I’m Omolara (Lara) Tommy Kareem, I identify with the pronouns she/her/they. I am also known on these streets as Naija Book Bae, which is the literary brand I run. Under this brand, I am a blogger, editor, reviewer, promoter, professional reader, bookstagrammer and booktuber.
I am also the founder of the independent publishing firm Basenji Books and it’s writing contest counterpart Challenging The Writers, which aim is to create a friendly competitive activity that allows writers to hone their skills and form a writing routine.
In my author portfolio, I have published a non-fiction work A Guide to Self-Publishing, a feel-good Nigerian romance novel Not Just Another Interlude, a collection of short stories that will make you swoon Love is Beautiful When in Bloom, a managzine issue that I curated/edited, Bitesi Review: Speculative Fiction, and lastly, I have a story in Hell Hath No Fury an African Christmas Romance Anthology.
I work as a digital marketer for my 9-5, (because being an author doesn’t pay the bills, sadly) When I’m not working on my literary projects, I am either badly singing along to RnB songs or talking about and sharing beautiful pictures, videos and write-ups of the books I read and films (Kdrama for the win!) I watch online.
I live with my dog, Benz, and cat, Nabi in the ever-bustling city of Lagos.
Love is Beautiful When in Bloom is a buoyant and soft collection of seven short stories that explore what it means when people meet and form a connection that ultimately blossoms into love.
Written with compassion, care and love, these light and sweet stories will keep you captivated as you encounter different facets of intimacy, self-discovery, pain, friendship and joy.
"A great selection of love stories. From short ones to long ones there is a story here for everyone. A nice evening read with a nice chilled glass of wine and nibbles."
"I love this book so much that words cannot be enough to review it. But with just three words: it's beautiful, heartwarming and amazing."
"A collection of love stories that feel like relaxation on a Monday morning."
