When a Spade isn't a Spade

The Sunday Afternoon Series #1

by Aprille L. Thomas

Karlie Washington is a smart, sexy, savvy copywriter, and she’s in line for the promotion of her dreams – Creative Director at NJH Communications, Barbados’s trendiest ad agency. Karlie’s been eyeing the job since moving back home five years ago, and when the old CD resigns, Karlie’s more than ready to accept the new title.

But there’s just one problem – Hosea Young. She has to compete with the boss’s pet for the coveted spot. Oh, and everyone else in the office, too.

Determined to come out on top, problems abound for Karlie as she tries to navigate her way up the career ladder. She struggles with a know-it-all coworker, a my-way-or-the-highway boss, and never-ending boyfriend drama. Her chances of success start looking slimmer at every turn, and she soon finds herself at her wits' end.

So when she accidentally stumbles across the opportunity to secure her success, it seems like a simple decision. But an overactive conscience forces a torn Karlie to reconsider what’s more important, and she quickly realizes that things aren’t always what they seem.

When a Spade isn’t a Spade, Aprille L. Thomas’s debut novella, brings a poetic flair to the complications of corporate life, complex love, and chasing your dreams.

123 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 6, 2015

About the author

Multi-award-winning writer, Aprille L. Thomas, is no stranger to the page. Her poems have earned her numerous accolades in her native Barbados, including the Kamau Brathwaite Award for Literary Excellence and the Prime Minister’s Scholarship – Literary Arts.

Aprille brings a poetic flair to her prose writing, and her unique style has solidified her place on the local and international scene. Her debut novella, When a Spade isn’t a Spade, was released in Spring 2015, and is available for download in the Kindle library.

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In her debut chick lit novella, When A Spade Isn't A Spade, author Aprille Thomas transports the reader to Barbados, where they follow the trials and tribulations of copy writer Karlie Washington as she chases her career dreams.

This is a fun, fast paced story that easily draws the reader into Karlie's story, you can't help but cheer her on as she battles career and romantic obstacles. Karlie is a sassy determined woman who knows what she wants when it comes to chasing her dreams, it is easy to relate to her and feel for her as she discovers what is most important in life.

I loved the rich description of the Barbados setting, the entertaining mixture of romance and career drama that befalls Karlie, and the easy flow and unexpected twists and turns of the storyline draws the reader in and keeps them engaged and turning the pages. This is the first book in The Sunday Afternoon Series. I look forward to seeing what new adventures the author will take her readers on in the next installment of the series.

When A Spade Isn't A Spade is an enjoyable chick lit novella that is a perfect read on a lazy summer afternoon!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.

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[CTBookGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the Creative Director position opens up at NJH Communications, Karlie Washington is ready to fight for this promotion she has been waiting for for years. However, proving she is right for the job means working together with a coworker she detests, but who the boss loves, on a competition that will either earn her her dream job or back to her old one.
I read this on a flight home from vacation and this novella was just what I needed to pass the time. It was short and the pacing moved right along. I do wish there was a little more in depth descriptions on the supporting characters such as the boyfriend and Karlie's history with him-was he always like this? why did she fall for him? she didn't come across as a doormat so why on earth did she stay with him? I thought the relationship with her co-worker/BFF was very sweet and realistic (we have all had those friends!) and I laughed at the great description of the provocative assistant Rachel (we all have had a Rachel in the office). Overall, a fun, light read, perfect for the beach or a plane ride home!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review.

[Isabelle Andover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to ChickLitPlus for a review copy.

This novella was really good, and I highly recommend it. It's a perfect beach read.

The story flowed nicely, I liked the characters, and the setting of an ad agency was interesting and seemed very authentic. I particularly enjoyed the dramatic beginning, which really pulls the reader in. I liked how the main character, Karlie, evolves throughout the course of the story, and the supporting cast was great, too.

I would have liked to have known more about Karlie's boyfriend and the money, as that situation really grabbed my attention.

I will definitely look out for more stories from this author.

[Nikki LeClair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and Quick read! *contains no spoilers*
The premise is certainly intriguing and I was able to finish this novel within a few days. Despite a few scenes I felt may have been rushed, I took a quick liking to the characters and their problems.
Aprille has a knack with descriptive writing and I felt like I could picture certain scenes and situation as if I had them on the television right in front of me.
The main character Karlie was a well written smart, sassy and determined woman who i feel any woman at one point or another, can relate to.
Great read!

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast-paced, fun, romantic ride through life in an advertising agency in Barbados, this novella is a lovely summer read.

When Karlie, a senior copyrighter, is partnered with her arch-rival and much-detested (by her) Hosea, designer extraordinaire, in a cut-throat agency-wide competition, both her home and professional life take some unexpected turns...

This is well-written romance with some (lightly told) hard truths and a lot of fun, fun, fun. Perfect for the beach (or in lieu of one).

*I received a free copy from the author's publicist in exchange for my honest review.

[Julie Boon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karlie Washington is desperate to get the promotion her boss is dangling in from of her, but with colleagues getting in her way, things don't always go to plan!

This was a very enjoyable novella, easy to read with some great characters. I must admit, I did forget that it was based in Barbados occasionally! It was easy to follow with some funny moments. I did like it when Karlie kept saying "I need this job"! every time an obstacle came up!

I would read more from this author and would like to say thank you to Chick Lit Plus for sending me a copy to review.

[Vickie Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Great story line left you wondering what next. Karlie is the star of this story anxiously awaiting the next novella