Chick Lit > Giveaways

[close] Just in time for summer!
Honorable Mention at the 2012 Southern California Book Festival, General Fiction

From Readers Favorite - "Highly recommended for reading lists everywhere"

Reviewers are saying..."Put this at the top of your list", "A Must Read", "Captivating", "The characters come alive"

THREE friends, TWO secrets, ONE lie, and the summer that changed their lives.

In 1953, three teenage girls’ innocent conversations about what each of them would do if the end of the world were imminent, coupled with a friend’s obsession, become the catalyst for a prank that spins wildly beyond control and draws in an entire town. Left behind in the wake of that summer’s events are their unrealized dreams and open wounds. In 1973, a reunion trip to the small town of their youths returns them to the summer of 1953 and the passion and betrayal that changed their lives.

The world is ripe for destruction in 1953. The Korean War drags on and the Rosenbergs are executed as spies. Senator Joseph McCarthy convinces the country communists are infiltrating the government, and the threat of nuclear war festered in the collective consciousness of the nation. While American’s constructed backyard bomb shelters, the government conducted nuclear tests in the desert.

Women’s Fiction Author, Elaine D. Walsh, captures the anxiety of the times and draws the reader in with rich characters that linger long after the story ends. [close]

[close] We're celebrating the release of Kept in paperback format, the perfect chick lit read this summer! Enter for your chance to win a SIGNED copy.

"Did she really just say that? I am fifteen again, except the reality is I am experiencing full parental horror, aged twenty-five. I want to die."

Life hasn't quite worked out how Arielle Lockley imagined it would. Becoming the next Coco Chanel was always her childhood dream, but she's spent the past four years living a dizzying whirl of glitzy parties, luxurious holidays and daily shopping sprees - all paid for by boyfriend Piers - and not doing anything to make her Coco dreams happen.

When the recession hits, it's not just the economy that takes a tumble and Arielle finds herself living back with her parents, on bad terms with Piers, and having a CV that's as welcome as a pair of knock-off Jimmy Choos. And maybe it's the location, but she's also finding unwelcome thoughts of her childhood sweetheart are popping into her head...

What's a girl to do? Can Arielle figure out what it is she now wants to do with her life and move on, or will she be doomed to spend the rest of her life dwelling over her worst mistakes, stuck listening to her parents' embarrassing dinner table talk each night?

Praise for Kept:

"Absolutely brilliant! A light, funny, down to earth, refreshing read. Cannot wait until the next installment!" ~ Dawn (Goodreads review)

"This book was awesome - cant believe it is a debut novel. Well written and instantly engaging. Would definitely recommend if you like reading Sophie Kinsella or Lisa Jewell." ~ sbdoll (Amazon.co.uk review)

"Absolutely loved this debut effort from Elle Field. A great read for those who love to get lost in the crazy world of the female protagonist. If you love Sophie Kinsella, then you'll love this too. Cannot wait to find out more about Arielle's adventures, and for Elle's second book in the Autumn. The only downside - there wasn't more of it! I wanted to keep reading. Will definitely be recommending to others." ~ Miss N. J. Lloyd (Amazon.co.uk review) [close]

[close] Brooke Hart was beautiful, smart, and groomed from birth to deal with adversity. Her widowed father did his best to raise his baby girl to be a strong-minded business woman. Then she found Tanner. Just when her world seemed perfect, everything turned upside down. Following Tanner’s tragic death, Brooke joins a start-up company that is developing a cure for the disease that killed the love of her life. Just before the treatment is ready to market, the company is gobbled up by a giant conglomerate. She moves to the acquiring company as its youngest VP and becomes enamored with CEO Chase Allman—only to be betrayed by him. Brooke rebounds again and sets out on a personal journey to discover what will truly make her happy. Sparks fly when she and Chase cross paths again in an unlikely way. Now, they need each other to find an abducted child and save thousands of people. [close]

[close] He got the second home and the Porsche. She got the kids and a broken heart. Now Jackie, post-divorce and heading toward the big four-oh, is on vacation in sunny Hawaii and staring down her upcoming birthday-alone. But not for long. She's soon falling for Kai, her gorgeous, much younger surf instructor, and the wild passionate fling they have becomes the biggest surprise of Jackie's life.

Back home in Seattle, Jackie has to struggle with single parenthood...and memories of Kai. He hasn't forgotten her. Yet thousands of miles of ocean-not to mention an age difference that feels even wider-separate them. And, of course, her friends disapprove. When a choice must be made, can she, will she risk everything for her chance at happiness? [close]

[close] Sometimes getting lost is the only way to find what you're looking for.

Lenny left his wife Monique a healthy legacy and a bucket list—a list of adventures they’d hoped to experience before cancer took his life. For four years his widow ignored it, too busy raising their daughter to consider the painful task of resurrecting shattered dreams. But when Monique notices her earth-mother neighbor Judy acting crazy in her empty nest, and their best friend, Becky, traumatized by chilling news, Monique dusts off that wish list and contemplates it with new eyes. Lenny never meant for her to do this alone—and this crazy list of adventures just might save them all.

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[close] Drew and Libby Sullivan have spent the past six years building the perfect life together. They have a beautiful home, flourishing careers, and they’re finally ready to take the plunge into parenthood. Well, almost. Despite the endless prodding from family, friends, and even strangers, there still seems to be something holding the couple back from starting a family. Perhaps that’s why they decide to take the advice of Libby’s older sister and make a list of everything they want to do before they have a baby. Making their baby bucket list, or as they call it, “The Buggy List”, buys them just a little more time to be Drew and Libby, who sleep in until noon on Saturdays and eat Chinese takeout for dinner on the couch. Besides, it gives Libby the opportunity to pull straight-laced Drew out of his comfort zone and do something fun for once; like go undercover as singles to a speed dating event with their friend, Tom; or finally take the honeymoon they never had. Drew and Libby each write down five items that they must complete before having a baby. But what starts out as a little harmless fun quickly becomes more than this couple bargained for. When secrets, little white lies, and competing desires threaten to pull them apart for good, Libby and Drew must rediscover why they fell in love in the first place. [close]

[close] Rose Parker's husband has been lying. About everything.

When a conversation with her husband triggers questions, Rose Parker uncovers alarming answers that shatter her perfect life. But it is only when she shoves her belongings in her SUV and drives off that Rose realizes just how far from perfect her life actually was. She has no where to turn.

While debating between distressing sleeping arrangements-her mother’s house full of questions or a hotel room with too much solitude-Rose bumps into an acquaintance from her gardening class and allows bubbly, exuberant Becky to indulge her in a wild night full of whiskey, weeping, and whispered confidences. Suddenly, Rose has a new friend, a roof over her head, and two gorgeous men moving her out of her marital home.

As Rose struggles to settle into her new life, she remains determined to comprehend her past. And with time and distance and especially wine, comes knowledge. Frank wasn’t the only one lying to her. Rose was lying to herself. [close]

[close] Isabella DaSilva, a fiery grad student from Cornell's wine program is eager to leave her past behind her and forge a future in the vineyards of the West as an apprentice at Chateau Sauvage, a winery seeking to produce wine like no other California wineries had so far -- Rhone varietals.

She arrives at Chateau Sauvage to find that wine might not be her only interest. The winemaker, Jonathan Sauvage, is tall, dark, and handsome, and clearly in need of help. Together, they work to make a pioneering wine in an effort to keep the struggling winery afloat. Each struggles with their demons -- hers in the form of a painful and mysterious past; his created by memories of what once might have been. In the process, they find that the pain of their shattered pasts fit together perfectly, making their union as perfect as the wine it produces.

A Rare Vintage features an intense and commanding hero who isn’t afraid to ask for help, and a woman who knows that while she might technically be the apprentice, she has plenty to teach Jonathan Sauvage.

This book is the first in the Wine Country Romance series.
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[close] In a recent survey 65% of mothers admitted feeling undervalued, over-criticised and constantly tired.

Cathy is no exception. Her dull, uneventful days as a stay at home, mother of two, are radically transformed however with the arrival of a heavily lipsticked postcard addressed to husband, Declan. Who is the mysterious La La? Could Declan really be having an affair? And is Cathy actually being stalked?

Whatever – it will definitely prove riveting gossip for the Tuesday Twice Monthlies, Cathy’s 'Mothers Restaurant Research’ group where scandal flows as recklessly as the wine. But what starts as a light-hearted investigation with best friend Raz, soon turns into something much more sinister.

With a possible murderer on the scene, a sexy admirer igniting long-forgotten sparks, and all her friends hiding secrets, it’s not only Cathy’s marriage that’s in jeopardy. Add in the scheming antics of Declan’s new assistant, the stress of organising the school Save The Toilet’s dance and the stage is set for a dangerous showdown and some very unsettling, possibly deadly, revelations. [close]

[close] From the award winning, bestselling author of The School Gates Nicola May a worldwide give-away of fab romantic comedy holiday read, The Bow Wow Club

Ruby is back and never expected to be starting over...

... but after a shocking bereavement she begins to question whether she will ever be happy again.

A chance encounter with handsome author Michael Bell throws her fragile heart into turmoil. Plus, a dark family secret and completely unexpected love interest add to her confusion.

Encouraged to face her demons, she volunteers at The Bow Wow Club - (Boyfriends of Widows, Wives of Widowers).

You will laugh and cry along with a myriad of eccentric characters as Ruby searches for her inner peace. But will she let love win? Or allow her past to continue to haunt her? [close]

[close] When recent college graduate Allison Amundson, a small town girl from South Dakota, lands the highly sought after job of scheduler to the newly-elected and rising star of the United States Senate, Senator Anders McDermott III, she thinks she is on the fast track to success.

However, she quickly learns that crazy co-workers, a high maintenance boss, an over-the-top family and an unexpected Presidential bid make Capitol Hill seem even more dysfunctional than portrayed on TV. In fact, it is Capitol Hell.

The second Allison sets foot in the prestigious Senate Russell Building, things begin to go awry. Allison soon realizes her co-workers consist of a Chief of Staff who has little to no control over the antics in the office, a Press Secretary who is not only pompous, but who is constantly primping and preening, and worst of all the Senator himself, who cares more about his rise to fame than the people of Minnesota.

As Allison struggles to juggle a new career, her blooming love interest in Cam (a quiet but loyal Legislative Assistant), and her ever-declining bank account, she is comforted only by her co-worker Janet, a fireplug who spends the majority of her time on-line dating, trying to land a Senator of her own.

Just as Allison and Janet begin to figure out the ins and outs of Capitol Hill, their lives are turned upside down when Senator McDermott announces his bid for President of the United States. Soon, Allison and Janet find themselves at the center of one of the craziest campaigns in history, and hilarity ensues.

This off-beat, funny novel captures and shares what it is like to be a young staffer working on Capitol Hill. [close]

[close] They say for every person in the world there is a twin. For Doris Watson, that simple wisdom becomes a nightmare reality that threatens her and the ones she’s come to love. An ex-military engineer who leads a quiet life as an appliance designer, she is recruited to perform one uncomplicated task: take a handoff of secret plans from a Chinese agent who believes she is someone else. Her lonely existence is shattered as headstrong men cross her path, dangerous men with dangerous needs and desires. Suddenly embroiled in mob killings, espionage, and police investigations, she has become a billion-dollar target of sadistic crooks, bioterrorists, the FBI, the NSA, and her psychotic look-alike. It is up to her to protect herself and the mysterious psychic girl who has been thrust into her life. No one is who they appear to be, and no one is telling the truth. A reluctant female MacGyver, she must use her ingenuity to escape certain death. Forced to uncover the secrets of her childhood, she must face a reality that has been buried and locked away in her mind.

Action, mystery, intriguing subplots, humor, heartwarming moments and a cast of highly memorable characters combine to introduce this unlikely and believable female heroine to a genre dominated by male-centric stereotypes. She is not a super spy, she is not a trained assassin, she is someone real and much more dangerous, a smart woman pushed into a corner.
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[close] **ARC SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR**

To Celebrate the book launch of Sex & Suburban Lunacy at the Luminato Festival in Toronto on June 22, 2013, Women's Free Press is giving away the last 10 remaining ARCs signed by the author.


About the Book:

Tales of Sex & Suburban Lunacy picks up where the fairytale ends and the “…ever-after” begins.

In an affluent town just north of Toronto a different kind of suburbanite has emerged. Well educated successful Gen X-ers with a misguided sense of entitlement, an insatiable appetite for luxury goods and a set of lifestyle choices that includes everything from Dr. Bernstein diets and recreational drug misuse, to the bizarre antics of the sexually deviant and scandalously promiscuous.

And in the mix of dating, mating and moral dysfunction you’ll meet characters like Nina, forty-four, the divorced mother of twins who accidentally stumbles from one mortifying encounter to another in an effort to end a two-year long sexual drought. Madeline, fifty-two, single and stuck in online dating purgatory with a collection of horror stories acquired during her quest to find true love and join the ranks of the married middle-class. Jeannie, a forty-year-old TV producer and single mom with a gifted son, a sexy sadistic lawyer for an ex-husband and a gynecologist that is convinced Jeannie is a closet lesbian.

So welcome to a place where illicit sex is plentiful, romantic love is as elusive as smoke, and where life is part comedy of communal errors and part tragic milieu of the corrosively ambitious.

Welcome to the suburbs!

(Now available as an eBook from:
amazon.com; amazon.co.uk; Apple iBooks; barnesandnoble.com; chapters.indigo.ca; kobobooks.com; e-sentral.com) [close]

[close] “When Ellie’s dream wedding turns into her worst nightmare, she flees the church, certain of only one thing, that she has yet to know true love.

Following months of disastrous internet dates and conflicting advice from her dysfunctional friends, she decides to take matters into her own hands. Although now, instead of just looking for a man for herself she’s certain her life’s purpose is to find deep and meaningful love for all of the singles in the world.

Five years on, running the UK’s biggest matchmaking agency, and with hundreds of engagements to her name, she has all the answers she needs.

She knows why eighty-five percent of relationships fail. She knows why twenty-eight is the most eligible age for a woman. She knows that by thirty-five she’ll have only a thirty-percent chance of marriage.

Most of all, she knows that no matter what, it has to be perfect.

Or does it?’’

It’s Got to Be Perfect is inspired by a true story. [close]

[close] Shelly Williams is an African-American former teacher from Washington, D.C., who now owns a successful online beauty business. When she isn’t working, she spends her free time attending lavish D.C. social events and buying high-end designer clothing. Her world collapses into chaos when a favorite past student, Wendell “Wicked” Washington, is found murdered.

She volunteers to attempt to find Wicked’s killer to keep an angry mob of young black men from locating the killer first. Wicked’s friends wish to avenge his murder by using their own brand of lethal street retaliation. As if things weren’t complicated enough, Shelly also meets two ragamuffin brothers, Tyrone and Tyree, at a Chinese carryout. She helps them solve their family problems as she investigates Wicked’s murder.

In fear for her safety, her family demands she take her cousin Mink along with her during the investigation. Mink is a female ex-kickboxer and army veteran with a penchant for violence. Armed with street smarts from growing up in one of Washington, D.C.’s toughest neighborhoods, the two women follow a single clue across parts of Washington, D.C., that tourists rarely visit. Shelly must trade in her designer clothes—and some of her morals—and hit the inner city of Washington, D.C., to find out who killed Wicked Washington. [close]

[close] International Giveaway - 3 Signed Copies Available!

On the first day of September, 16 year-old Meredith Harper rules over the teen it-crowd of Belfast, Northern Ireland. But beneath the surface, Meredith’s complicated web of manipulative lies and self-serving intrigue are slowly beginning to threaten her social position and she finds herself being challenged by handsome Mark Kingston, the only guy in the school who’s always hated her.

In a world where nothing stays secret for very long, Meredith and her friends will need all their skills to guess who’s in, out, coming out, going up, going down, dating, cheating, lying and trying to cope....

Let the games begin!

The first book in Gareth Russell's "Popular" series.


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[close] Enter to win the highly anticipated sequel to The Publicist: Book One!

It’s an industry of out-of-control egos, unrealistic expectations, and unfulfilled promises.

This is publishing and it’s Kate’s world, but maybe not for long.

When one of Kate Mitchell’s star authors is carted away in handcuffs, it’s only the beginning of her troubles. As her world crumbles around her, Kate desperately looks for anyone to hold onto but finds that happy endings are truly works of fiction. With the shelf life of her career and her love affair quickly expiring, Kate sets off on a new adventure…

Starting over in California is easy but Kate soon learns that leaving her old life behind isn’t. Nick Lavigne is eager to help her forget but two things still own her heart, the dream of discovering the next great American novel, and MacDermott Ellis.

As Kate tries to rebuild her life she finds a surprising gift that reboots her career in a new and unexpected direction. Suddenly her name becomes synonymous with one of the biggest bestsellers publishing has seen in ages and she's welcomed back with open arms.

But at the height of her success the ghosts of her past come back to remind her of the world she'd been trying to forget and the man who never let go of her heart.

Behind the book, there’s always more to the story. Welcome to Publishing, the ego has landed. [close]

[close] *SIGNED ARC GIVEAWAY*
Private Investigator Liz Talbot thinks she’s seen another ghost when she meets Calista McQueen. She’s the spitting image of Marilyn Monroe. Born precisely fifty years after the ill-fated star, Calista’s life has eerily mirrored the late starlet’s—and she fears the looming anniversary of Marilyn’s death will also be hers.

Before Liz can open a case file, Calista’s life coach is executed. Suspicious characters swarm around Calista like mosquitoes on a sultry lowcountry evening: her certifiable mother, a fake aunt, her control-freak psychoanalyst, a private yoga instructor, her peculiar housekeeper, and an obsessed ex-husband. Liz digs in to find a motive for murder, but she’s besieged with distractions. Her ex has marriage and babies on his mind. Her too-sexy partner engages in a campaign of repeat seduction. Mamma needs help with Daddy’s devotion to bad habits. And a gang of wild hogs is running loose on Stella Maris.

With the heat index approaching triple digits, Liz races to uncover a diabolical murder plot in time to save not only Calista’s life, but also her own.

By Agatha and Daphne du Maurier Award winning author and 2012 Golden Heart® finalist, Susan M. Boyer

**Enter to win one of ten signed trade paperback ARCs**
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[close] Ellen may not believe in storybook love, but it’s about to rewrite her life . . .

Ellen’s figured out that finding the right guy is all about compatibility. That’s why she signs up for Detailed Dating—the local online dating scene in Sacramento. They ask men the hard questions, compare their answers with hers, then she filters through the profiles of each provided “match.” After numerous email exchanges, she narrows it down to two promising candidates she’s excited to meet in person.

When Ellen’s best friend asks her for a favor, dog-sitting leads to disaster and Ellen ends up at the local vet where she meets a man she can’t get out of her mind. Henry isn’t a logical choice, but she finds herself paying for dog obedience class to spend more time with him.

Ellen knows that in order to have a lasting relationship, she should take the safe route and go for one of the pre-screened guys. But, how can she think with her head when her heart keeps begging her to give Henry a chance? [close]

[close] Set in 1977 West Virginia, A Sinner in Paradise is a heartwarming, uproarious affair with love in all its forms.

Jilted by her fiance, Geneva watches her seemingly idyllic life suddenly fall apart. Bereft and desolate, she packs up her nine cats and leaves her home in Washington, DC to return to her native hills of West Virginia where she plans rest and heal from her heartbreak. When Geneva's ambition, and machinations run up against rugged mountain ways, she finds herself flung from one perilous adventure, romance, crazy circumstance, and heartbreak to another. After facing illness, disaster in the wilderness and an encounter with an old mountain man who teaches her that her soul needs more than men, courtship, and adventure, Geneva finally finds what she's been missing. Ultimately, Geneva realizes she must face herself before she is free to truly love and be loved. [close]

[close] "Hilarious, heartwarming, sexy and real—you'll fall in love, guaranteed!" NYT bestselling author Lori Foster.

**SIGNED ARC**

Win an autographed advance copy of the final installment in Macy Beckett's widely-acclaimed Sultry Springs series, where first loves find second chances.

It's been ten years since Leah McMahon set foot in Sultry Springs. After her crash-and-burn breakup with Colton Bea, she's had plenty of reasons to stay away. Now that she's back, she'd prefer to keep well under the sexy sheriff's radar. But there's no hiding in this small town...

Colt has changed from his wild-as-weeds high school days. But he's still enough of a bad boy to take what he wants, and there's no denying he wants Leah. Armed with chocolate eclairs, a killer smile, and an adorable niece, he'll make sure that this time the love of his life has plenty of reasons to stay.

Discover more at www.macybeckett.com [close]

[close] *SIGNED proof copy, new cover art*
What would you do if your blog attracted the attention of a serial killer?

Saze Monnivan begins a blog diary to vent emotions over her abusive partner Mr Him. Unleashing her inner thoughts provides Saze with the courage to kick Mr Him into touch.

Unfortunately Mr Him is not the only person Saze needs to fear. A murderer stalks the streets of Eastcove, preying on young women and earning the moniker of Cut-throat Casanova.

As Saze’s life peaks and falls spectacularly and her blog attracts interest and internet trolls, she realises someone is following more than just her blog posts.

Is Saze foolish to trust new faces? Will she ever survive the terror which haunts her and find the love she craves? [close]

[close] Second Giveaway!

Book one:
Love can be such a “coulda, woulda, shoulda” song sometimes…

Lucia Mpobo-Riddell could have been a dancer like the rest of women of her family but instead she chose music. Marcus Grant could have been a doctor like the rest of his family but instead he chose music. She also could have not fallen for Marcus on her birthday but she did. And Marcus, he could have told Lucia the truth about his real reason for being in Toronto that night, but he didn’t. Now they have to deal with big reveals and consequences: Marcus almost stealing her job and being force to work on an album together. Marcus, because he couldn’t swallow his pride, leave Toronto and go home to London. Lucia, because she just couldn’t give up on her first amazing opportunity to produce a whole album. And to complicate the situation further, the band they’re working for is not the easiest one. Mary Gillis, Marcus’ on and off flame, still has a hold on him. Greg McMullen, Lucia’s close friend and former dance partner is back in town and has been in love with her for years. Then there’s Marcus and Lucia, in the middle of their own a professional and personal tug-of- war with each over and the rest of the world. But maybe things could still work out… All things considered, this could have been one heck of a love song! [close]

[close] "One of the most intense, thrilling, and achingly beautiful stories I've ever read." --Marie Lu, NYT bestselling author of LEGEND and PRODIGY

Enter to win the new young adult novel being described as TITANIC in space meets BLUE LAGOON meets LOST!

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It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone.

Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help.

Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other’s arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder—would they be better off staying here forever?

Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won’t be the same people who landed on it.

The first in a sweeping science fiction trilogy, These Broken Stars is a timeless love story about hope and survival in the face of unthinkable odds. [close]