Chick Lit

3rd Annual Holly Jolly Chick Lit Hop

December 6, 2018 Leave a Comment

The holidays are just around the corner, which means it’s time for Chick Lit Chat HQ’s annual Holly Jolly Chick Lit Hop and this year it’s bigger and better than ever! 63 bestselling and award-winning authors in the Chick Lit and Romantic Comedy genres are participating in this fun-filled event and each one is doing a fantastic giveaway. Books, author swag, gift cards, and other assorted holiday treats are all up for grabs.

But wait! There’s much, much more. On the hop’s Facebook group page, you can enter to win our Grand Prize—a large holiday gift box filled to the brim with a fabulous variety of holiday and winter-themed goodies (the darling, KitschNStyle gingerbread house apron, Snoozies! sherpa socks, Calvin Klein cashmere pom-pom beanie in petal pink, Too Faced sugar cookie eye shadow purse palette, Sally Snowflakes mug by Bella Pilar, Well Read Women: A Reader’s Journal, and handmade chocolate soaps shown in the graphic below are just a few of the items included in the box!).

We’ll also be handing out four Runner-Up Prizes. Each one is a pair of Fitz & Floyd holiday mugs that will be accompanied by a canister of Williams-Sonoma classic hot chocolate as well as a tin of The Republic of Tea’s Hallmark Channel Countdown to Christmas Tea. So, you’ll have delicious, warm beverages to keep you cozy all winter long!

The celebration runs from Monday, Dec. 3rd through Sunday, Dec. 9th, so head on over to the Holly Jolly Chick Lit Hop Facebook group for some lively conversation with both authors and readers, incredible prizes, and lots of holiday fun! You’ll find each day’s featured authors, along with the links to their pages/giveaways, in the pinned post at the top of the group. We look forward to seeing you there!

*The Grand Prize giveaway is open to US residents only. However, all of the individual author giveaways and the Runner-Up Prize giveaway are open internationally.

Monday, Dec. 3^rd

Rich Amooi https://www.facebook.com/author.richamooi

Tracie Banister https://www.facebook.com/tracie.banister

Beth Carter https://www.facebook.com/authorbethcarter/

Susan Hatler https://www.facebook.com/authorsusanhatler

Holly Kerr https://www.facebook.com/HollyKerrAuthor/

Jennie Marts https://www.facebook.com/JennieMartsBooks/

Robyn Neeley https://www.facebook.com/RobynNeeleyAuthor/

Melanie Summers https://www.facebook.com/MJSummersAuthorPage

Avril Tremayne https://www.facebook.com/avril.tremayne/

Tuesday, Dec. 4^th

Glynis Astie https://www.facebook.com/glynisastieauthor/

Christina Boyd, plus Yuletide anthology authors

https://www.facebook.com/TheDarcyMonologues/

Whitney Dineen https://www.facebook.com/Whitney-Dineen-Author-11687019412/

Jenny Gardiner https://www.facebook.com/jennygardinerbooks

Amy Gettinger https://www.facebook.com/Amy-Gettinger-Author-1412625005719904/

Virginia Gray https://www.facebook.com/Virginia.Gray.Author

Cassandra O’Leary https://www.facebook.com/cassandraolearyauthor

Jean Oram https://www.facebook.com/JeanOramAuthor/

Janice Williams https://www.facebook.com/booksbyjanicewilliams

Wednesday, Dec. 5^th

Maggie Aldrich https://www.facebook.com/maggiealdrichwrites

Shanna Hatfield https://www.facebook.com/AuthorShannaHatfield/

Erin Huss https://www.facebook.com/authorerinhuss/

Julie Evelyn Joyce https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJEJ

Maida Malby

https://www.facebook.com/carpediemchroniclesbymaidamalby/

Kirsty McManus https://www.facebook.com/kirstymcmanusauthor/

Diane Michaels https://www.facebook.com/dianemichaelsauthor/

Becky Monson https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBeckyMonson/

Joslyn Westbrook https://www.facebook.com/JoslynWestbrookOfficial

Thursday, Dec. 6^th

Traci Andrighetti https://www.facebook.com/traciandrighettiauthor/

Alex Bailey https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAlexBailey/

Kristina Beck https://www.facebook.com/krissybeck73/

Angie Ellington https://www.facebook.com/angienellingtonbooks

Hilary Grossman https://www.facebook.com/HilaryGrossmanAuthor/

Daisy James https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009889775019

Kate Kisset https://www.facebook.com/authorKateKisset/

Tracy Krimmer https://www.facebook.com/krimmerauthor/

Joy Norstrom https://www.facebook.com/joynorstromwrites/

Friday, Dec. 7^th

Melissa Baldwin https://www.facebook.com/authormelissabaldwin

Aimee Brown https://www.facebook.com/authoraimeebrown

Annabelle Costa https://www.facebook.com/annabellecostaauthor/

Lindsay Detwiler https://www.facebook.com/lindsayanndetwiler

Patricia Fischer https://www.facebook.com/patriciawfwriter

Laura Heffernan https://www.facebook.com/lauraheffernanbooks

Beth Labonte https://www.facebook.com/bethlabontebooks

Monique McDonell https://www.facebook.com/MoniqueMcDonellAuthor/

Meredith Schorr https://www.facebook.com/MeredithSchorrAuthor/

Saturday, Dec. 8^th

Laurie Baxter https://www.facebook.com/LaurieBaxterAuthor/

Laura Kenyon https://www.facebook.com/laurakenyonwrites

Cat Lavoie https://www.facebook.com/CatLavoieBooks

Nikki LeClair https://www.facebook.com/NikkiLeClairBooks/

Just Call Me “M” https://www.facebook.com/BooksbyJustCallMeM

Natalina Reis https://www.facebook.com/authornatalinareis/

D.L. Stewart https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDLStewart

Holly Tierney-Bedord https://www.facebook.com/HollyRecommends/

Maggie Wells https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMaggieWells/

Sunday, Dec. 9^th

Roseanne Beck https://www.facebook.com/RoseanneBeckWrites/

Laura Chapman https://www.facebook.com/laurachapmanbooks/

Karen M. Cox https://www.facebook.com/karenmcox1932/

Rachel Cullen https://www.facebook.com/RachelCullenAuthor/

Hannah Ellis https://www.facebook.com/novelisthannahellis/

Ciara Knight https://www.facebook.com/ciaratknight

June Moonbridge https://www.facebook.com/JMoonbridge/

Kate O’Keeffe https://www.facebook.com/kateokeeffeauthor/

Stacey Wiedower https://www.facebook.com/StaceyWiedower.author

COVER REVEAL: “The Last Dance” by Aimee Brown

November 23, 2018 Leave a Comment

“The Last Dance” by Aimee Brown

Blurb:

Can you truly forgive and forget?

Ambri and Henry have been best friends forever. They’ve been through the highs and lows of life with each other by their sides.

The worst? When Henry’s wife, and Ambri’s sister, died. Together, they can face it all. Until one night destroys everything. Two years after he stepped out of it Henry walks back into Ambri’s life and she’s more than a little shocked.

But as old friends fall into even older habits they need to decide whether they can forget the past and embrace their future.

*Perfect for fans of Nicholas Sparks, Jodi Picoult and Anna Bell.

**Click HERE to pre-order your copy of “The Last Dance” now!

GUEST POST: “Books Over Movies” by Aimee Brown

September 26, 2018 Leave a Comment

BOOK REVIEW: “Go On, Girl”

September 17, 2018 1 Comment

“GO ON, GIRL” by Hilary Grossman

Blurb: Executive, wife, and mother of an outgoing first-grader, Sydney Clayton crushes her day-to-day obligations at work but flounders in the cutthroat world of parental politics.

She manages to avoid the local drama until she’s faced with an ultimatum: join the Forest River PTA or risk her daughter becoming a social outcast. Sydney reluctantly becomes treasurer, and takes the recently vacated position of the president’s sidekick. If protecting the children’s freedom of speech, one best friend ban at a time, isn’t complicated enough, Sydney and her husband receive an unexpected offer for their house they don’t think they can refuse.

Embroiled in the deception and manipulation rife among the elementary school moms, Sydney struggles. Should she sell the home she worked so hard to build in a town where betrayal runs rampant? Or should she stay put to avoid the fallout from uprooting her child? As Sydney focuses on what is best for her daughter, and lets go of her judgments, she finds friendship can develop in very unexpected ways.

Warm, witty, and wise, Go On, Girl dramatizes the dilemmas of life in the suburbs and the bonds shared by women. Perfect for fans of Class Mom and I Don’t Know How She Does It.

Review: If you’ve followed my reviews, then you probably know I have read all of Hilary Grossman’s books and have loved them all! After reading her debut novel, Dangled Carat, Hilary has easily become one of my go-to authors!

“Go On, Girl” was quite different from her previous books and I found it to be quite refreshing. At first, I was a little hesitant because I don’t have kids and didn’t think I could relate, but the drama between Sydney and other moms from her daughter’s school was not only entertaining but a page-turner, too! There were times I told myself that I’d read one more chapter and then go to bed…but, of course, I kept on, so there were plenty of late nights with this one.

I don’t give spoilers, but if you’re one who enjoys reading about drama mamas and school politics, then I recommend this book to, (you will not be disappointed!) Also if you’re looking for something to distract you from the carpool line, it would make for a great timekiller.

“Go On, Girl” was one of my favorite books I’ve read this year, so I’ll be adding it to my top of 2018 list.

I give “Go On, Girl” 5 stars!

**Click HERE to grab your copy of “Go On, Girl” now!

*****

**About the author: By day, Hilary Grossman works in the booze biz. By night she hangs out with her “characters.” She has an unhealthy addiction to denim and high heel shoes. She’s been known to walk into walls and fall up stairs. She only eats spicy foods and is obsessed with her cat, Lucy. She loves to find humor in everyday life. She likens life to a game of dodge ball – she tries to keep many balls in the air before they smack her in the face. She lives on Long Island.

**Contact Hilary: Facebook Twitter

BOOK BLITZ: “Counting on You”

August 30, 2018 Leave a Comment

This is my stop during the book blitz for Counting on You by Laura Chapman. Read on for more information about this book and there’s an US only giveaway. This book blitz is organized by Lola’s Blog Tours. The book blitz runs from 27 August till 2 September. See the tour schedule here.

Counting on You (Amarillo Sour #1)
By Laura Chapman
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Age category: Adult
Release Date: 28 August 2018

Blurb:
Is love worth the risk?

Math teacher Haleigh Parde has no desire to change her single status until she receives an invitation to her high school reunion. With her ex spreading rumors she needs a date and fast. Desperate times call for desperate measures and Haleigh finds herself meeting a blind date at a neighborhood bar called Amarillo Sour . . .

After watching Haleigh crash and burn, app developer Ian Henning makes her a proposition. If she’ll provide honest feedback on his new dating app, he’ll guarantee her a date to knock the socks off her former classmates. Even better, he—and the other Amarillo Sour regulars—will help her navigate the rocky road of dating.

Through setups ranging from awkward to absurd, Haleigh discovers her matchmaker might just be better than the matches. And Ian wonders if she’s the answer to everything he’s worked for professionally. Or is she something much, much more . . .

*****

EXCERPT:

She must be crazy. While she’d cut someone out of her life for calling her that, it was the only logical explanation Haleigh could come up with as she downloaded a beta copy of XO On Demand onto her phone.

Only the day before she’d been set up on her first blind date ever. Now, here she was, giving online dating a shot.

What a difference a day made.

She’d been completely serious about never considering online dating. She knew people who had tried it—and successfully. Not that she judged, but it seemed like such a direct and confrontational way to meet someone. By putting your profile out there, you were proclaiming to the world that you were on the prowl.

In another five minutes, she’d be one of those people. After she finished the setup and the survey Ian assured her would be fun, she’d have her first string of potential dates. Brought to her through the magic of technology.

All because she couldn’t stand the idea of her classmates judging her.

If she was one of her own students, she’d tell them it didn’t matter. That after high school, no one cared what people thought. And she’d be lying.

The download completed, and the app opened on her screen. She followed Ian’s directions to create her account. His play-by-play wasn’t entirely necessary. The directions were pretty self-explanatory, but he seemed eager to help. It eased her nerves. Some.

“This where it gets interesting.” Ian clicked a button, taking her to the next page. “Instead of having you answer fifty questions about who you are and what you want, we’ve created a quiz of sorts. Would you rather go camping or stay in a five-star hotel? Which breakfast looks most appetizing? What—”

“I’ve got it.” She flashed him a grin to soften her tone, but she needed to concentrate.

There were so many questions. None of them were too complicated or earth-shattering, but she had to choose correctly. Her future lineup of men depended on it.

Question One: Which of these dishes would you order right now?

She selected a basket of chicken strips with fries.

“That’s what I’d pick, too,” Ian said. “What do you use for dipping?”

“Honey mustard.”

“Barbecue.” He shook his head. “I knew there had to be something wrong with you.”

At least his teasing made this a little less nerve-racking. “You guys aren’t going to use these answers and sell my information to restaurants now, are you?”

“Of course not.” But he tapped his chin thoughtfully. “It isn’t a bad idea, though.”

Question Two: Where would you rather spend a Saturday afternoon?

She didn’t even have to consider this one. She picked “Binge-watching TV in my bed.”

“What’s your go-to show?”

“You heard that one last night,” she reminded him. “Doctor Who. But I’ve been known to do a Lord of the Ringsor Star Warsmarathon from time to time”

“Which episode is your favorite?”

“Five.” That’s what everyone always said. There was probably something about the bad knocking down the good at the end of the Empire Strikes Backthat made a person seem deep. After Greg had explained that to her years ago, she’d made it her customary response.

Only when she was being totally honest, she’d admit she liked Return of the Jedibest. She loved those Ewoks.

*****

You can find Counting on You on Goodreads

You can buy Counting on You here:
– Amazon
– Barnes & Noble
– Kobo
– Google Play
– iTunes

About the Author:
Laura Chapman is the author of sweet and sexy romantic comedies. A born and raised Nebraska girl, she loves watching football, traveling, crafting, and baking. When she isn’t writing her next story, she is probably working at a museum by day and binge-watching Netflix with her cats Jane and Bingley at night. So, basically, she’s living large.

You can find and contact Laura Chapman here:
– Website
– Facebook
– Twitter
– Goodreads
– Amazon
– Instagram
– Newsletter

Giveaway
There is a tour wide giveaway for the book blitz of Counting on You. One winner will win a Amarillo Sour Starter Kit, that includes two shot glasses, two coasters, a bottle opener and pens with the bar’s logo on them plus a $10 Amazon card. US Only.

For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

RELEASE BLITZ: “Seven Days to Paradise” by Karan Eleni

July 13, 2018 Leave a Comment

Happy new release to debut author Karan Eleni! Book three in the Launching Love series, SEVEN DAYS TO PARADISE, is out now!

Seven Days to Paradise by Karan Eleni
Series: Launching Love #3
Published by Kindred Ink Press LLC on July 11, 2018
Genres: Sweet Romance, Romantic Comedy

From debut author Karan Eleni comes book three in the Launching Love novella series from Kindred Ink Press – a sweet romance about making time to relax, letting love find you, and dealing with trouble in paradise.

Lorilynn Matthews has been in the same dead-end job for six years and is ready for a break. When her recently-dumped best friend suggests a girls’ week on a cruise through the Caribbean, Lori is hesitant but accepts the invitation.

As his brother’s best man, Clayton Weldon agreed to co-organize a joint bachelor/bachelorette party. What he didn’t agree to was reliving his honeymoon with his ex-wife. When someone else’s drama lands in his lap, he wants to avoid it, but it gives him an opportunity to escape his own, if only for a moment.

Will a chance meeting, seven days on a cruise ship, and drama at every turn make for the excursion of a lifetime or create the need to reach for life preservers to ride out the end of the trip?

About Karan Eleni

In no particular order, Karan Eleni is a bookworm, blogger, reviewer, publisher, author services wizard, former band manager and merch girl, crocheter, proud auntie to two mini bookworms, momma to two spoiled black cats, and newly published author.

She lives in Central Minnesota and spends a majority of her time living in the book world until her family drags her kicking and screaming from her house (unless they bribe her with tacos).

Follow Karan on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Goodreads at @karaneleniwrite. If she ever logs in, she’ll thank you and follow back.

About Kindred Ink Press

Kindred Ink Press is an independent publisher of (almost) all things romance. From romantic comedy to cozy mystery, historical to contemporary real-life romance, we’ve got a bit of romance for just about everyone. Our books range from quick reads to those of epic length and can be found in digital and print formats with audiobooks coming soon.

Sign up for the Kindred Insider email newsletter to receive new releases, sales, and exclusive content in your inbox! http://kindredinkpress.com/insider

Release Blitz organized by:

GUEST AUTHOR: Marie Vareille, author of “I Don’t Really Need You”

July 11, 2018 1 Comment

About the author: Marie Vareille is a French writer born in 1985. She is the author of three romantic comedies and a young adult dystopian trilogy. She lives in Paris with her husband and way too many books.

**Contact Marie: Website Facebook Goodreads Twitter Instagram

**Click HERE to grab “I Don’t Really Need You” now!

INTERVIEW

Describe yourself in five sentences: I am a French 33 year old writer. When I was 28, I decided life was too short to make compromises and I quit my job in marketing to become a writer. Five years later, I basically spend my time reading, writing and drinking wine on Parisian terraces, so it seems like it was a good idea ! I don’t like to take things too seriously, except for food. Food should always be taken seriously. I am married and currently expecting a child (and obviously totally panicking about it).

What is the writing/editing/publishing process like for you? I write in the morning. Usually I start around 7:30am. I try to write or work on my manuscript at least 4 to 5 hours a day everyday so I can keep my story somewhere in my head all day long. I am a slow writer. Usually, first drafts take me minimum 5 months, then I forget it for a few weeks and spent 4 to 5 more months editing and rewriting it.

Even though I always plan and plot my stories in advance, I never follow the plan and change everything during the writing. But if I don’t plan, it doesn’t work, don’t ask me why…

My editor don’t read it before it is finished and usually there are not so many changes to be made. After that, I can go sleep or write another book and a few months later, depending on the publisher schedule, my book is finally released (and it’s my favourite part)!

Salty or sweet? Salty usually, but since I am pregnant I seem to be obsessed with anything containing sugar…

How do you come up with titles of your books? I am very bad at titles. Usually I propose a crappy one and my editor change it.

What are you reading right now? I just started Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, Elizabeth Gilbert.

How did you celebrate the publication of your first book? I went to the gym et 7 am ! I was so excited, I could not sleep and needed something to calm me down… And then, obviously I drink (too much) champaign with friends and family, a stupid happy smile on my face.

What is your favorite quote? “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone” Neale Donald Walsh

In what surroundings do you tend to write the best? At home, in my office, door closed and no noise ! I had to get used to write on trains or planes, when it’s bookfair season, but for me the quieter the better.

Do you have a guilty pleasure? A lot, some more guilty than others!

People would be surprised to know that you…: That I did a summer internship as an investment banker when I was 21…

What do you want readers to take away from your books? Enjoy life, find love wherever it is, don’t judge, don’t pay too much attention to what others think of you and follow your dream, they know the way.

What are you currently working on? I am currently finishing the 3rd book of my Young Adult trilogy and planning on starting the sequel of my romantic comedy “I don’t really need you” very soon after that.

*****

“I Really Don’t Need You”

Blurb: Chloe is the perfect Parisian: she’s too skinny, smokes too much, and drinks too much. She also has the bad habit of getting into toxic relationships, particularly with her ex Guillaume who is engaged to another woman. Her friend Constance, however, is a hopeless romantic, spends all her money on Jane Austen memorabilia yet is unable to find her Mr. Darcy.

One day, the two friends make a bet: Chloe will spend one year in the countryside, far from men and temptations, to finally write the novel she has always dreamed of; Constance will let go of her foolish dreams of romance and start hooking up with perfect strangers.

From Paris to Bordeaux vineyards to London, this bet will have completely unintended consequences.

RELEASE BLITZ: “All You Need is Love”

June 26, 2018 Leave a Comment

Happy release day to Melissa Baldwin. Book two in the Love in the City series, ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE, is available now!

All You Need is Love by Melissa Baldwin
Series: Love in the City Series #2
Published by Melissa Baldwin on June 26, 2018
Genre: Romantic Comedy

CJ Evans has worked hard to overcome many of the devastating challenges that life has thrown at her, and she has come a long way. Despite the aftermath of her broken engagement and the strained relationship with her mother, she has recently mended lost friendships and has become a successful entrepreneur of a business she is truly passionate about. But could all of this progress be lost when her mother presents her with a blindside she never would have expected?

CJ realizes she can no longer avoid her past, and she must finally face the heartbreak, inadequacy, and unresolved events to continue to move forward. This includes embarking on a new career path and opening her heart to a love she’s always been hoping for.

CJ’s journey is one of growth, trust, and taking risks. And in the end she may realize that to be truly happy—all you need is love.

About Melissa Baldwin

Melissa Baldwin is an avid runner, planner obsessed, and has always had a love for writing. She is a wife, mother, and avid journal keeper who took her creativity to the next level by fulfilling her dream with her debut novel, An Event to Remember…or Forget. Melissa writes about charming, ambitious, and real women and is now a published author of ten Romantic Comedy novels and novellas.

When she isn’t deep in the writing zone, this multi-tasking master organizer is busy spending time with her family, chauffeuring her daughter, traveling, running, indulging in fitness, and taking a Disney Cruise every now and then.

Release Blitz organized by:

BOOK & AUTHOR FEATURE: Cat Lavoie, author of “Messing With Matilda”

April 15, 2018 2 Comments

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Messing With Matilda by Cat Lavoie
Published by Cat Lavoie on April 4, 2018
Genres: Chick Lit, Romantic Comedy

As a professional organizer in New York City, Matilda Hart wages war against chaos and clutter on a daily basis for her clients—and she vows to never let it invade her own well-ordered world.

But when her boyfriend decides to deviate from the path she’s been planning for them, Matilda’s perfectly structured life begins to crumble. She reluctantly finds herself back in the tiny hometown she fled a lifetime ago—determined to lay low and avoid running into anyone she used to know. So why is she reconnecting with her former best friend and putting up with the bridezilla antics of Amber, her high school nemesis?

When Matilda is tasked with keeping the bride-to-be’s heartbroken ex away from the ceremony, she discovers she has history with the man who’s trying to sabotage the wedding. Matilda quickly realizes that teaming up with cute and quirky—but hopelessly devoted—Silas Flynn could be mutually beneficial. He needs help wooing the woman he considers the love of his life and Matilda can’t pass up the chance to finally get back at the meanest of the mean girls by assisting Silas in his attempts to disrupt her wedding.

Will everything go according to plan for this mismatched pair? Or will working so closely together make uptight Matilda and laid-back Silas lose sight of their common goal?

One thing’s for sure—things are about to get messy.

*****

Excerpt:

I don’t want to go home. Facing an empty apartment—one I now know I’ll be living in for the foreseeable future—is too much to handle right now. But I can’t stand on the sidewalk forever while strangers walk around me giving me annoyed looks. I can’t be mad at them—if the situation were reversed, I’d be one of those strangers wondering why the idiot in the black cocktail dress isn’t moving.

So I start moving.

Since home isn’t an option, I decide to walk to Hart Your Space and partake in one of my favorite activities—ordering office supplies. My newest obsession is colorful paperclips and I feel like ordering two boxes today—look at me being all reckless with money. I also have a few follow-up appointments next week and I should look over my notes again just to make sure I’m adequately prepared. I could schedule a lunch date with Dr. Paxton too, but none of these things are urgent and just thinking of the word “date” makes me want to throw up what little dinner I ate.

I take out my phone and see a new voicemail from my mother and two emoji-filled texts from Evie with a series of hearts, keys, and question marks. It’s like she knows something’s going on. Ignoring my messages, I fish my headphones out of my bag and connect them to my phone. Inserting the tiny white buds into my ears, I open up the podcast app on my phone and find the episode I was listening to earlier. The smooth voice of the narrator blasts into my ears—blocking out most of the traffic noise and the random conversations of the people walking past me—and I sigh with relief.

“It was a gruesome crime scene, and I was the first police officer who responded to the call. Even twenty years later, I can still remember every single detail. They are etched into my memory, and I still become emotional when discussing the events of that day.”

You wouldn’t think that listening to Crime Stalker with Jake Deno—a podcast about an NYPD homicide detective and his most memorable cases—would have a calming effect on anyone, but I’m completely fascinated by it, downloading each episode onto my phone as soon as it’s released. I listen to it at the gym, during my commute when Evie isn’t with me, and when I need to become immersed in someone else’s gory reality to escape my own.

#

Forty-five minutes later, I’m a few steps away from my office, and I’ve already decided that I’m taking a cab home when I’m done here. My feet are killing me, and I can’t wait to collapse on my desk chair and kick off the uncomfortable shoes that are giving me blisters. If I had known I’d be storming out of my date with Arthur, I would have worn the orthopedic shoes he prescribed to me after diagnosing me with flat feet, or pes planusas they say in the foot business. The heel is so chunky, it would have been perfect to throw at Arthur’s head when he started talking about Fiona and Boston. I try to forget about those two idiots as I rip the buds out of my ears.

*****

REVIEW: Being a huge fan of Cat Lavoie, I knew I had to read this book!

Right from the beginning, I could definitely relate to Matilda! Not only is she fun and quirky, the most important thing about her is that she’s real. Through the ups and downs in this laugh out loud romantic comedy, the author had me swiping pages on my iPad as fast as I could, and I was sad when it was over. I won’t give any spoilers, but I can definitely say that this book will stick with me for a long time.

If you’re looking for a book that will make your eyes bug out with surprise and your heart swoon, then “Messing With Matilda” is definitely something you will not want to miss reading!

I give “Messing With Matilda” 5 stars!

*****

INTERVIEW:

Describe your writing style in five words: Quirky chick lit with cattitude!

What is something that would surprise people to know about you? I’m a little bit allergic to cats. (I sometimes get itchy, watery eyes when I’m around a long-haired cat—but I never let that stop me!)

Salty or sweet? Can’t choose–can I have both?

What’s on your nightstand? A notepad and pen. Stuffed hippo given to me by a friend. My Kindle. A few of Paddington and Molly’s cat toys.

What was your writing/editing/publishing process like for “Messing With Matilda”? I write really slowly, so completing the first draft took ages. Thankfully, the finished draft didn’t need too much editing so that part of the process was quicker. Messing with Matilda is the first novel I’ve self-published (my first three novels were released by a small press.) It was a lot of work, but I’m really proud of the finished product!

Have you ever been star struck by anyone? Definitely. I’ve had the chance to meet a few musicians and stand-up comics that I adore. I’d like to say I stay calm, cool, and collected when I meet a famous person, but I freeze and can’t speak.

Where did the idea for “Messing With Matilda” come from? I knew I wanted to set another book in the fictional town of Messina and I loved the idea of writing about someone who grew up there and unwillingly comes back to visit.

Who inspires you to write? The book world inspires me—writers, readers, bloggers. It’s so much fun to be a part of such a vibrant and supportive community!

If “Messing With Matilda” was turned into a movie, who would you want to play the characters? My dream cast would be…

Matilda: Jenna Coleman  http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1982510/

Silas: Johnny Flynn  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1926865/

Evie: Krysten Ritter  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1269983/

Amy: Sarah Hyland  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0405103/

Amber: Anna Camp  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2319871/

What are people’s reactions when they know you’re an author? People typically have a lot of questions about how long it takes to write a book and what kind of books I write. They also ask me if I’m going to write a novel in French one day, since French is my native language. (The answer? Maybe!)

What is your favorite quote?I have always loved this quote from Oscar Wilde:“We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.”

What are you working on right now? I’m in the early stages of plotting and researching my next novel. I love getting to know new characters, even though I kind of miss Matilda and Silas.

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About Cat Lavoie

Cat Lavoie is a chick lit writer from Montreal, Canada. She loves writing fun and quirky romantic comedies and is the author of BREAKING THE RULES, ZOEY & THE MOMENT OF ZEN, PERI IN PROGRESS and MESSING WITH MATILDA.

A fan of all things feline, Cat loves cats and hopes to someday have a house full of them in order to officially become a crazy cat lady. (But one or two cats will do for now.)

If she isn’t reading or writing, Cat enjoys listening to podcasts (mostly comedy and true crime) and watching way too much TV. She fell in love with London many years ago and hopes to go back one day. Cat is currently at work on her next novel.

To connect with Cat and find out more about her books, visit CatLavoie.com and follow @CatLavoieBooks on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.