest guy she’s ever met.

Matt Sesnick is everything Gen wants in a man —except he’s not interested in a relationship. Can she convince Matt to take another shot at love, or will Gen’s pregnant, hormonal older sister, her bridezilla twin, and all of her past Mr. Wrongs get in the way of their happily- ever-after?

A good appetizer to commence a series. Niecey Roy whips up all the known romance tricks up her sleeves to make for delightful reading.

So Imogen Mae Gorecki is in her early twenties, done with love after her sorry trust-fund SOB ex cheated on her with a slut in possession of a boob-size fit for skanks. Gen's been solo for months now, her sister's wedding is coming up, and the family is worried she's going to go back to her ex since, it turns out, he will be best man to her sister's groom. Now the whole family is bent on getting her a boyfriend or at least a suitable date to the wedding in order to prevent her ex from running back into her life with the world's most convincing love speech. A sweet talker, he is.

Anyway, Imogen is set on a string of pathetic dates by her pregnant hormonal sister, Catherine. Pathetic date after pathetic date till she meets him. Richard. Then the date even gets more hideous with the mummy's video game addict dumping her and bolting without taking care of the cheque. Her life couldn't get anymore miserable... until she face plants herself in his crotch.

I mean, HIM. Matt... and the rest they say, is their story.

But not with Richard, video-game addict rolling back with his geeky self and recommendations of alien movies (Imogen seems to be obsessed with) and Brent suddenly realizing he's let The Good One (with streaks of pink in her hair) Get Away.

How exactly does Happily Ever After come this way? And most importantly, with whom?

I've read dozens of books with this story-line. So did this stand out for me? Hell it did! Niecey Roy is the queen of kooky characters, you know. And unique plot twists. At some moments in time, I thought this would end up a certain way. But no, this book really put my predictive skills to test. And I flunked big time! (So glad I abandoned my dream to go into meteorology).

I give a star to the romance in this title. There are points I "Aww"ed (which almost made me gag, 'cause I'm a guy. I don't "aww",I don't coo, I don't make sounds!—Humph, Niecey has that effect on us). I loved those moments, you know. The love speeches, the gestures, the coordinated lovemaking. It's no surprise since Niecey is Queen of Romance.

I love the whole concept of this, What's Love??? series. It's kinda nice when one character decides to put away love, the whole "Going Dutch" casual thing, but that's exactly when they find themselves deeply entangled. Don't mistake this for another "Love Triumphs All" garbage, it's more of a "Don't give up on love because it won't give up on you" delight. Lessons we could all nod to.

Another star would be given to the end to this title. Like a good romance with a chick-litty appeal, there's a huge satisfying smile and a tight hugging of your kindle (or paperback, depending on what you'd go in for). The fact that I didn't find this whole book predictable really put me on the edge of my seat to check out how the end or who the end was going to be like or with.

I did like this book. But did it break Niecey's fantastic debut? No. I couldn't help comparing this title to Fender Bender Blues with all its (FBB, I mean) highly entertaining characters and laugh out loud situations. I think the problem would have been sorted if the humor was tightened a bit.

My rating:

Four stars.

Another Shot At Love, first installment in the What's Love??? series is available on Amazon.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants something love-related. Anybody in for a little New Adult chick-lit delight and anyone wanting something less predictable.

My work not done here. Off to post my review on Goodreads as well as Amazon.

(surprise) Book Review: Olivia By Donna Sturgeon

From Niecey Roy

To

Donna Sturgeon

Received A Kindle Gift From Niecey Roy.

Blurb: Olivia Hanson has spent most of her twenty-five years staring wistfully across the tracks to the north side of town, longing for a white picket fence and normal—something she’s never known. Born in a prison and abandoned by her mother, Olivia was raised in South Juliette by her father, Eugene—a knee- bouncing, chain-smoking loner with a Cheeze Doodle addiction. Olivia drinks too much, loses her heart too easily, and works in a factory as quality control, a mundane job she’d sworn would only be temporary, not the permanent drudgery it has become. Her only joy in life comes in the form of late-night slow dances with hot bartender, George, who can set her body on fire with his kisses but is unwilling to go any further.

The day Olivia accidentally backs her Buick into a black Dodge pickup, she tumbles head-over-heels into what she believes is the happily-ever-after kind of love she has been longing for. But the road to happiness is not as easy as it looks. It’s a long, winding journey of self- discovery full of potholes, pregnancy tests, lobster tattoos, Walmart scooters, impromptu weddings, hump-happy Boston terriers, and a sexy, but oh-so- annoying police officer who pops up around every curve.

—————————————

"Hey, Sam," She croaked.

"You really sick?" Sam asked.

"Yeah."

"Brown Bottle Flu?"

"No," Olivia lied.

"You coming back tomorrow or what?"

"Yeah."

Sam hung up.

—————————————

Quirky, dysfunctional, tear-jerking, hilarious. This book had none of the above. It had more of the above.

Olivia, follows Olivia, mid-twenties girl who's always wanted to leave the South but never saves a dime from her shitty job thanks to all those beers at "Kitty's", a bar with her hot best friend as owner and tender she'd so love to screw. Olivia is not always driving her insurance company insane, but her boss too for times she'd show up and times she wouldn't.

This book based mainly on her love life, shows Olivia dealing with men you wouldn't rather have anything to do with and men you'd rather were into you than her. Olivia goes through life heartbreak after heartbreak, rough patch after rough patch, hilarious situations after hilarious situations, crashing from bumper to bumper, steamy sex after steamy sex, shitty days at work after shitty days at work, comforting odd friends after odd friends and more. All till she finds out what's really lacking in her life: stability.

Niecey Roy, one of my fav writer friends recommended this book to me. Judging from Niecey's tastes (Fender Bender Blues and How Hard Can It Be?), I was a bit skeptical about this one (BIG LIE). I enjoyed it so much I licked my lips and belched after reading it.

OK. So I loved this book for the main character! Olivia! Very, very different. I swear I didn't find delight in how brazen she was most of the time, but all those little bits about her I found annoying were just... Good. Character. Sketch. She fitted the setting perfectly and I wouldn't have wanted her any other way. Plus, no matter how crazy, I have a soft spot for super-hilarious leads.

Oh you would laugh the humor in this book. It wasn't constant, but every time it was up you'd shit on yourself; I am so certain because I didn't-second star.

The romance in this book is so steamy. So warm. So mushy mushy. Each and every guy delivered. And boy did I squirm in my seat.

It's not surprising I fell in love with the whole cast. Their stories were inspiring, hilarious and crazy. From Izzie, Olivia's best friend who was always there when you needed a good laugh, to Sam, the boss who's just pissed off at Olivia all the time but wouldn't fire her. Eugene, the dad who never touched and kept eye contact as he did his fav Cheese Doodles. To all Olivia's gossip-loving co-workers at the factory and all the regular patrons of Kitty's. I could paint them all if I was as good as an artist as I am a talker.

With so crazy characters it was very shocking this book could really portray dense, soulful themes. From loneliness, to shittiness, to difficulty in child-bearing, to dysfunctional love, to cozy love, to love and its trials and misunderstanding. There were moments I was reaching for Kleenex, but every time I pulled the box closer I'd find out it was empty and I'd curse so loud I wouldn't feel like crying anymore.

Also, the tone to this book was soothing, the pace slow-fast, the idle setting of the south very perfect and written with an amazing memoir-esque voice. Never did I hesitate to finish this book in a haste. It really goes to show you don't need a highly suspenseful piece to grab a reader's attention. With humor locked, a fun lead and a story so true to life with themes that are so timeless, there's no way you could ask for a refund!

Five stars, people!

Olivia, Donna Sturgeon's dysfunctionally perfect chick-lit is available on Amazon.

I seriously recommend this book to anyone. Anyone who has a friend called Olivia or not. Anyone who wants a good laugh and a few tears. Anyone who is in the mood for mushy mushy and fighty fighty. Anyone in the mood for something different and so not your conventional chick-lit.

Always opened to emails from anyone who'd love to gush about Olivia—the book, I mean.

Thanks Niecey. Great novel, Donna.

My work not done here. Off to post my review on Goodreads as well as Amazon.

Guest Post + Big Sale By Jami Deise (Author Of Keeping Score)

KEEPING SCORE is in sale this week for 99 cents! See below for links

Fab author Jami Deise wowed audiences with her debut, Keeping The Score. Rumor has it, she's having a big sale so we pulled her by to tell us why "Keeping The Score"

Thank you for featuring Keeping Score!

Like the protagonist’s son Sam, my son Alex began playing summer travel baseball at the age of 9. He’s almost 20 now, a college sophomore, and still playing. Also like Sam, the first team he played on was pretty bad. There was drama and politics and a catcher who broke Alex’s arm. At the time, there was nothing funny about. But as the years went on, I started to look back on those early experiences and see the humor, as well as the big picture. I do think that competition hurts relationships, and I’m not sure getting Alex into the select baseball world when he was that young was the best thing for him. But those experiences were what prompted me to write I think it’s struck a chord with other moms, because it’s not just about the baseball. It’s about helicopter parenting and everything we do to keep our kids happy these days, and about how hard it is to watch them grow up and pull away from us.

KEEPING SCORE is in sale this week for 99 cents! See below for links

Blurb: When her son wanted to play travel baseball, Shannon Stevens had no idea the worst competition was off the field…

When her son Sam asks to try out for a travel baseball team, divorced mom Shannon Stevens thinks it’ll be a fun and active way to spend the summer. Boy, is she wrong! From the very first practice, Shannon and Sam get sucked into a mad world of rigged try-outs, professional coaches, and personal hitting instructors. But it’s the crazy, competitive parents who really make Shannon’s life miserable. Their sons are all the second coming of Babe Ruth, and Sam isn’t fit to fetch their foul balls. Even worse, Shannon’s best friend Jennifer catches the baseball fever. She schemes behind the scenes to get her son Matthew on the town’s best baseball team, the Saints. As for Sam? Sorry, there’s no room for him! Sam winds up on the worst team in town, and every week they find new and humiliating ways to lose to the Saints.

And the action off the field is just as hot. Shannon finds herself falling for the Saints’ coach, Kevin. But how can she date a man who didn’t think her son was good enough for his team … especially when the whole baseball world is gossiping about them? Even Shannon’s ex-husband David gets pulled into the mess when a randy baseball mom goes after him. As Sam works to make friends, win games and become a better baseball player, Shannon struggles not to become one of those crazy baseball parents herself. In this world, it’s not about whether you win, lose, or how you play the game… it’s all about KEEPING SCORE.

KEEPING SCORE is in sale this week for 99 cents! See below for links

Reviewers say:

“This is a story about relationships and only a few worth KEEPING. You will root for Shannon to come away from this experience with her head held high and for Sam to remain untarnished.”–Deb Mongiello

“But what resonated most with me was the pride and sorrow the main character, Shannon, feels as she watches her son start to grow up and become more independent of her. Sam grows and matures throughout the story, and Shannon's struggle at witnessing his hurts and challenges is very believable.” – SimplyLauraKB

“What an enjoyable read! Don't worry - you don't have to be a divorced, baseball-obsessed mom like Shannon Stevens to find pleasure in this well-paced, engaging novel.”–Laura R. Duck

"I really enjoyed Keeping Score... If you are ready for a fun read, and want to know who comes out on top (will it be Team Shannon or Team Jennifer?), give this book a read." - Chick Lit Central

"All in all this was a fun read that keeps the story going and will have your mouth dropping open at certain points... Grab this book and sit down for a fun, light read!" -- Joe Cool Review

KEEPING SCORE is in sale this week for 99 cents!

Links: on Amazon (Kindle/paperback)

on Barnes & Noble

on Smashwords

Her Fab Blog

Grab Jami Deise and get social...

Twitter: @JamiDeise

Facebook

————————

There you have it. Jami Deise revealing stuff she wouldn't to you even if you hold her book to her head.

Take part in this sale with Just a click. If you'd ask me, I'd say It's too much of a good deal mums (than your coupons).

And ooh, stay tuned for my review.

Signing Off,

Kobby.

Book Review: How Hard Can It Be by Robyn Peterman

Available on Amazon in both paperback and kindle.

Blurb: What happens when an accountant decides to grab life by the horns and try something new? Apparently a pirate named Dave, a lot of pastel fleece, and blackmail—just to start with…

Visualize and succeed, Oprah said. I was sure as hell trying, even if my campaign to score a job as the local weather girl had ended in a restraining order. Okay, TV was not my strength. But a lack of talent has never stopped me before. Which is why I’ve embarked on a writing career. I mean, how hard can it be to come up with a sexy romance?

Leave it to me to wind up in a group of grandmotherly porno writers who discuss sex toys and apple cobbler in the same breath. Also leave it to me to leak an outlandish plot idea to a bestselling author with the morals of a rabid squirrel. And only I could get arrested for a jewelry heist I didn’t commit—by a hunky cop whose handcuffs just might tempt me to sign up for a life of crime. Maybe I’ve found my calling after all…

———————★—★———————

Herbie run to my table on his tiny little dentist legs. "He's gay." Herbie informed me triumphantly.

"Really?"

"Yep"—he sucked in his gut and stood up taller—"but I am not." He waggled his eyebrows and grabbed his package.

It was all I could do not to gag-laugh. I closed my eyes and sucked in an enormous breath "That's wonderful... that you're not gay. I'm sure you will make an unsuspecting girl very unsettled someday, but here's the thing... I'm a lesbian. So while I'm fluttered by your outstanding posture, your acrobatic eyebrows, and your crotch handling, I prefer vaginas."

"Really?" Herbie asked dejectedly.

"Really," I assured him.

———————★—★————————

OMG. With such an amazingly crazily, hilarious debut. How hard it would be for Robyn Peterman to fall off our Must-Read lists.

Have you ever hated your job so much you hang around your dream workplace for a week which you have no skills for and win yourself a restraining order in the process? Betcha haven't! Or you attended a writers' meeting hoping to meet up with a renowned author but encounter old, shriveled women who write hardcore porn employing all devices you haven't even thought to experiment with? Hmm... not sure I have been there. You think you have the craziest family on the planet? I'm sure you do. But does it consist of a mum who ogles your boyfriend, a dad who's seething to kill your aunt, the said aunt who's worried about little men in her TV and zombies running Wall Street, not forgetting a sister who won't hesitate to make you feel like a piece of elephant shit and above all, the longest and strangest surname fit for a King of every Piece of Shit with an actual 'shit' in it? Even you would run for your life. But Rena doesn't. Just a normal day in her life.

Well, when Rena attends the writers' meeting of porno-writing grannies, she makes an encounter with the boobickious Viper-Bitch From Hell, Evangeline O'Hara, who's known to steal all works of all the porno-writing women in the meeting. How exactly did she get herself writing a dumpsterpiece which should bring down this nutjob's career, getting every single member of her family threatened in the process, apprehended by the hottest cop who shags like a dashing hero in something historical and meeting the most sneakiest, dangerous characters she's ever met in her life who might flick a switch and win her a life sentence.

I choked on my food! The storyline of this book is so one-of-a-kind! You know, sometimes you read Harry Potter, and go like, I wish I had the idea to pen this first. Well, meet Robyn Peterman (and push J. K Rowling off a cliff). It's all you think a plot shouldn't be yet it is. They don't call this fiction, they call this amazing! I sat for hours wondering how this book was crafted, and the more I did the more I found myself hovering around one answer:Robyn Peterman is the real deal—A star to the storyline.

I missed three lectures! It was just exciting as well as distracting to read this book. I have a to-do list. This book showed the finger to it. Though I didn't eat it all up in one sitting (I was a bit selfish savoring every fiber slowly), this book made me make time where time wasn't only to go at a very slow pace!—A star to the suspense.

I peed in three pants! (Uh-oh, I now know why my laundry was twice it's usual size). This book is funny. Very very funny. And I've read the funniest books this year! On my list, it should emerge winner of the Most Pants Peed In award.—Star to the humor.

Oh the characters! I. Loved. Them. All the writer's in the porno group with the strangest secrets in the world to the family, to Rena(!), to the cop who shags like a hero out of a history lesson and even to the evil, Evangeline O'Hara. They were all just marvelous to read about. Ooh, and Vinnie the Vibrator too.—another star.

The one or two sex scenes in this book were eye-popping. Normally, I won't do books that shockingly go all the way there. But with humor in there, I just can't resist [Insert *wink* here].

This book was mind-blowing, fantastic, sextastic so much more, so much more. So...

5/5 stars.

How Hard Can It Be by Robyn Peterman a story of porno-writing grannies, crazy family members, plastic surgeries gone awful and shitty surnames is available on Amazon. Get your copy now. I am not surprised this book has the highest sales ranking I have seen from an indie author. It goes to show that with a power blurb and an excerpt no one can resist, you can write full-time—like Robyn does.

I recommend this book for anyone who doesn't mind getting admitted for multiple broken ribs. Anyone who wants something strangely different. Anyone who hates their job. Anyone who loves to read. Anyone who loves chick-lit that takes you all the way there. And anyone who's a die-hard fan of any porno writing grannies.

I loved this book. I will keep reminiscing about all the good times it brought me...

Can't wait to read Robyn's first book in her new, Hot Damned series.

My work not done here. Off to post my review on Goodreads as well as Amazon.

Shit. Screw Amazon in advance for cropping a chunk of this review!

Book Review: Unfinished Business By Carolyn Aspenson

Blurb: First in a series by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson. This book is a chick lit novel with a paranormal element.

When Angela's mother Fran dies and comes back as a ghost, Angela's ordinary life turns into a carnival show, starring both Angela and her nosy, dead mother.

It seems Fran's got some unfinished business on earth and she's determined to get it done, no matter what.

When Fran returned, she reignited her daughter's long suppressed psychic gift, one she neglected to mention to Angela, and now Angela sees ghosts everywhere. And they won't leave her alone.

Fran can't help but stick her transparent nose where it doesn't belong, making Angela's life even crazier.

Now Angela has to find a way to keep her old life in tact and help the dead with their unfinished business, all while trying to keep her dead mother out of trouble. And it's a lot for one woman to handle.

————————————————

“Oh, shit,” I crouched down in my chair. “Crap. Crap. Crap.”

“What? He heard you, didn’t he? Is he coming over here? Oh my gawd, another ghost at Starbucks. This is so awesome.” Mel squealed.

“Yup. Crap. I’ve really got to learn to keep my freaking mouth shut, don’t I? Crap. Crap. Crap.” I turned away from the parking lot and lowered my head. “Is he looking over here?

"Seriously?”

“Oh, crap. My bad.”

———————————————

So Ghost-whisperer. So engaging. So tear-jerking. So fantastic.

Angela Panther, housewife, mother of two, lover of cupcakes, lives a mundane life. Until her mother dies. Yes, funeral planning can be thrilling (thanks to Carolyn's humor), but Angela gains supernatural abilities to see ghosts. These powers, though appealing to her because she gets a second chance with her mum—which not even a few people have, aren't putting her in a good mind frame since she's worried every ghost in town would come knocking on her door for help (which they do).

Already Angela's having major problems of her own handling a teenage daughter who could win a role in a Shakespearean play (if all female leads are that moody), a dad who might be losing his life at any second and a husband who's being hit on by grandmother prostitutes.

But with her mum doing espionage on her granddaughter's affairs and proving to Angela her ability is a gift and not a curse, would Angela be able to master her 'gift' or would she give up altogether and get back to boring housewife duties, great sex with her husband and discussing topics such as ass-bleaching with her best friend, Mel?

I must confess, I am a fan of Ghost-whisperer! I loved, loved it. So you should know my level of excitement when reading this book. If you've been on this blog for a while, you will know I am also a big fan of Jennifer Love Hewitt. Is there any reason to rate this book poorly and say how much I detested it?

No.

This book made my week. Carolyn Ridder made my week. It's official, I've been drawn to the dark side. I have stated day-in-day-out that I don't do books that are paranormal and have no basis in reality, but reading Addison Westlake and now Carolyn Ridder, I've gotten to know that paranormal could be portrayed in daylight (betcha surprised too!) and written so chick-litty you can't help but fall.

I have to give a star to the stotyline. Despite it's lack of originality, Carolyn Ridder makes this unique with the introduction of her own twists and turns and engaging characters.

I can't do justice to this review if I do not state how much I am a sucker for the themes in this number. Carolyn's portrayal of loss injecting blasts of humor and suspense awards this book with tear-jerking and laugh out loud moments. With themes that are still fresh (seriously, who hasn't dealt with loss—the loss of a parent and the problem of moving on after recovery), I'm sure this title would be just so relatable to everyone. It's no secret we all wish we could see the dead, get back with our loved ones who died, have a second chance with them, and reading about one character who just has it is both intriguing and frankly, bugging (ugh, not fair at all)— star to that.

I love the life the characters in this title had. They were just so real and fully developed sometimes I thought this book was more than fiction. From the adorable little son, Josh who was so thoughtful and understanding (despite his age) and acted quite mature to Emily, the drama queen teen. The lovely husband so like David Conrad in Ghost Whisperer, and Mel, the cupcake-obsessed friend.

This book didn't lack OMG moments. And at moments when things were going a bit low tempo Carolyn shocks you with a discovery that leaves you on tenterhooks. Even the end of this book just made me want more. A real Ghost Whisperer season finale ending.

It's obvious I am giving this book five stars.

Carolyn's memorable debut can be found on....

I recommend this title to anyone who is a sucker for Ghost Whisperer (like I am). Anyone who's in for something humorous yet carries a soulful and dense message. Any woman finding it hard raising their kids and wondering what MTV is doing to teens of today. If you also see ghosts or have always wanted to you would adore this title. Or you want to transform your boring housewife life, Angela Panther might help you with the transformation.

Can't wait for the next installment in the Angela Panther series coming out this November.

My work not done here. Off to post my review on both Goodreads as well as Amazon.

Book News: It Ain't Easy Being Jazzy By Quanie Miller.

Debut author, Quanie Miller's book It Ain't Easy Being Jazzy is out and available on Amazon.

Blurb: Jazzy secretly wants to get back together with her ex boyfriend, Curtis, so when he calls and reveals that he’s got something important to tell her, she’s got no idea that he’s about to propose—to her first cousin and bitter rival, Mercedes.

The annual family dinner is coming up, and fearing that she will spend the evening seething while Mercedes flaunts her four carat engagement ring in her face, Jazzy asks Reggie, an Adonis she met at the mall, to accompany her. As fate would have it, not only did Reggie and Mercedes used to date; that backstabbing,leopard print wearing cow is still carrying a torch for him! Revenge. It’s never been so sweet.

But falling for Reggie? Holy crap! That wasn’t part of the plan! She’s got enough on her plate as it is with a mother who spies on the neighbors and a sister and best friend with man problems that could land them on Jerry Springer. So when Curtis comes sniffing around again—this time, with an accusation that sends her blood pressure shooting through the roof— the one good nerve that Jazzy’s got left has just about run its course.

Quanie's book won my heart, and I trust it will win yours too if you are in for a big surprise. Let's say, you don't believe in my heart... or you are just heartless, Quanie's book won our Best Upcoming fic contest (see page above) with Meredith Schorr's Blogger Girl and Sylvia Ashby's Pot Love.

Let's say none of the above doesn't move you, here are five reasons to purchase Quanie's debut.

1. I don't really give this reason, but I have to. It Ain't Easy Being Jazzy is nothing like an Indie author's debut. It's written to perfection with no typos and all other features that might make you drop down a book. There's an author who paid attention to the numerous How To Transform Your Manuscript Into A Masterpiece articles available on the web.

2. It's chick-lit. And by that I mean very hilarious.

3. If you want to read about a heroine that's a no-no in conventional chick-lit, It Ain't Easy Being Jazzy is your kinda novel.

4. Or you want to try an author fresh with a not-heard-before voice, Quanie Miller is your kinda girl.

5. Also purchase it if you love outrageously hilarious black romantic comedies, exhibiting girl power...

Quanie's 5* debut is available on Amazon. If you are not still convinced, my review of It Ain't Easy Being Jazzy is here.

Thanks to Chick-lit Plus, Quanie would be going on tour on November. So head on to Chick-lit Plus and note down blogs partipating in the tour.

I heart Quanie Miller and can't wait for her next.

Signing Off,

Kobby.

Book Review: It Ain't Easy Being Jazzy By Quanie Miller

Blurb: Jazzy secretly wants to get back together with her ex boyfriend, Curtis, so when he calls and reveals that he’s got something important to tell her, she’s got no idea that he’s about to propose—to her first cousin and bitter rival, Mercedes.

The annual family dinner is coming up, and fearing that she will spend the evening seething while Mercedes flaunts her four carat engagement ring in her face, Jazzy asks Reggie, an Adonis she met at the mall, to accompany her. As fate would have it, not only did Reggie and Mercedes used to date; that backstabbing,leopard print wearing cow is still carrying a torch for him! Revenge. It’s never been so sweet.

But falling for Reggie? Holy crap! That wasn’t part of the plan! She’s got enough on her plate as it is with a mother who spies on the neighbors and a sister and best friend with man problems that could land them on Jerry Springer. So when Curtis comes sniffing around again—this time, with an accusation that sends her blood pressure shooting through the roof— the one good nerve that Jazzy’s got left has just about run its course.

With such a memorable and hilarious debut, Quanie Miller has established herself as Queen of HoodChick-lit.

Jasmine T. Peacock a.k.a YouTube Woman (famously known in San Jose for Dutty Wining in public) might not have the perfect life given that she's recently been dumped onto the dating market, but with family and friends/frenemies/neighbors of unforgettable (euphemism for wacko) characters her life is always a fun rollercoaster ride bordering on more highs than lows. Until her ex makes an unexpected proposal to her rival-since-birth cousin,Mercedes. She's coerced by her Grandma Dottie to play safe and be bridesmaid if she doesn't want to be written out of her will. But she meets Reggie, ex of Mercedes, and her plan to show Curtis she's moved on and no longer the girl who refused to consign for him on a car is spearheaded right into Mercedes' non-graces.

In her professional life, she's got her boss Lynette to deal with and her incessantly, annoying demands. Being just a common secretary, she's kept out of important company decisions and even the company's main agenda. She's not worth telling than the yellow notepads all the executives carry around, jotting down important stuff from their "conferences". Highly curious, Jasmine is determined to find out what might be the end of IBG Solutions.

Meanwhile, her personal life is tearing apart with her mother deciding on going into P.I offering services for free, her sister, Annie, facing the wrath of her boyfriend's mentally sick baby-mama, her friend, Serai, being auctioned out for suitors by her family, and worse, she's falling for Reggie, when she's sure she's done with men.

Will Jasmine be able to keep her wacky friends, family and professional life all under control, or would she cave under and end up a hood rat?

This book cracked me up, like really, really cracked me up. College is growing ever-hectic but every time I picked Quanie Miller I laughed and laughed and laughed. I love comedy-forward authors;authors who would go lengths to make their readers laugh even if it means putting their characters into incredulously humorous situations.

My second star would go to the characters in this book. There's none that falls short of being humorous. Each and everyone of them made me crack up. From our lead's mother indulging in more than a little sex with handymen and spending too much time with foreplay (sending the house into a blackout and lighting candles for dates) for a woman her age, to Aunt Cleotha, Serai's aunt who has the tendency of clutching her pearls and logging into her online dating profile just to see a smiley face, to J.Nubbs the psycho baby-mama on Annie's petite tail. And so much more. Every character delivered. And I just had too much of a blast.

Third star would go to the uniqueness of Quanie's writing. Quanie is true to her voice and identity and language. By her third book, I see Quanie establishing herself as the queen of HoodChick-lit in this market vacant with literature of chicks of color and attitude.

Fourth star should be awarded to the plot of this novel. So many twists and turns that you can hardly keep in touch with your pillow. I had to force myself to bed in order to wake up for lectures scheduled for early hours.

I love, loved this book. But... judging on the whole package, I find its blurb very light. The story portrays more than given out in the blurb, especially Jazzy's little espionage in her professional life which held majority of my interest.

So overall, I give this book 4.5 stars.

It Ain't Easy Being Jazzy is available on Amazon on the fifteenth of October.

I recommend this book for anyone who wants something or a lead that goes against normal chick-lit etiquette.Anyone looking for a lead with attitude, born and raised from the Hood who isn't afraid to 'open up a can of whup ass' (but can't because her fat behind is worse than her bite). If you just looking for a humorous read, pick this up too.

All hail Queen of HoodChick-lit, Quanie Miller. Fantastic debut, expecting more from you soon.

My work not done here. Off to post my review on Goodreads as well as Amazon.

Cover Release: Conditional Love By Cathy Bramley

From our discovery of hot, fresh Quainie Miller (catch pre-release review of her debut, It Ain't Easy Being Jazzy, soon), comes are new debut author on the blog, Cathy Bramley.

We are on a mission to discovering the best debut indie authors, yippee!!!

Cathy is releasing her debut single, Conditional Love, with a voice that's so humorous yet true to her tone (Would know because I am best tweeps with her). Check out the stunning...

Cover

Blurb:Sophie dreams of building her own grand design, she just hasn’t got round to it yet... Meet Sophie Stone, a thirty-something serial procrastinator. Tesco knickers, Take That and tea with two sugars is about as exciting as it gets. Sophie’s life is safe and predictable, which is just the way she likes it, thank you very much. But when her boyfriend dumps her on Valentine’s Day and a mysterious benefactor leaves her an inheritance, even Sophie has to accept that change is afoot. There is a catch: in order to inherit, Sophie must agree to meet the father she has never seen. Not a fan of surprises, Sophie would rather not; why not let sleeping dads lie? Besides, her mother would kill her. With interference from an evil boss, bickering flat mates, warring parents and a sexy ex-boyfriend, Sophie has plenty to contend with without an architect who puts his foot in it every time he opens his mouth. But it soon becomes clear that she will have to face the past and learn some uncomfortable home truths before she can finally build a future on her own terms.

There's news of a book launch, just in case you want to pop up at the Lambley Book Exchange. Cathy Bramley, author of debut romantic comedy Conditional Love is attempting to host the world’s smallest book launch at the Book Exchange, in the Nottinghamshire village of Lambley on Saturday 5th October at 11am.

Message from Cathy Bramley.

Hi Kobby,

Thank you so much for inviting me over to your Chick Lit Pad today to talk about my debut novel. But before I do that I’ve been examining the two ladies you have sitting at the little table and trying to decide which one I’d like to be. I’ve decided to be the one with the cute brown bob because she’s wearing a fabulous pair of boots (I adore boots and have about fifteen pairs) and she is drinking coffee (I’m a total caffeine addict)!

So, to my book… Conditional Love was great fun to write because I’ve incorporated several of my favourite topics into it:

Chick lit–I don’t have a problem categorising my work as chick lit; I love the genre and have read hundreds of fantastic books from the likes of Allie Spencer, Jenny Colgan, Freya North, Paige Toon, Katie Fforde…. I could go on!

Grand Designs – This is a British property TV show where (usually) a couple have a dream to build their own home without any experience and then have to have all their mistakes and disasters shown on TV for the whole world to view! Actually property is a big theme in my life and my husband and I built our own home (but didn’t go on TV!).

Nottingham – The book is based in Nottingham, my home town for the last twenty five years and also home of Robin Hood and Maid Marian, my favourite romantic couple! Several of my friends have asked whether they are in it, to which I reply that the characters are a blend of people I’ve met over the years. It wouldn’t surprise me if someone recognises something about themselves in one of the characters! Sophie Stone is nothing like me; I’m more of a ‘jump in and worry about the consequences later’ person. However, I did refer back to my own experience for Sophie’s unfortunate mistake in the boardroom. But I’ll leave readers to find out more for themselves! I hope you enjoy reading Conditional Love as much as I enjoyed writing it. Best wishes and hope to see you soon on my Facebook page!

Cathy

Good news: You can pre-order Conditional Love on

So hope to catch out my review of Conditional Love. I am betting I would have a blast. So pre-order while copies are available because, turns out, no one promotes like Cathy Bramley.

In college. First night. Going to sleep with new roommies I might end up hating all my stay.

Signing off,

Kobby.

Cover Reveal: Another Shot At Love By Niecey Roy.

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Niecey Roy is back. For good. From her debut Fender Bender Blues which won four "smooches" (like Niecey likes to call it) from me, and so many hearts, it happens we would be seeing more of Niecey in the near future because this new title is a series.
This cover got Niecey promising me to swear an oath not to release it before it's due date. And it so happens after lots of biting my nails and keeping myself busy tweeting all weekend, I managed to prevent this... from slipping through my email:
Cover (Why don't we forget the blurb altogether and pre-order?) Blurb: Imogen Gorecki has a problem—her twin sister just got engaged, and guess who’s the best man? That’s right, her scum-of-an-ex-boyfriend whom she caught cheating with a bottle-blonde, with fake breasts and a stripper’s flexibility. There’s a disturbing possibility her eyes will never recover.
Gen needs a date for the engagement party, but finding Mr. Perfect in a time crunch is proving impossible. Just when she’s about to give up, she face-plants into the crotch of the sexiest guy she’s ever met.
Matt Sesnick is everything Gen wants in a man —except he’s not interested in a relationship. Can she convince Matt to take another shot at love, or will Gen’s pregnant, hormonal older sister, her bridezilla twin, and all of her past Mr. Wrongs get in the way of their happily-ever-after?
(Another shot behind)


Message from Niecey Roy
I had a hard time categorizing my baby. You see, it's full of adult content (yes, smexy, steamy, tear your clothes off adult content), but the heroine is only 23, a year out of college, and she's definitely not enjoying a dream career. She experiences a few relationship firsts, and she's definitely not as confident as a woman ten years older would be. She's 23. You've either been there and know what I'm talking about, or you are there and know what I'm talking about.
But this is nowhere near the angsty, dramatic, make you want to tear your hair out, punch something, make you cry, emotionally draining novels you might be used to seeing in contemporary NA lately. You will find no aborted pregnancies, rape, abuse, drug addiction, etc., in my novels. This is make you sigh romance, laugh out loud romance, with a chick-litty feel. This, my Cupcakes, is a ROMANTIC COMEDY, a HUMOROUS CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE.
When you're reading it, I want to know you're smiling. And when you finish it, I want to know you're STILL smiling.
If you're looking for a break and a feel-good romance about young, flirty, fun characters and laugh-out-loud moments, then Another Shot At Love is for you :) I promise! Hugs & Smooches, Niecey.
Another Shot At Love will be a click away in November. Check out my pre-release review.
Oh, did I mention there will be a giveaway? In the meantime, do check out Fender Bender Blues if you haven't.


It's Available on... Click here for my review of Niecey's hilarious debut. Signing off,
Kobby ---------------—----—-------——--------------------
Other posts on Niecey Roy:
Day In The Life by Niecey Roy.

Day In The Life: Filipa Fonseca (Author of The Strange Year Of Vanessa M.)

I call Filipa Fonseca my jewel because she kick-started my excitement for blogging and changed my perspective of indie chick-lit.  From her published titles The Strange Year Of Vanessa M. (formerly published in Portuguese and adapted into English) and Thirty Something, I am a sucker for her themes mostly about divorce, happiness and starting over when you've hit rock bottom.

If like me, you've been wondering what the Portuguese acclaimed and Giving-English-Authors-A-Scare author does in her free time, here you have it. Fonseca, take it from here:

                         

My day usually begins around 8am with my baby calling for me. Since he was born I never had to set up the alarm clock again. Then it’s the regular family routine: dress up, eat breakfast, feed Gucci the cat, prepare meals, leave the house, return to the house because I forgot something (the cell phone, the snack bag, the wallet, the sunglasses...), get on my bike and leave to the office.

I work full-time as advertising creative. I specialize in copy-writing and my daily tasks consist in creating engaging and (hopefully) not-too-annoying ad campaigns for different products such as beer, computers, banks or even cars. I work with my art director and long-time friend Sofia, who also illustrated the covers of both my books. It’s wonderful to work in a creative atmosphere of an advertising agency. 

My Bike

Whenever I have a long break (waiting for a client’s reply, for instance, which sometimes takes more than a day) I put on my writer’s skin: write down ideas, short stories, blog entries, respond to fan email and promote my books online. When I’m writing a book I take those breaks to edit what I wrote the night before or finish a chapter. Sometimes it’s annoying not being able to write my books whenever I want or feel inspired, but I learned how to live with that. I would probably have a few more books published if I wrote full time, but I still need this job to pay the bills. 

Me And Gucci

Around 6pm I go home, grab my baby and go to the park. When we return we go back to family routine: grocery shopping, baby bath, make dinner, set table, do some laundry, clean baby mess, put baby to bed and finally lay down on the couch. That’s when I close my eyes and think about my stories, the ones I have to make time to put down on the paper somehow. At least until my husband sits down next to me and kindly demands his share of attention.

Me And My Books

Mummy Time.

Hard? You bet. But while I can’t control my brain and tell him to stop inventing characters and stories, that’s what I’ll do.

 There you have it. Fonseca shouldn't be any stranger to you.


Filipa Fonseca is author of...
 

The Strange Year Of Vanessa M.

Thirty Something: Nothing's How We Dreamed It Would Be

Click here for my review of The Strange Year Of Vanessa M. and stay awake for my review of Thirty Something.


Buy Fonseca's Novels on Amazon

Filipa loves it when readers get social, like her facebook page and follow her on twitter.


Signing Off,
Kobby.

Book Review: One Pink Line By Dina Silver

Blurb: Can the love of a lifetime be forever changed by one pink line? Dina Silver's tender, absorbing novel, One Pink Line, is a warmhearted, wry story of love, loss and family, as seen through the prism of one singular, spirited young couple who find themselves in a predicament that changes the course of their lives, and those closest to them. With heart, humor and compassion, this debut work of women's fiction is certain to stir anyone who relishes a good laugh, can stand a good cry, and, above all believes in the redemptive power of love.

This unique, contemporary story gives readers a dual perspective. Sydney Shephard, a sweet-tempered, strong-natured college senior is young, in love with an exceptional man, and unexpectedly pregnant. Faced with a child she never planned for, she is forced to relay this news to her neurotic mother, relinquish her youth, and risk losing the love of her life. Then there's Grace, a daughter, who believed she was a product of this great love, grows to realize her existence is not what she assumed, and is left with profound and puzzling questions about who she really is.

Spanning generations and every imaginable emotion, One Pink Line reveals how two points of view can be dramatically at odds, and perhaps ultimately reconciled. Simultaneously deeply felt and lighthearted, One Pink Line deftly mines how the choices we make are able to alter so many lives, and how doing the right thing and living honestly can bring unexpected, hard-won happiness. It's a must-read for anyone who craves a great love story, absorbing characters, and plenty of laughs along the way.

I had my first real boyfriend in high-school when I was almost seventeen. His name was Nick, and his family was Italian. My dad always said that Italian boys are only after one thing.

"What's that, Dad?" I'd inquire.

"The same thing every other boy is after," he'd say.

An ecstatic debut by Dina Silver narrating a story of life altering mistakes, childhood sweethearts coupled with wild and fun teen years.

Though this book was published way back in 2011, there's nothing ageing about it. The themes are still fresh and current, applicable in the lives of so many women today and forever.

One Pink Line follows the stories of two young women, Sydney and Grace whose lives are drastically altered as a result of mistakes committed in the past.

This story kick-starts when Ethan and Sydney meet at her best Friend, Taylor's birthday party. The two instantly take a liking to each other after one steamy spin the bottle game. Now the two are going fast in a newly-formed relationship consisting of more making out at wherever than necessary. They are the perfect epitome of lovesick teenagers. Until Ethan returns to College and Sydney begins college in a different city far from the boy she'd grown to adore. With pain and lots of tears and more making out, the two finally part after one last encounter.

College comes with sororities and fraternities, new people, new friends, parties, booze and dances. Summer vacations arrive with Ethan and more making out at public and secluded spots.Sydney manages to stay faithful to Ethan, until her senior year, after one drunken night finds herself out of bed one morning with one of her closest friends, Kevin.

Her final exams are looming and she's pulling all-nighters to pass her Spanish exam, with a dreaded thought she realizes her period is weeks behind. And soon confirms her fears after seeing pink lines on a home pregnancy test kit.

Grace, being awkwardly tall and the odd one in her family, realizes at eleven after one lesson in sexual education at school, that she's not the child of the man she's known all her life as father. This revelation shocks her world, and leaves her in utmost confusion questioning if she's with her biological family.

Sydney faces the most difficult decision that would alter her life no matter her choice.

Will she do what's right and keep the baby? Or, would she do what's right and get rid of it?

I adored this title, an emotional journey of a new adult portrayed with a tint of humor and so much heart that gives the story depth making you reach for your Kleenex at some moments and laugh your heart out at others.

I am a bit skeptical about an (indie) author's debut , only a few very gifted ones manage to pull it off excellently. Dina Silver is one of those gifted ones teaming this dense chick-lit with subtle humor and a constant suspense keeping you flipping and flipping to the fulfilling end.

My first star of the book would go to Dina's constant fast feature which she makes no formal announcements of but marks the beginning of a chapter with the words 'Sydney' or 'Grace' so you know who's now narrating in first person. To me all writers are sneaky originators, always plotting to keep you dumbfounded, you never know if they are going to go with the obvious or turn things around before you know it. So as much as possible I kept reading these two stories of these two women with a huge gap in age difference differently, never did I try to make a connection. I wanted to view it as a writer portraying the same theme of illegitimacy using different characters. When I found out there was a connection after convincing myself to believe my assertion above, I was gobsmacked.

I loved how relatable this theme of unwanted pregnancy was. Many at times, women all over the world after getting themselves into these situations are plagued with the toughest question: To abort, or not to abort. I love chick-lit that preaches on these life-altering moments when all of a sudden you think you have it all in (birth) control then the next minute, you don't. Every, every woman can relate to this theme whether you've experienced bringing forth a child out of wedlock or not-second star.

My third star would be awarded to the cast of this title. You'd love Sydney's mother who keeps books on parenting as her bible, her father who's always on Sydney's side when her mom gets annoying, Kendra the always supportive sister. Oh speaking of support, you'd love the support in this book from characters who surprise you by being least supportive, to characters who surprise you by being very supportive. Characters who keep coming back despite our lead girl's mistake, to characters who don't bother returning calls. With a cast of funny and very well-constructed characters, I had a blast reading this title.

Oh, you'd love the structure of this story thanks to the fast-forwarding feature. Everything flows harmoniously to the very perfect end. After you make the connection between the different leads, reading this book is like a breeze and you are saved from the constant brow-furrowing (this book might go against your anti-ageing procedure) and the puzzlement. Very well-written and a quick read.

My final star would go to the surprise elements in this book-the Oh moments of Gees. It's terrific how the story would be going smoothly and to your expectations then one character's appearance in the form of a lawsuit shatters everything. Besides the above, Sydney's decision to abort or not to abort, the Ethan drama, the connection and so much more leaves you shocked at most moments. And what's a perfect Chick-lit without the surprises.

Overall, it's obvious my rating is a five out of five stars.

Dina Silver's surprisingly perfect debut can be found on

I recommend this book for anyone who's experienced the to abort or not to abort situation personally or from a friend, or anyone who hasn't at all. Anyone who wants to go down memory lane to their high-school spin the bottle years and their vibrant or not so vibrant college life. If you want something that's soulful and dense and humorous so you don't empty your Kleenex cabinet, pick this title. I had a blast, and I trust you would too.

Praise to a perfect debut by Dina Silver.

My work not done here. Off to post my review on Goodreads.

Book News: Lying To Meet You By Anna Garner

Anna Garner, popularly known by pseudonym, Libby Mercer, has her finest, Lying To Meet You currently available on Amazon in both kindle and Paperback.

Since the publication of my pre-release review, I had been anticipating for this book to be out so you all can be thrilled as much as I was when reading it.

Blurb: Does being in a relationship make you a hot commodity in the eyes of would-be suitors?

Chloe Lane is about to find out. When her childhood pal, Ethan Webster, asks her to play the part of his girlfriend in order to test this theory, she reluctantly agrees. As a work-crazed fashion designer, boutique owner and soon-to-be reality show judge, Chloe has no time for a real boyfriend, but being part of a faux pair will do just fine. Not that she has any intention of trying to attract someone else.

However…

Opportunity unexpectedly knocks when Chloe meets fellow reality judge, William Shannon. Super successful and super sexy, this high-powered entrepreneur inspires Chloe to test Ethan’s theory herself. Now, on top of keeping her fashion business productive, carving out a new role as a television personality, maintaining a fake relationship and attempting to lay the groundwork for a future relationship, she’s lying to William, lying to her friends, lying to her family and quite possibly lying to herself. Will Chloe be able to keep it all together, or are things about to explode?

Five reasons you would want to pick up Lying To Meet You:

#1 It's Chicklit (By that I mean, it's hilarious).

#2 You would love it if you were a fan of Sex And The City and Lipstick Jungle for it's vibrant New York nightlife and girlfriend brunches.

#3 If you have a passion for fashion, you will need the inside scoop of the life of a struggling designer or just pick it up if you fancy chick-lit portrayed in the brutal world of fashion.

#4 Or you want to snug a guy using very ingenious means just for bragging rights or experimentation.

#5 Or Maybe you are looking for some torrid romance with a billionaire (E. L James style), but you'd rather do without the BDSM, pick up Lying To Meet You.

Follow Chloe Lane's story set in the heart of New York amidst Kate Spade, Anna Sui and all the other high-end stores, and browse through her more-than fair share maze of professional and personal dilemma. The most fun part of reading this book is taking the time to count all the lies Chloe told (Trust me, they more than the Nine LIES of Chloe King).

Rush for your paperback now if you don't want to get the dreaded old and used copies (shivers). Or get a kindle if you are the book-on-the-go kind (like I am).

Always open to emails from readers who'd love to gush about this title.

Click here to see my review of Lying To Meet You.

Signing Off,

Kobby.

Book Review: Just Add Spice By Carol E. Wyer

Blurb: Escape from reality comes in patent-leather Prada kneeboots

Dawn Ellis needs to escape from her painfully dull existence. Her unemployed husband spends all day complaining about life, moping around, or fixing lawnmowers on her kitchen table. The local writing class proves to be an adequate distraction with its eccentric collection of wannabe authors and, of course, the enigmatic Jason, who soon shows a romantic interest in her.

Dawn pours her inner frustrations into her first novel about the extraordinary exploits of Cinnamon Knight, an avenging angel -- a woman who doesn't believe in following the rules. Cinnamon is ruthless and wanton, inflicting suffering on any man who warrants it. Little does Dawn realise that soon the line between reality and fiction will blur. Her own life will be transformed, and those close to her will pay the price. Find out what happens in Just Add Spice by best-selling author Carol E Wyer.

"...No one has managed to track her down or interview her just yet. Mystery sells as much as sex it seems." commented Blake as he stacked up a pile of papers he had marked for the group.

"I bet she's over eighty years old and has a face like a slapped ass." said Craig.

...A fantastic combination of torture and pleasure. Carol E. Wyer dazzles readers with Cinnamon's insatiable appetite to inflict pain on cheats whilst arousing readers' interest (and more) all the same.

People who know me as a reviewer (a terrible, mean one), know that by reading thirty percent of their book, if I am not gripped, I send back an email stating why I can't write a review. This book already had me before two percent. I have read a lot of chick-lit, but none commencing with the lead learning to hotwire a car (thrilling!)

So Dawn is a middle-aged woman-no job, an unemployed husband who doesn't know of her existence, a son who's passed the moving out stage of his life and much too many sagging flesh. (You should see how Carol was vivid about all the sagging buttocks-sweet imagery).

Growing up, it hadn't been easy for Dawn. Pretty rough childhood with one parent dying and the other pushing all his woes into the bottle to have little time to cater for her.

Bored day in day out with her life by a husband who won't last more than twenty seconds in bed (see the saying about 'the older the merrier' is all a lie), she decides to take a writing class suggested by her son, Dan, to pen a novel and achieve something this once in her entire life.

Undergoing a series of writing classes with very hilarious characters-ones that put all their goods on display and ones that don't (so high-school), she takes in the lessons of instructor and best-selling author, Blake Ryder, who's advised them strongly to breathe, live their character to make them believable, Dawn is faced with the challenge of embodying her main, Cinnamon.

Apparently, Cinnamon isn't as sweet as her name suggests. Living the adage, Hell Hath No Fury Like A Woman Scorned, Cinnamon is out to make all the dirty men in the world pay, including their 'other woman'. Before Dawn knows it (in patent-leather Prada kneeboots, of course) she is taking a kick-boxing class, exercising for a firmer ass and buying Viagra online to prevent her from making Cinnamon get an orgasm in twenty seconds (like she doesn't).

But there's a thin line between reality and imagination, and (even in patent-leather Prada kneeboots, of course) Dawn knows she's stepping over, but would she be able to pull herself out before it's too late (I mean,hotwiring first, daylight burglary next?).

This book is so worth gushing about. I adored it right from the onset

I adored Dawn right from the onset.

Beginning this blog, I have read so many funny books. And this is one of them. I am sure this book has added more years to my life because I really laughed a lot (at least that's what my GRUMPY says about laughter). From a funny lead, to the incredibly hilarious cast, Carol Wyer sure knows how to make people laugh. That gives her my first star.

I loved this title for some of the lessons it brought up. Lessons on infidelity, ageing, middle-age fitness, loss, love and... kick-boxing. This book touches on themes that struck a nerve, but portrayed so humorously there are very few crying moments. Don't get me wrong, the depth is there but what's a book that's going to keep you and your box of Kleenex wasted. Certainly not an economical one.

Just like one hunk Jason in this book, I am a sucker for older women, so I like how this book is aligned more to the lives of women who are 'supposed to be keeping it together' rather than women 'single and earnestly on the hunt'-second star.

Also, I wouldn't do justice to this review if I don't mention that it's brilliantly well-written. This story is incredibly light. There are more instances for this novel to be have been titled Just Add Spice and Other Stories, but though there are many stories running alongside the lead's (Cinnamon's and short stories from the members of the writing class), this novel was a really quick-read (just 184 pages). This fascinating feature earned it a star.

I loved, loved Cinnamon's story. It was fun to know you could fuse chick-lit with a psychological thriller. Though she's a bit rougher than her creator, Carol (or rather, Dawn) revealed an emotional side to her that got me both sympathizing and falling hard. But that's no surprise since I love women who come off hard (Hello, Angelina Jolie). This imaginary character's story had a fulfilling end that filled me with warmth (and this isn't because she ended up in Jo'burg)-third star.

And ooh, I have got to buy all the other characters their own novels. From the writing instructor Blake who would stare at the boobs of one student for half an hour and give out really informative tips about writing. To Craig the salesman who got me wondering 'what the hell is a car salesman doing in a writing class?'. To Geraldine who wouldn't do every assignment given because she's been suffering from Writer's Block for over a year (Credible tale). To Viv, the post woman who gets high on almost always catching Dawn in hilarious situations. To Jason, the HUNK, who loves animated movies. I could go on and on... I loved each and everyone of them to pieces-another star.

You would like this book for the numerous surprises in the form of Aahs, Oohs And OhsMG. It's breath-taking (literally). And Carol doesn't make you recover after throwing a punch. She keeps them coming like you can handle them, leaving you thinking "Oh, I never thought... ", "Ah, how come I never saw that coming." and "Ooh, that's some nice..."-final star.

There's just nothing wrong with this work. From start to finish is perfect. Trust me because I sighed contentedly. The resolution, is just so(ooo).... hey do some of you have to get to work? 'Cause I can go on and on.

This title oozes... 5/5 stars.

Just Add Spice is available on Amazon in both kindle format and paperback. Rush for your copies.

I recommend this title for anyone who's looking for something more mature. Anyone who believes fifty is the new thirty. Anyone who's a sucker for themes that struck raw nerves portrayed in a less tearful way. And just anybody, anybody, anybody this book is worth grabbing. I'd appreciate anyone who comes around to gush about Carol Wyer, a little Tea time with Just Add Spice.

If Carol's kick-boxing is as good as her writing ('live, breathe your character'), I wouldn't want to mess with her-even if she's in patent-leather Prada kneeboots

My work not done here. Off to post my review on Goodreads.

Cover Reveal: Facebook Jeanie By Addison Westlake

If you haven't heard of Addison Westlake, you probably haven't heard of the term 'Indie Chick-lit'. Her debut, “Christmas in Wine Country” released in November 2012, was a bestseller on Amazon for six weeks in contemporary romance, women’s fiction, humorous fiction and humor with approximately 25,000 copies downloaded.

Addison announced recently that her long-awaited book, Facebook Jeanie, would be released in both kindle and paperback on the 1st of October.

Though this books seems like it's being released around Christmas era, you can be assured that this is no seasonal read... unless Facebook in December is more appealing to you than sitting and dining with family.

Cover

Blurb:Ever wonder if you made the right choice? What if you could go back and find out?

31-year-old Clara is in a steady relationship—with Facebook. Every night after her depressing bureaucratic job (so much for saving the world), after coming home to her empty apartment Clara settles down with a pint of ice cream for some good, old-fashioned Facebook stalking. It’s her college boyfriend, The One Who Got Away. He now has a perfect marriage, perfect house, perfect life—everything she could have had if she hadn’t been so, so stupid.

But, wait. Jeanie from Facebook shows up at Clara’s job. There’s a new app they’re beta-testing and Clara’s perfect for it. That night she clicks on it and… nothing happens. But the next morning when Clara wakes up at noon, hung over, listening to her roommate blow-drying her hair and singing “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It”, she realizes she’s back in college. With the chance to do it all over again.

Back in the world of frat parties, BFFs, and long-suffering, overlooked lab partners, join Clara as she discovers what it really means to hit the reset button on life. What could possibly go wrong? And, this time, can she get it right?

Message from Addison Westlake Hello to all the fabulous readers and writers at Chicklit Pad! I couldn't be more excited about my new chick lit ebook "Facebook Jeanie", coming out October 1st, and the amazing cover designed by MCM Cover Design. It’s Bridget Jones meets “Groundhog Day” as 31-year-old Clara uses a new Facebook app to go back in time for a ‘do over’ with her college boyfriend, The One That Got Away. If you’re in the mood for laughter and romance, check out “Facebook Jeanie” for a yummy sweet treat of a read.

With a cover like that, I am so fired up to get to it right away. Stay tuned to check out my pre-release review.

Addison Westlake loves to meet up with readers, writers and all lovers of the genre (whatever you might be). And she's known for lots of flattering remarks. Get to her at:

Her Site and Facebook

In the meantime, you guys can get yourselves cosy with Christmas in Wine Country available on Amazon.

Signing Off,

Kobby.

Book Review: The Strange Year Of Vanessa M By Filipa Fonseca

Blurb:

When Vanessa got into her car that winter's afternoon, she had no idea she was setting off on a journey with no return. An inner journey that would call into question a whole life spent living up to other people's expectations.

With tragic and comic episodes that bring together a domineering mother, a hippie aunt, a boring marriage, an insufferable boss and a friend who never knows when to shut up, "The Strange year of Vanessa M." shares Vanessa's voyage of self-discovery with us. And it makes us marvel at the power we have to question things, because there's no end to the pursuit of happiness.

...So Flirting with Forty, minus a vacation-though there's an appearance of a surfing loving hunk who is ten years younger-and an irritating husband.

I am getting pissed at myself for commencing my reviews with: I love, love this book. But I can't help it, I really loved, loved this book (Apologies Niecey for the repetition. Still your unalloyed fan.) If not for the blog work, I would spend another week doing this all over again.

When I say, this book is so(oooo) like Jane Porter's hit, I really mean it. Frankly, I never completed Flirting With Forty. Because I didn't own a copy! I saw the book with a friend at school and this friend was so the kind of "friend" who would walk around campus clasping the book tight in the grip of her underarms to win over guys as the avid-reader type and the intelligent type. Anytime I asked her, she'd never let me have it saying she was so into not sharing written literature (You know how bitchy rich kids can get). But I was so into the blurb of the book, and I didn't want to give up. I doubt she'd be reading this blog (no kidding she's a dimbo), I stole the book. Yeah, gasp all you want. And I am not ashamed I did it. If I even really knew there was a movie, I would still have gone to such lengths. Unfortunately, I didn't finish reading it, because I came from recess one time and found out it was nowhere in my bag.

Reading this book made me somewhat fulfilled. And I really felt I had read from start to finish of you-know-what-book by now.

Another book about mid-life crisis. Another book about reconsidering all choices made in life. Another book about wanting to start over and exploring the world free from all the marital drama and the whatnots. And an exciting and fulfilling one at that.

I am not married. I don't have a kid. I don't have a friend who talks too much (I am probably that friend). I have the most adorable mum in the world unlike Vanessa's traditional one. And most importantly, I am sure if I do have all the above I wouldn't bolt like Vanessa did.

At the opening chapters, I was chaffed at our lead girl there (fortunately her roots are not sticking out like their doing on the cover), no matter how annoying your minors can get, there's no excuse for leaving them on a street and driving off. That's what being a mother is about, tolerating all the tantrums of your little ones no matter how much you would want to drive off (speaking from a guy's point of view). But it turned out, Vanessa had just been pranking the little girl. A prank which the police didn't get. And so did the judge who sat the case and sentenced her to forty sessions of therapy which would determine if she's fit to live as a normal person or one that should be locked up in a looney bin.

Through this therapy, Vanessa gets to acknowledge she isn't happy. Too much tedium, as she puts it. She doesn't know if she loves the husband who might be a prince charming in another fairy tale. She is quite sure she doesn't love her daughter. She isn't happy at her workplace with a boss who (collects dolls and) puts too much workload on her and one woman referred to as the 'Hellcat' happy to make everyone look bad in the sight of the boss (who collects dolls). She realizes all her life she's lived to please her mother. And Diana, she doesn't even know why she's friends with.

One incident of driving leads her to her hippie aunt who's in her sixties. Soon, she is leaving home, her husband, her daughter and to her mother's displeasure, moving in with this aunt.

Her stay is plagued with, concerns of all the wrong turns she'd taken during her lifetime, encounters with men who live with their daddies and mummies, a single lawyer in his thirties who loves to organize a little orgy at home and boyfriends of her aunt who like to troop around 'au-naturel'.

What I loved about this book is the little advice in the form of Vanessa's musings Fonseca drops out, and the ignored reasonings of every day life such as why there are so many nasty characters in this world, or why married couples would allow their waistlines to expand thinking their partners would accept them for who they are then get back in shape when there's a divorce, and why people cheat. Fonseca's view on all these simple everyday questions were fresh, unique and understanding. And you can't miss Vanessa's nights with a cult of divorcées who's opinions on marriage are enlightening.

Stock characters I was enamored with were mostly Frank, the hippy aunt's sixty-something boyfriend who loves going naked during their early hour meditations. Of course Diana whose speeches contributed half the novel size, and the single orgy-loving lawyer who brought most of the romance Vanessa had been lacking being away from her husband.

There's no need to give my usual drumroll to this

5/5 stars piece.

The Strange Year Of Vanessa M. is available on Amazon in kindle and paperback

A perfect read for the holidays. Or when you begin doubting all the choices you've made. I am not sure, but I think that moment of mid-life crisis (mostly with women) is inevitable and you would love this book snuggled between a duvet and a couch, your contacts well adjusted, a constant supply of caffeine in the form of coffee in a mug to take you through. Even if you are convinced you are so happy where you are, with who you are, still pick this book just because you want something entertaining. And trust me, mid-life crisis has never been portrayed any better.

Success through all your crises.

My work not done here. Off to post my review on Goodreads.

Cover Reveal: It Ain't Easy Being Jazzy By Quanie Miller

Author Quanie Miller is releasing her debut novel, It Ain't Easy Being Jazzy and we jumped at the opportunity to host her cover release. A long-high jump before the chance gets whisked off by other bloggers, finding out the book is the real deal (if it's going for $0.00).

So I present to you the first sneak peak of It Ain't Easy Being Jazzy designed by Whit&Ware Design Services.

Cover

:

Blurb: Jazzy secretly wants to get back together with her ex boyfriend, Curtis, so when he calls and reveals that he’s got something important to tell her, she’s got no idea that he’s about to propose—to her first cousin and bitter rival, Mercedes.

The annual family dinner is coming up, and fearing that she will spend the evening seething while Mercedes flaunts her four carat engagement ring in her face, Jazzy asks Reggie, an Adonis she met at the mall, to accompany her. As fate would have it, not only did Reggie and Mercedes used to date; that backstabbing,leopard print wearing cow is still carrying a torch for him! Revenge. It’s never been so sweet.

But falling for Reggie? Holy crap! That wasn’t part of the plan! She’s got enough on her plate as it is with a mother who spies on the neighbors and a sister and best friend with man problems that could land them on Jerry Springer. So when Curtis comes sniffing around again—this time, with an accusation that sends her blood pressure shooting through the roof— the one good nerve that Jazzy’s got left has just about run its course.

Message from Quanie Miller. Thanks for featuring the cover of It Ain’t Easy Being Jazzy on Chick Lit Pad! The novel will be available on October 15 and is loosely based on my experiences living and working in Silicon Valley (although, unlike Jazzy, I have never chased a man with a cast iron skillet). The book will be a great read for those looking for something light, quick, and fun. I hope you’ll have as much fun reading this novel as I had with writing it!

So you heard from Quanie Miller. Stay tuned to Chicklit Pad for a review of It Ain't Easy Being Jazzy before it's release date.

Signing Off,

Kobby.