Book Review: Conditional Love by Cathy Bramley

Available on: Amazon UK, Amazon.com

Blurb: All her life she has dreamed of a home of her own, so what’s holding her back?

Sophie Stone, thirty-something serial procrastinator, lover of Take That, Tesco knickers and tea with two sugars, rarely steps out of her comfort zone.

So when an unexpected inheritance from a great aunt she’s never met forces her to meet her father, it threatens the very foundations of Sophie’s world.

What did the old lady want her to discover? Was there more to her parents’ break up than she was lead to believe?

Sophie will have to face some startling home truths before she can finally build a future on her own terms.

Cathy Bramley brings to notice unambition, fucked-up gold digging boyfriends, crimes against fatherhood, crimes against motherhood, too much Abba, a few tears and more laughter on the way.

Sophie Stone is complacent where she is. Even though it's mostly in her loser SOB gold-digging boyfriend's arms (Note to readers: He can't afford a bed). Once a girl who loved to dream of achieving, now she's stopped dreaming and achieving. And getting her two roomies, Jess and Emma worried.

Now if you were given an inheritance, not broke but just stable, yet feeling this inheritance could make a big, big difference in your life. Obviously you will sing happily, do a victory waltz over to the solicitor's to claim your inheritance, wouldn't you? But there are slight complications, what if you have so much BMI waltzing with ease becomes difficult? Or what if you manage somehow to get to the solicitor's, you get distracted by his unusual nose, listen to the conditions to be handed your due, then you wonder which/who is more repulsive, the solicitor's nose or the dead aunt you never saw your entire life who wants you to see an alive dad with another family who you've never met your entire life.

What if you can't get over your ex? What if you shag him a bit? What if there's a romantic smooch here and there to keep him on his tippy toes wondering whether breaking up with you had been his wisest decision. What if, said SOB is only exhibiting boyfriend material tendencies (in actual fact the only material he's fit for is the dumpster) because he's heard of the inheritance and would stop at nothing for you to part him his due share for stomaching you, you who doesn't care about protein shakes as much as he does?

What if your mum keeps telling you with all seriousness she doesn't know whose kid you are? And the father you thought was dumpster material was better of having than SOB boyfriend? What if you begin to uncover secrets about your family that would change your perception of its membership forever, and make you discover you've been living a lie?

Your friends won't keep from butting their noses into your business, your boss is never in a good mood (because she's hitting fifty), you are being paid to go on Facebook and Twitter, your SOB boyfriend wouldn't stop bothering you (just because you sometimes stupidly call him over), for your mum it's all bull about loyalty and contemplating on performing Abba or Madonna, and one cute architect thinks he can walk into your life with his dog and inveigle you into liking him a teensy bit.

Sophie Stone's life summed up for your utmost delight.

The storyline is unique. Parts and pieces we've all experienced. Like an inattentive parent, a boyfriend who's just in it for the dough and a job we do not have the joie de vivre for anymore. So I think readers would nod at some points.

There humor in this book is just a tad bit above the chuckling level, at least for me. I'm sure I would have found this book incredibly funny if could get past THIS* situation.

The paramount features in this book I adored had to also be the lessons in it. From an outsider's view, we might read and judge Sophie for some of her actions, but let's face it, break ups are hard, and the fear of going single is daunting. So sometimes we get so vulnerable we take some of the worst decisions in relationships we would come to regret. Following your passion, ditching that boy who's in it for your newly acquired inheritance, loving the one you make a home with, forgiving the dad who abandoned you. These and more lessons you will learn from this title.

The characters in this book were also good. I loved Emma and Jess, but I loved Emma more for she represented the voice I would have used in admonishing Sophie. Sophie's boss also held my attention (I find horrible bosses fascinating), Sophie's mum almost made me gag for anyone who had a mother so aggravating.

Did I love this book? Almost. I wish I didn't spend most time seething over Sophie's actions. By the THIS* situation above, I just didn't love how Sophie could stomach all the people she had to be rid of like her (ex) boyfriend and her mum. I really wished it hadn't ticked me off that much, but I'm sure Cathy might have used that as a tool to allow us understand Sophie and not judge, love her for having too much of a kind soul and a Fix It spirit, for which made her a target for others to take advantage of.

But at the end of the day, if the truly the end justifies the means, Sophie's transformation turned out to be remarkable and would bring some level of fulfilment to all readers. In life, we lose our way, but the most important achievement is finding it.

My rating: Four stars.

Cathy Bramley's debut, Conditional Love is available on Amazon.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants a lead they can constantly sympathize and want to smack at the same time. Anyone who needs something with dense themes could also pick this.

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

My Chick-Lit Timeline: Samantha Stroh Bailey (Author Of Finding Lucas)

Fab author, Samantha Stroh Bailey just came back from her Europe/Canada tour with her entertaining debut, Finding Lucas, I described queer-ky and she decided to step on my part of the world to speak a language we all our quite familiar with, Chick-lit!

Stick with her as she goes down memory lane to relay to us, all the Chick-lit that has made an impact on her life from her wee years till present.

My love affair with adult chick lit began quite late, towards the end of university, when my best friend handed me Milk Run by Sarah Mlynowski and said, “Read this.” Well, as a lover of literary fiction and mystery, I scoffed and pointing to her pastel-covered books, I said, “Thanks, but I don’t read that stuff.” Knowing I wasn’t a fan of change, she smiled and said, “Just try it.”

Bridget Jones’s Diary:

Like any chick lit fan, I am itching to get my hands on Helen Fielding’s third installment of Bridget. Mad about the Boy will be published in October, and I think I’ll re-read the first two to get myself in a state of frenzied excitement. Bridget’s madcap antics, hilarious friends and never boring love life changed the face of chick lit forever

Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner.

I adore, revere and lay at the feet of the incomparable Ms. Weiner. I love her edgy plot lines, imperfect characters and page-turning prose. I have read every single one of her books and have loved them all. I have always wanted to be a writer and her books have fueled my passion and drive.

Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin

has one of my favorite covers of all time. I love how simple and elegant it is, and the plot line is one of the best ever written.

Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

made me laugh harder than almost any other book I’ve read. Kinsella is a master at writing over the top situations in the most effortless, breezy and likeable voice.

Rachel’s Holiday by Marian Keyes

cemented her as one of my favorite writers. Dark, smart and always funny, Keyes is brilliant. I was beyond honored to appear with her in a video launching Wattpad’s chick lit feature. I play it over and over. If only I hadn’t giggled.

Brenda Janowitz’s Scot on the Rocks

was just one of the many Red Dress Ink books I’ve inhaled. I also read the sequel, Jack with a Twist (love that title) and can’t wait to read Recipe for a Happy Life.

Eileen Goudge is one of my writing idols, and while she’s not a chick lit author, per se, she writes women’s fiction like nobody else. In fact, she should have been the first author I mentioned because she wrote some of the Sweet Valley High books and also wrote the Seniors series, which I read long before my BFF handed me her pink books. Goudge is a NYT bestseller and her first novel, Garden of Lies, has sold millions of copies worldwide.You would think that someone so successful and talented would be untouchable. Well, not only is Eileen an incredible writer, but she is also kind, lovely, warm and generous, and I am very lucky to call her a friend. Little did I know when I entered this wacky and wonderful author life that I would become close to such amazing people.

And when I published Finding Lucas, I was introduced to a world of authors who I might never have known had I not fallen in love with my e-reader. I still love to browse bookstores and crack the spine on a new paperback, but incredibly talented, lesser known authors don’t often get their books lining bookstore shelves. Here are some authors you should definitely check out if you love chick lit and women’s fiction!

Meredith Schorr

Francine LaSala

Cat Lavoie

Tracie Banister

Anna Garner/Libby Mercer

Lucie Simone

Lydia Laceby

Brea Brown

Sarah Louise Smith

Janis Thomas

Jackie Bouchard

Nicky Wells

Susan Buchanan

Kathleen Irene Paterka

Patricia Mann

There are so many other books and authors, but since I’ve turned 40, my memory has gone completely downhill. Forgive me if I have missed anyone I have read and adored. I know I have. Whether indie or traditionally published, these books make me smile, laugh and cry. And I would love to see all of these books be made into movies because what’s better than seeing your favorite characters brought to life and done right?

In fact,I’ve never seen Confessions of a Shopaholic. Off to do that now!

—————★—★—————

Now that Samantha Bailey has gone through all her shelves with you, if you love her selections, there's no reason not to to stuck your shelves up with her titles (since all these are her influences)

Books by Samantha Stroh Bailey (click image to purchase)

Click here for my review of Finding Lucas.

ATM Samantha is trying her best not to reveal any secrets on her Upcoming novel which is in it's final editing stages, but trust us to get scoop on it [Insert wink here].

Samantha loves it when readers get social so check her out at Twitter | Facebook| Her Fab site.

Big Thank You to Samantha Stroh Bailey for spending time with us after a long pee-stakingly flight. I am grateful.

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:Pot Love By Sylvia Ashby

Blurb: Ashley Burkе, a twenty-six years old International News presenter at an obscure regional channel, is your average next-door girl. She lives with her boyfriend, loves her work and secretly fancies her boss.

When Ashley loses it all through no fault of her own, well, apart from snogging her boss in the loo and getting caught by his fiancée, she needs to act fast to find a new job before rumours spread that she’s been fired. A lucrative vacancy comes her way–hosting a small spot in a popular day-time TV programme – but there is a catch. The job is a cookery spot and Ashley can’t cook to save her life.

Her winding roads take her from Chichester, to London and all the way to Sardinia, to find her way back to what she has lost. But not without breaking a few eggs along the way and taking а few falls.

Can learning to cook burn your heart? Is change inherently bad or can it bring happiness too? And can you befriend people and things you have a grudge with, in order to carry on?

——————————————

'Corinn, is the camera the only thing that’s been stolen?’

‘Yes.’

‘They haven’t taken your wallet, ID, phone?’

‘No. Why would they?’

‘Because they have a lot more value than an ancient camera.’ I hear how my words sound and back track. ‘No offence, I’m sure the camera must have been very special but…’

‘They’ve taken only the camera, because the pictures were in it.’

‘What pictures?’

‘The one I took of Jennifer Lopez snogging Kate Moss in a café'

—————————————

A fine debut. Sylvia Ashby wows readers with an excellent story line and fantastic doses of romance.

Ashley's on the brink of professional success being an International Newscaster, having the perfect boyfriend (who pays no heed to her work-related rants) except she's not secured about her job having only twenty seconds of airtime and dealing with her nemesis, Amanda, who's lead of Local news and has more than enough time on air. But more than enough isn't enough for Amanda as she wants Ashley's...('time' is an understatement) seconds.

Amanda is out to get Ashley's seconds, but is oblivious Ashley's secretly snogging her fiancé. And Ashley hates being the other woman, but it isn't long (a week or so) before Amanda finds out. Then it takes less than twenty-four hours for Ashley to be without a job...

After lots of weeks of moping, losing her boyfriend and her usual joie de vivre, she lands an interview to be the host of a cooking show. But she's terrible and highly clumsy at it-cooking, not presenting-after one incident of closely setting her kitchen on fire in an attempt to crack an egg for an omelet. Luckily she's called in for test-shooting in the new year, and with only twenty-two days to gain some culinary skills Ashley has to act fast before she faces the new year unemployed without a boyfriend, a mother who's known for I-Told-You-Sos and her local audiences finding out she's lost her job.

You should follow Ashley's journey as she tours the finest Italian restaurants in London and Italy with the help of sexy chef, Giacomo, sharpening her culinary skills.

Add burns, scalds, cuts and sultry kisses, then you have a recipe for pasta

I liked the story-line of this book. It's unique. I got reeled in right when I read the blurb. A newscaster loses her job, terribly clumsy, hasn't made a perfect omelet all her life without putting herself in danger, gains a job on one of the popular cooking shows and has to learn to cook in a fortnight plus a few days. A star to the story-line.

Such a relatable heroine. Day in and day out, the chick-lit genre is plagued with chickroineswho do not posses any culinary prowess or don't know the basics to make a meal. I am guessing what's being portrayed a lot is what happens in reality the most, so I am sure you women out there who can't fix something for yourselves and fail terribly to every time you make an attempt would sympathize with Ashley and even love her in the process.

I was nuts for the other characters in this book. From Vedhika the stylist (who I secretly adored than the main character), to her mum, to Francesca and even the characters I detested so much (Amanda and James). I loved reading about each and everyone of them (and that's a shocker since this book was written in first person).-A star to the characters.

Although I liked this book and would totally recommend it to anyone who's a clumsy cook, I really would have loved it if it was light and fluffy. With such a story-line, I wanted the humor to be raised above lip-twitching levels and more to laughing-out-loud heights. A few plot complications could have also made this book a five star read. I am honestly not against books with a smooth rhythmic plot complications but I would have loved it if there were so many twists and turns.

Overall, it's not bad for a debut, the romance/chemistry between our leads was fantastic and the vivid description of destinations throughout the journey from Finchley to London to Cagilari, Italy. Though it lacked consistent humor, that didn't prevent me from reading till the end-and what a fulfilling end it was. It had a great story line and was penned beautifully, all I wanted was a lot more to laugh at since most books over here that get five stars were because they were hundred percent laugh-out-loud reads.

My rating: Four stars.

Sylvia Ashby's zingy and deliciously entertaining debut is available on...(click image to purchase)

I recommend Pot Love for anyone in the mood for chick-lit with mild humor and lots of romance. If you also adore a great story-line which's unique you could also pick this up. Or perhaps you are fascinated by the world of TV, Pot Love gives in depth knowledge of the not—necessarily glitz, but—glam life of TV. This title is for you if you've been thinking recently of taking a little (—or however you decide to define it—)food trip touring the finest cuisines from London, Italy or maybe all Europe.

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

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.

Book Review: Breaking The Rules By Cat Lavoie

Blurb: When twenty-seven year old Roxy Rule’s best friend and roommate accepts a glamorous new job overseas, she expects their relationship to continue as it’s always been—carefree and easy—until they share a heart-stopping kiss moments before his departure. Overcome with mixed emotions, she fights the urge to over analyze the situation and resumes back to her normal life in New York City, working for an intolerable boss at a dead end job, creeping further and further away from her own dreams of becoming a professional chef.

While things become more complicated between her and Ollie, Roxy is sure that nothing can come between two lifelong best friends—not even mild jealousy over a thriving career or a silly little kiss that meant nothing. In fact, it was such a meaningless and forgettable kiss that she convinces herself that it’s not even worth mentioning to her fiancé, although it is all she can think about.

Roxy’s already topsy-turvy life only gets more complicated when her sisters Steffi and Izzie suddenly become her roommates. Steffi is six months into a pregnancy she refuses to discuss and Izzie is in the throes of a premature midlife crisis. Roxy tries to take control of her career, her love life and her sisters – but can she really handle it all? And can the Rule family keep it together – or break under the pressure?

“Wait, one of our buddies is in town and he’s staying at this wicked fancy hotel. We’re all going there to get wasted and trash his room and shit. Wanna tag along?” He stares at Steffi. “One of the guys in the band is really into pregnant chicks.” He looks at me. “And I’m sure one of them is into chicks that are just big."

Fine debut. Cat Lavoie gives us a perspective of New York from the eyes of a heroine who's quite the art of cook book collector.

So Roxy Rules loves using the f-word, eating it and making it. Added to her resume is, family with sisters who have their fair share of slamming rock bottom, friend of a kooky crowd, assistant to a wacko boss, best friend and roommate of Oliver Frost and fiancée of a banker concerned about talking budget-cuts and tacky wedding ceremonies.

One kiss with Oliver at the point of his departure shatters her world and leaves her with the 'why did Ollie (my best friend) kiss me?' and the 'Why did I kiss him back?" and not forgetting, the "Wait, did I enjoy it?-Why did I enjoy it?" questions.

Time passes and the kiss issue is settled with the two undertaking a long-distance friendship. There are much too many problems Roxy has to deal with than a "platonic" kiss. Her sisters have moved in with her (think the ANTM house) and not a day passes without smackdown action. With the older meddling lawyer sister, Izzie, who's been let off from work till she sees a counselor-a case about crushing on a client, and younger sister, Steffi who shows up with a baby bump and chooses to leave it at that ("Woke up with it. Moving in with it."). And as if staying with the two isn't cause to fake a nervous breakdown to avoid work, she has her bugging boss, Greta the Nutter, to deal with. And did I forget the fiancé who's always lecturing her about over-spending and his mother who's pissed at her over-gaining weight.

Soon, constant conflict threatens to dissolve all her relationships (except with her fabulous understanding and supportive cast of friends) and after one more unfaithful act to her fiancé and a shocking paternal discovery, Roxy's world threatens to cave in.

So LOL–can she really handle it all? And can the Rule family keep it together –or break under the pressure?

A tale about finding happiness, a bestfriend, and putting on a little weight to piss your mother-in-law so you don't fit into her wedding dress.

This book would be so relatable to you if you've kissed your best friend (Err, I tried to). Though let's face it, this story-line of breaking then ruining the friendzone is a constant done-before in the chick-lit genre (Lying To Meet You by Anna Garner to name a [memorable] few), Cat Lavoie makes hers unique with well-developed characters and a suspenseful plot.

I don't think there's been a chickroine that is more relatable. She loves food like most women, loves bingeing like most women do, isn't exactly thin like most chick-lit characters are, isn't afraid of putting on pounds, insecure (but not portrayed to irritating proportions). Just about every woman could confess they'd go to a party just because refreshments were on the program list or doesn't mind spending hours in the kitchen if it is slaving for others.-second star.

I liked the supporting cast who were her friends. Adam, the gay who owns a bar doomed for failure since it's establishment, and Tali, the hilarious workplace receptionist whose appearance always put a smile on my face.-third star.

You should love the ending of this book. Especially towards it. The suspense is at its peak when all water breaks loose and it kept me awake through the afternoon (I take naps). It was brilliantly ended with revelation of secrets upon secrets and when you think there's no hope for the chick and her-the rooster, one command to the cabbie changes it all.-fourth star

Now, I liked this book. But did I love, love it? Almost. I really wished the humor could go a notch higher-there were smiling moments and one or two laugh-out-loud ones (I am that shallow, make me laugh so hard and I wouldn't hesitate giving you a five star).

My rating would be 4/5 stars.

Breaking The Rules, Cat Lavoie's fine debut can be found at

in both paperback and kindle.Or you don't want the two (for whatever reason, I don't judge) you should get the audio format also available on Amazon

I recommend this title for anyone who needs a novel with a chick who is more closer to human than a book character. Anyone who values family or anyone who doesn't. And anyone who loves conflict between fiancés, bride-to-bes and mother-in-laws.

Anticipating Cat Lavoie's second novel which I expect to be a laugh-out-loud, beach-y book. See cover here.

Always open to emails from anyone who'd like to gush about Breaking The Rules.

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

Book Review: Love On The Back Burner By Barbara Oliverio

Blurb:Youngest in an Italian-American family that includes one brother who is a rock singer-turned-priest and another who successfully manages the family business, Alexandria D’Agostino wanted to stand out, so she moved from her small hometown and is enjoying a successful marketing career in Denver.

On the advice of her best friend Keira, as well as office pals Natalie and Elliott, she uses the cooking skills learned from her immigrant grandmother and studies the cuisine of each prospective boyfriend’s background to improve her chances at love.

Alexandria encounters comical mishaps along the way including one unexpected dinner for three and a meat-focused dinner for a vegetarian. After a corporate restructure somehow driven by new office heartthrob Cameron Grayson, she flies back home for counsel.

Will she come back to Denver? Or should she re-evaluate the boy next door from high school? Should she finally admit that being a chef is her true dream? And how does Cameron fit on the menu? BONUS: INCLUDES RECIPES FEATURED IN THE BOOK!

"Alexandria!"

"Oh, no, let me go on. I must state unequivocally that Cam Grayson is the perfect male specimen."

I wheeled my desk chair back and spun directly into the object of my flattery.

"Oh, I wouldn't say 'perfect' necessarily," said Cam, attempting to hide a grin. "But on a scale of one to ten-"

"You are a negative twelve!"

Great debut. Barbara Oliverio thrills readers with a recipe of humor and a crisp storyline.

So Alexandria D'Agostino is having a bad streak of luck with men. In her thirties, a marketing manager, a born and bred Italian with the zeal to cook.

After one date gone horrible with a guy who she'd thought to be 'good on paper' hence her Mr. Right, her best friend, Keira, advices her against her tactic to get men using Italian food. Alex is bent on making the best of every potential suitor that walks into her life so she gives heed to Keira's advice.

Now she's taking cooking trips to the South, India, Middle-east all to perfect one dinner for guys who turn out to be so horrible (-one showing up with his fiancée to enjoy a good meal). As though a dark cloud was right above her, ensuring all these potential Mr. Rights turn out to be frogs, she meets very bizarre dates who either have a problem with her food choices or enjoy her meal with the wrong question choices. Just how many frogs does she have to cook for to gain Mr. Right?

Meanwhile, matters in her professional life are also taking a downward turn. The huge workloads suggest the company might be undergoing a buyout-which means less security for jobs, and there's no telling what marketing direction plan the company is taking because every day comes another marketing plan. To make matters worse, one IT heartthrob is going around adjusting the office chairs of everyone and Alex is always seething to put him in place and out of her space. But Cam Grayson never seems to disappear as he joins Alex's food crowd, workplace best friends Elliott and Natalie, going to lunch with them and coming over for a grub at Alex's place.

When one occupational crisis threatens to dissolve her friendships, ties with her family, romantic involvements and most importantly all she's worked for, Alex must decide whether marketing is really what gives her the joie de beef.

If you want a book rich in humor and sarcasm, you'd love this book. With its there's-more-to-humor-than-meets-the-eye approach, you'd have to reason a little to laugh so hard at some stuff in this book. And who doesn't love a little reasoning. With heavy sarcasm, Barbara Oliverio writes Chick-lit that should get you thinking on your feet in order to laugh. This book supports the adage, "She who laughs last, thinks slowest."

Marvellous story line. The whole cooking thing is a not-done-before, all the reference to cooking to create puns and laugh lines, the inevitable invites of Alex's food crowd to enjoy leftover meals from a disaster date. I loved, loved it. Much like Keri Russell's Waitress, but without the abusive husband.

You should love the stock characters in this book. Well-developed, very active despite the book was written in first person. From the American Idol shunned contestant brother turned priest, to the ever-persistent best friend Keira, Natalie and Elliott-the food crowd, Nonna the granny always concerned about Alex growing so 'thin'. I love the whole cast representing Alex's family, their vibrancy, their frequent involvement in the eating and dating affairs of Alex. You would love this title if you love that constant (as well as bugging yet adorable) interruption of family in a lead's life.

Though this book made me laugh out loud at most moments, I'd have to point out the ending was rather abrupt. From the blurb I would have loved a little more extension from when our lead hit rock bottom.

After the epilogue, Barbara Oliverio dishes out all the recipes of meals featured in this book-recipes passed on by her mother. If you love Italian, a kindle of this book is a good bargain.

So all in all, reading Love On The Back Burner is like dining in a star Italian restaurant.

Love on The Back Burner is available on... (click image to purchase)

In both kindle and paperback.

I recommend this title for just about anyone who loves a tasty Italian meal. Or for whatever reason you hate Italian, there's Southern, Indian and Middle-east dishes to choose from. You should also pick up this title if you enjoy a highly humorous and witty lead with an attitude.

I am always open to emails by readers who'd love to gush about Love On The Back Burner.

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

Book Review: Finding Lucas By Samantha Stroh Bailey

Blurb: Can you ever really go back to the past?

After five long years of living with Derek, her former bad-boy-turned-metrosexual boyfriend, Jamie Ross finally reaches her breaking point. She's had enough of his sneering disdain for her second hand wardrobe, unusual family and low-paying job as the associate producer of Chicago's sleaziest daytime talk show. When her new boss plans a segment on reuniting lost loves, Jamie remembers Lucas, her first love and the boy she'd lost ten years earlier. Spurred on by her gang of quirky friends, Jamie goes on a hilarious, disastrous and life changing hunt to track Lucas down. But are some loves best left behind?

He keeps squeezing my ass and sighing with pleasure.

Now he does it again, and says, "Never lose this. It is so goddamn sexy."

"Really?"

"Really." He assures me and flips me over so he can bite it.

"Ow!" I yell.

But, it feels so good.

...Oh my, Oh my, this book is very good. It's just so... quirky-sorry, queerky.

Samantha is very brazen. Draws in things that are not in your everyday chicklit. And she never ceases to dazzle as she keeps bringing in more and more of these strange things that might make you wish this book is fantasy. I wouldn't call this number light and fluffy. Quite dense and soulful, less than a mile away from Women's Fiction.

So Jamie is with her long-term boyfriend of five years who can't get her an orgasm (unless it's a price tag at Bergdorf) that she's now accustomed to spending more time in the shower (with the shower head) than she's known to. She has a job as an associate producer to a low-key talk show, lacks motivation and has a talent for staying glued to the boob-tube. I found her boring, and her lack of self-esteem annoying (despite her friends kept telling her she was gorgeous). I am hoping that's what Bailey was aiming for since she was vivid on these traits that ticked me off. It's no surprise Derek, the metrosexual and mummy's boy boyfriend wanted to transform her-into an image I wasn't fond of either (unless, being a housewife who raised kids and baked all day is a thrilling image to you).

Eventually, Jamie accepts the fact that, her then-Derek is way different from the now-Derek who would only get into the few sex positions that wouldn't muss up his hair and was so keen on her cutting the flab by undertaking extreme sports only him could endure. I was a fan of Derek wanting her to change, get-into-shape, but wasn't really crazy for the housewife image he wanted to impose on her. No wonder I was thrilled when she broke up with him.

But things get bad as Jamie isn't able to cater for herself with her measly income, being those kinds of women who allow their boyfriends who haven't spoken a word about marriage pay for everything. Ugh. Following the advice of her very, well, odd friends, she takes on the mission of finding Lucas-her high-school 'part-time friend, part-time you-know-what' (as they call a fuck buddy where I come from). It's clear to her she wants happiness, happiness only Lucas could give-No surprise there, because Derek wasn't as good as her shower head.

I think that's enough of the spoilers. Now to why, this book made my week.

I loved the cause. The whole Finding Lucas idea was very exhilarating. Yeah, everyone wants a second chance, we all wonder whether there would have even been a happy-ending if our crushes we fantasized about so much took a chance with us. And Samantha is one of the smartest writers to use this as a ploy in an attempt to get readers turning pages. Though I wasn't really a fan of Jamie, I was always on tenterhooks to find out if she ever will find Lucas. And if she ever did, would he be Mr. Right? Because following Alexandra Potter's You Are The One That I Don't Want you always know the obvious guy wouldn't be Mr. Right. I was praying, hoping this Lucas guy might just be (owing to some very enticing flashbacks Samantha brought up).

Secondly, I loved the cast of this book (excluding Jamie, of course). Leah and Katie-the mother and her equally hippy significant other were fun to read about. I was always raising brows to some of the acts Samantha was so brave to reveal. Like Lucy, the queer friend who isn't the least shy about her sexuality and contributed mostly to Jamie's quest to find Lucas. And Rachel-the sister who's teenage drama she'd relay to anyone whether or not they were interested. Hannah, the lingerie mogul-ess who's fierce personality got me wishing she'd slap some over to Jamie. To Giddy Amy and Silent Chris-the not-so-normal couple roommates who have some skeletons in their home "office". All these unusual characters made me have a blast.

Also, like any fantastic Chick-lit, this number has a lot of OMG moments, and ones that make you scream "Not HIM too!" It kept my excitement running non-stop for this book.

The introduction of one pestiferous co-worker and the final SHOWdown that led to Jamie's transformation from the Girl with Self-esteem issues to the girl with so much confidence that I was gob-smacked and kept asking myself, where was this side all along?!!

Don't blame me, I am not only a sucker for happy-endings, but I am a sucker for great/perfect endings. And this book had it.

Though I totally loved our lead girl towards the end, and instantly had a change of heart, there was one thing I couldn't overlook: Her constant dwelling on the past and failing to move on even after the breakup. I wasn't enamored with how she kept going back down memory lane to Derek wondering why he'd changed from the then-guy to the irritating dick-bag (new insult on the block) he had become. Why did she keep musing about Derek when I was expecting some action now that she was rid of him? I know being a guy, you ladies (at #ChicklitChat) might be thinking: Try getting out of a relationship you've invested five tedious years of your life, asshole. But, it just didn't sit right with me.

Overall, I compliment Samantha Stroh Bailey for going where no Chick-lit author dares-a very tricky attempt your average debut author wouldn't consider. Plus one to her ability to make her debut memorable-something not all best-selling authors now could do.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Samantha Stroh Bailey's spectacularly queerky and thrilling debut, can be found on Amazon in both kindle and paperback.

I recommend this hilarious title to anyone ready to read something out of the ordinary chicklit yet want to have a blast. Anyone who thinks their lives are full of shitty embarrassing circumstances would be appreciative of whatever they have after reading this. You should also pick up this title if you want a book rich in back story and not so light and fluffy but dense and, uh, intellectual (as Samantha puts it).

Certainly looking forward to Samantha Stroh Bailey's next.

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.