Cover Reveal: Love Illusions by Chineka Williams

Fellow chicklit blogger, Chineka Williams, is releasing her debut novel, Love Illusions, and I am happy to be hosting the cover reveal. So here you have it, the cover of Love Illusions:

 Synopsis

Lucy is a confident PR professional, who is fearful of her troubled ex-boyfriend Charles. He is in denial about their breakup. With issues of alcoholism and abandonment, he spirals out of control.

Meanwhile, Lucy’s best friend Jade has found love and is about to get married. She is a loyal friend who is there for Lucy every step of the way.

Feeling trapped, Lucy is determined to fight back against Charles, but it won’t be without complication. After great debate, she optimistically accepts a new job offer miles away. Lucy soon embarks on an uncertain journey all connected to love.

                                                                     Message from the Author

Thanks for featuring the cover of my debut novel, Love Illusion, on Chick Lit Pad. For those that read this book, I hope that you like the topics discussed and the character growth that is involved with each of the main characters. The novel will be available on February 3, 2014 via Kindle, Nook, and iTunes. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a great read!

About the Author

Chineka Williams found a love of reading and writing early on as a child. She is a graduate of North Carolina Central University with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Books and Stilettos is the blog that she maintains for all things women's fiction and writing updates. Outside of reading, her hobbies include baking, playing the clarinet, and photography. She can always be seen with a cup of tea close by. Love Illusion is her debut novel. 

Very excited for her since it's always a joy to see a colleague take publishing by the horns and "woo-hoo" all through the exciting process. All the best, Chi Chi!

Signing off,
Kobby.

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.

Cover Reveal: Hard Hats and Doormats by Laura Chapman

Synopsis

Lexi Burke has always been a stickler for following rules and procedures. As a human resources manager for a leading Gulf Coast chemical company, it’s her job to make sure everyone else falls in line, too.

But after losing out on a big promotion––because her boss sees her as too much of a yes-woman––Lexi adopts a new policy of following her heart instead of the fine print. And her heart knows what it wants: Jason Beaumont, a workplace crush who is off limits based on her previous protocol.

While navigating a new romance and interoffice politics, Lexi must find the confidence to stand on her own or face a lifetime of following someone else’s orders.

Who says nice girls have to finish last?

To celebrate the cover reveal for her debut novel, author Laura Chapman is sharing behind-the-scenes tidbits about the making of Hard Hats and Doormats here and on other blogs with her “Hard Hat Confessions.”

Here’s Confession #2

About the Author 

Laura Chapman found a way to mix her love of romance and humor as a women’s fiction author and blogger. A 2008 graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Laura studied journalism, English and history. She traveled across the United States as a writer/photographer before settling into a career in communications. She also maintains Change the Word, a blog devoted to promoting women’s fiction and documenting her experiences as a writer. Born and raised in Nebraska – in a city, not on a farm – she is a devoted fan of football, British period drama, writing in bars and her cats, Jane and Bingley. Hard Hats and Doormats is her debut novel.

Connect with Laura

Website (http://www.laurachapmanbooks.com/)

Blog (http://change-the-word.blogspot.com/)

Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/laurachapmanbooks)

Twitter (https://twitter.com/lmchap)

Book Review: Dancing Naked In Dixie By Lauren Clark

Blurb: Travel writer Julia Sullivan lives life in fast-forward. She jet sets to Europe and the Caribbean with barely a moment to blink or sleep. But too many mishaps and missed deadlines have Julia on the verge of being fired.

With a stern warning, and unemployment looming, she's offered one last chance to rescue her career. Julia embarks on an unlikely journey to the ‘Heart of Dixie’—Eufaula, Alabama—home to magnificent mansions, sweet tea, and the annual Pilgrimage.

Julia arrives, soon charmed by the lovely city and her handsome host, but her stay is marred by a shocking discovery. Can Julia's story save her career, Eufaula, and the annual Pilgrimage?

Fab, fab, Travel chick-lit. I'd jet-set anywhere with Lauren Clark, after such an amazing read.

Julia Sullivan is already over the brink of success with her "job" being a travel writer. She's seen IT (Paris, Milan, you-name-it) all, shopped it all, graced her presence there all, sipped it all, ate it all. All the exotics around the globe. And consequently... Alabama.

Alabama! Thanks to her "boss". Her job is now on the line. All she's stopped working for is now about to slip out of her hands. And it's all up to Alabama to save her career.

With a boyfriend who doesn't mind she's quite bland in the emotional department, a mother who just passed away and a dad returning after so long, follow Julia's journey as she zips through idle Eufaula, converse with the too cozy (used in an icky way) people of the South, meets some wacky family members, engage in a little espionage for unmasking a bad guy, losing her heart to a man. And most importantly, making a discovery of her own: the infamous Southern Charm.

The voice of Lauren Clark kinda reminded me of Weisberger's. Really witty, more extravagant descriptions and a magazine a million tourists would die for. I honestly have a soft spot for books written with a setting of a chic, sophisticated magazine. Especially when I want to own one of those thingies someday. So falling for this wasn't hard at all (*smooches*).

Love that it was a chick-lit with substance. One most women would relate to. Loss. I'm sure like me, others would be reading and nodding to the truth in it. Though I haven't experienced it yet, there's never a getting over from the loss of a mother. And Ms.Lauren portrays the theme so well. Without being too dramatic. You could actually feel Julia's pain, share in her numerous lonely moments and empathize her. Perhaps the reason I loved the approach of such a dark subject could be the little moping scenes in it. It's a no-no for me if a wtiter keeps readers down and irritable with a sad lead.

The fact that not an ounce of this book was predictable was just so winkable. If not for the blurb I wouldn't have gained any foresight. And I never guessed where Lauren was taking me because I never minded. Just enjoying the soothingly in-your-face plot with OMG moments that got me turning my kindle over and gasping.

There are lots of characters that made this book rock. Of course, Julia was one of them. The Jordans would be very fun to dine with, if you ignored your host's dad's leers, his mother's drinking habit, his sister's infuriating little daughter and his wacky girlfriend. And you might want to protect your identity from British-speaking roommates who'd want to go New York but only if they new someone there. You might end up loving the too hospitable people of the South in this novel, if you can just forget how touchy they are.

I give this book four stars

Another star could have been released if its humor was way perched up there. Not sure if there were laugh-out-loud moments, but there were some lip-twitching ones in there.

Get Lauren's Sophomore novel, Dancing Naked In Dixie, available on .

I recommend this book for anyone who'd want a makeshift character evolving from a very fast-paced life to a less vibrant and homely one. You would also love this book if you are in for something unpredictable. Or perhaps, you are dealing with loss you think you can't recover? This book might be IT for you especially when you hate the sound of self-help as much as you hate flipping through pages of such books. Or want the perfect holiday location (Alabama)? Hop on.

Can't wait for Lauren's next.

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