Review+Giveaway: The Divorce Papers by Susan Rieger

Blurb: Twenty-nine-year-old Sophie Diehl is happy toiling away as a criminal law associate at an old line New England firm where she very much appreciates that most of her clients are behind bars. Everyone at Traynor, Hand knows she abhors face-to-face contact, but one weekend, with all the big partners away, Sophie must handle the intake interview for the daughter of the firm’s most important client. After eighteen years of marriage, Mayflower descendant Mia Meiklejohn Durkheim has just been served divorce papers in a humiliating scene at the popular local restaurant, Golightly’s. She is locked and loaded to fight her eminent and ambitious husband, Dr. Daniel Durkheim, Chief of the Department of Pediatric Oncology, for custody of their ten-year-old daughter Jane—and she also burns to take him down a peg. Sophie warns Mia that she’s never handled a divorce case before, but Mia can’t be put off. As she so disarmingly puts it: It’s her first divorce, too.

Debut novelist Susan Rieger doesn’t leave a word out of place in this hilarious and expertly crafted debut that shines with the power and pleasure of storytelling. Told through personal correspondence, office memos, emails, articles, and legal papers, this playful reinvention of the epistolary form races along with humor and heartache, exploring the complicated family dynamic that results when marriage fails. For Sophie, the whole affair sparks a hard look at her own relationships—not only with her parents, but with colleagues, friends, lovers, and most importantly, herself. Much like Where’d You Go, Bernadette, The Divorce Papers will have you laughing aloud and thanking the literature gods for this incredible, fresh new voice in fiction 

Debut novelist, Susan Rieger, mixes law, family and separation to tell a beautiful tale rich with insight, humor and unsettling suspense. Divorces can be sweet and thrilling too?

Imagine this: You specialize in criminal law at a big firm. You don’t necessarily get your raison d’etre practicing it. But you do it because there is no other field in law you find worthy enough. Now a big time client has brought in a case everyone specializing in civil litigation would jump at, the separation of his daughter from her husband after seventeen years of marriage. Now there’s a divorce, and there’s a divorce. So much money, so much wealth, so much property to divide which could turn nasty. No one wants to drag a divorce to the courtroom, especially the husband who can’t wait for his philandering days (with a dermatologist) to begin. A senior partner approaches you with the case because all other divorce lawyers are booked with others jetting away to visit their parents. Just an interview with a client, he tells you, no big deal. You take him up on his offer, sit through the interview with the daughter. Now all you can think of are her gestures, her humor, her references to good ol’ literature, her sophistication, her so-not-behaving-like-a-woman-who’s-being-legally-separated-from-her-husband behavior.

But still you wouldn’t take the case if you are begged to.

Then you are demanded to. You think your boss is inconsiderate when he knows your past with divorcing parents. You have to take the case, no other option for you.

Now you are dangling in the mess of a divorce. Undergoing civil litigation training, dealing with aggravating lawyers and endless negotiations, getting a whole sense of déjà vú when an eleven year-old daughter of the couple comes into the picture, fighting off opposition at work from the other office bitch who specializes in divorce cases but didn’t get this because she was off to her parents, dating a super-sweet stage-actor introduced to you by your brilliant stage-actress friend, wondering if your best-selling writer mum is “misbehaving” with your boss, dealing with clients tearing at each others throats in every sense of the word, wondering why your parents had to part away, wondering why your dad would never show any interest in you or what you do for that matter, feud after feud, negotiations after negotiations, back-to-stage-one after back-to-stage-ones. Life gets hard and hectic, as much as you try to make time for your personal life──there’s one thing, you can only keep in touch through emails. Emails everywhere, as if the pile of letters from the mail of your firm aren’t enough. Your life is as messy as a divorce.

Until you manage to sort it out, it would stay that way for over a year.

Sophie Diehl’s hectic life, summed up for your undivided attention.

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MY REVIEW

This book made me have blast! Like a grenade blast! I ah-dored every piece of it. But this blog isn’t about me, it’s about you. So this why you would love, love this title.

It’s beautiful in every sense of the word, the writing style. I loved that it was an epistolary. I have never, ever read one of these titles before. Or perhaps I have, but they weren’t as memorable as this. Divorce, social life, professional feuds all embraced in this epistolary, to give it a real feel. An effect some books with dialogue struggle to achieve.───★

The storyline was perfect. Uh-huh, Uh-huh──the storyline! It was surprising because I said earlier, written in an epistolary, blah, blah, it did have a storyline that can be easily related to. Who hasn’t gone through a divorce, or at least seen one? The effects it has on its participants and the children── even the pets! It’s mind-blowing how all this was captured in this title. The fact that it was an epistolary yet left nothing untold is what would make lovers of Women’s Fiction (and other genres) grab this title. Portrayed so real with depth that made it feel so true to life, I wonder if I’m shrieking about a storyline or rather a lifeline. ───★★

The characters in this book truly had character. I couldn’t believe anyone could execute a piece written from start-to-finish in letters but still embody the unique traits of each character. Through letters, you could tell you were reading about a strong, successful yet self-conscious Sophie Diehl. Through her letters, you could predict Maggie Pfeiffer, Sophie’s friend was the kind quick to admonish, advice type. Through her letters, you could tell Maria Meiklejohn, the client was well-poised, well-read, sharp, embodying every elegant, firm mother in their forties. Jane, the eleven year-old daughter, stuck between the divorce was intelligent, precocious, confused and hurt (much like every child in the midst of parental wars). Elisabeth Dreyfus, aka Maman, aka Sophie’s mum, was French, funny, sophisticated, exotic, and someone you’d like to take to lunch and listen to. Daniel, the client’s husband, was a moron. David, the boss and trainer, was firm but playful. Harry, Sophie’s sort-of-boyfriend, was an asshole in gentleman’s clothing. Fiona, the office bitch, was well, an office bitch. It’s a characterization party in there all through letters and I could go on and on. I loved each and everyone of them───★★★

The suspense in this book was riveting. I really wanted it to end, end, end or at least take a little break. But it kept increasing as things got complicated and complicated. I found myself rooting for Maria, hoping, praying she squeezes a chunk out of her SOB husband. If this is how divorces are, I’m not sure I have the heart to go through one. Stick with your partners (Ouch, no pun intended).───★★★★

As I said earlier, this book felt more of a literary piece than a book, more of a masterpiece than a literary piece.  References to classics that stole the hearts away of many born in the seventies and beyond (would go look ‘em up), all the subtle humor, the wisecracks, again, the writing style and the voice of each character, was breathtaking. Authors hardly get it write on their debut, but not debut novelist, Susan Rieger.───★★★★★

I talk a lot. No news. That’s why, I’m further going to:

Give this book: a whooping Five stars

Tell you to: Go buy this book in hardcover because kindle just doesn’t do it justice on....

Amozon in Hardcopy/kindle formats: http://www.amazon.com/The-Divorce-Papers-A-Novel/dp/0804137447

Amazon in audio format:http://www.amazon.com/The-Divorce-Papers-A-Novel/dp/0804166331

 

Give you a chance to: Win one of Two Hardbacks of The Divorce Papers from Crown Publishing, Random House

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Recommend this book to: Anyone who has been through a divorce or not. Anyone who wants to find the topic of divorce interesting, insightful as well as damaging and perhaps an opportunity to let go of the past and begin anew. Anyone who loves a well-written piece. Anyone less interested in material with fluff. 

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

    

Author Interview + Giveaway: Toni Rae (I Dated This Guy Once)

We catch up with Toni Rae, author of I Dated This Guy Once… In a book that is part Eat, Pray, Love and part Sex and the City, Toni takes readers on her adventures in 21st Century dating and shares all that she has learned along the way with plenty of laughter, wisdom and points to ponder for the modern woman. 

Buy on AMAZON in both Kindle and Paperback:  http://www.amazon.com/Dated-This-Guy-Once/dp/1458211223

Questions for Toni Rae, author of I Dated This Guy Once…

1.    Tell us about your new book I Dated This Guy Once…

I Dated This Guy Once… is a memoir focusing primarily on going through the volatile years of ages 18-26 and how to navigate your decisions, your focus, your career and love life. The book is about instilling love where judgment exists, compassion where doubt exists and positivity into these years which can be sometimes dark and daunting. Growing up isn’t easy for anyone, especially not in today’s society.

2.    What was the defining moment that made you realise you wanted/needed to write this book?

I was laid off three times in about three years and decided to take the next job offer that presented itself, regardless of where or what it was. I took a job offer teaching English in South Korea, something I would never of even considered doing had the opportunity not came knocking on my door. The defining moment for me to write this book, and share my story, is because so many young people, at least 25,000 hired in Korea in 2008 alone, go through the exact same feelings and emotions I did. We all feel in search of something outside ourselves. I needed other young people to feel that they’re not alone.

3.    What are the key bits of advice that you want to share with others?

Dating in the 21^st century can be a real pain in the ass, but it is better than sitting at home eating bagels and feeling sorry for yourself. That’s one piece of advice. The other is just to love, love everyone and everything you surround yourself with. Sometimes one random act of kindness can change your tiny little corner of the world, so if you can’t change the world, change your little corner of it. Be a soft heart to a tough soul. Fall in love every day, with something or someone, but at the very least, fall in love.

4.    What are your thoughts about the modern way of dating, in particular online dating?

The modern way of dating, is as I mentioned, quite painful. With cell phone apps such as Tinder, Coffee Meets Bagel, OkCupid, Plenty of Fish, Skout and so on and so forth, you can pretty much meet anyone, anytime, with a quick swipe of a finger. It is unbelievable. But what has this done to communication and dating? It has made it less likely for a man to approach a woman traditionally, or even give a man the confidence and communication skills he must ascertain in order to actually facilitate a successful relationship. In other words, people aren’t communicating like they used to, everything is virtual. Online dating is a bit better than dating apps, because sites like Match and eHarmony match people with you in a systematic way regarding your personality and circumstantial expectations for a potential partner, which is obviously better than swiping left or right through photos of strangers on your cell over a beer at the local bar. Either way, I think online dating can be extremely successful, if you’re actually going on dates and putting yourself out there. Just simply getting out of the house should be your number one goal for finding the love of your life, unless you’re seriously considering a food delivery man.

5.    What do you think the future holds for dating?

That is a tough question. The future scares me a bit in the world of dating. We are already seeing our youth of society date and communicate differently. I was sitting next to this adorable 9 year-old boy at a squash match in a private club in Greenwich, CT a couple weeks ago. He was talking about his EX-girlfriend, yes a 9 year-old boy about an ex-girlfriend. Not only was he talking about her, come to find out, they had never actually met in person. They had friends at near by grade schools, met on facebook, started texting and video chatting and eventually broke up because they didn’t go to the same school. Okay, now I know you might be thinking, that’s not really that big of a deal. And maybe it’s not. But what sort of communication skills do you need, or could you possibly develop, carrying on a relationship via technology? That means that there is no personal or physical connection, just a virtual or emotional connection based primarily on looks. You could pretty much carry on an emotional relationship with any attractive person at this level, which scares me a lot, because emotions can be deceptive. So what do I think the future holds? Maybe a plethora of basic communication and dating skill classes? Your guess is as good as mine.

6.    Do you believe that there is someone out there for everyone?

I do believe there is someone out there for everyone who wants someone. There are definitely people in this world that are far better off being and staying single, and actually prefer it that way. Then there are the rest of us, who find love, desperately want to be in love, get married, and stay married. I am a hopeful romantic, and believe if you’re single, your soul mate could be right around the corner. Or he/she could be sitting in front of you at Starbucks, if you would just look up from your iPhone or Mac every once in awhile. I think the most important thing, is to always be present. Stop looking in the past, stop thinking of the future, and be present in every moment, then and only then will happiness find its way to you.

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There you have it, Toni Rae unveiled!

Buy on AMAZON in both Kindle and Paperback:  http://www.amazon.com/Dated-This-Guy-Once/dp/1458211223

On goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18602306-i-dated-this-guy-once

Buckle up, Toni Rae is giving away two hardbacks worth $30. Stand a chance to win one of them by entering this giveaway. Good luck.

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Review+Giveaway: Love Like The Movies by Victoria Van Tiem

Blurb: In this irresistible romantic romp, movie fanatic Kensington Shaw is thrown into love—Hollywood-style—when her gorgeous ex presents a series of big screen challenges to win back her heart.

What girl wouldn’t want to experience the Pretty Woman shopping scene? It’s number two on the list. Or, try the lift from Dirty Dancing? It’s number five. One list, ten romantic movie moments, and a handful of shenanigans later, Kenzi has to wonder . . . should she marry the man her family loves, or risk everything for a love like the movies?

Imagine this: You are almost hitting thirty, and a rom-com fanatic. All your life, you’ve believed the perfect love is the love that’s in the movies. There’s not a line you cannot recite, a scene you do not remember or a character whose name you don’t quite recollect even if the movie was a big flop on the Box Office. The butterflies, the chest expansion, the tearing eyes, if real life love doesn’t bring you those overwhelming emotions, it’s not the perfect kind of love.

Your ex comes back into your life after his cheating exit, one that is most dramatic after he refused to give you the slightest explanation. Now he’s back with some absurd ‘Love Like The Movies’ list. And on the list, your ten most favorite rom-coms of all time (he knows because you two used to sneak under the duvet during high-school watching them), for you two to enact them, hoping to win you back or for some sadist project of his or for whatever. You just do not know what’s on his mind, and that’s just with him. You are not going to do this, you keep yelling at yourself. But then, you fall for his grandiose and ‘movie-like’ gestures. And goddamn his absolute sexiness. By the time you can stop yourself, you are in too deep, enacting all those ten great moments in rom-com history… with him!

I didn’t mention you have a mum who doesn’t quite approve of this ex, a sister-in-law whose bent on proving to your mum she’s more of her twin than you are, a boss who would give you the heave-ho if you do not do ‘everything, everything,’ in your power to save a client from turning his back on your company, a best friend who is constantly withholding information from you and setting you up with your ex against your will, a ‘sorta friend’ who keeps sleeping with all your past and future prospects and a fiancé who you are very sure is the one!

Kensington’s life summed up for your utmost delight!

There are two kinds of chick-lit, very modern chick-lit and very conventional chick-lit. I love conventional chick-lit. I mean, why wouldn’t I when it was that style of writing that drew me into the genre. So did I love, love this title?

First of all, the heroine is just so relatable! That’s what we all love in our chick-lit titles. A heroine, you can reach out and touch, relate to, feel, shed tears with, sympathize──no, sorry──empathize with. I loved Kensington’s voice, it was fresh and humorous, a recipe for all conventional chick-lit heroines (which I absolutely ah-dore!)── ★

                                                                                             

Secondly, I can’t review this book without commenting on the story-line. Beautiful, sensational, unique. Again, a piece we can all relate to. Like which of us doesn't like the cheesy collection of rom-coms, the boy-meets-girl-and-sparks-fly movies? To certainly base your work on that makes the piece a winner. And just quoting lines from favorite rom-coms of all-time is just so sinister to get us on your fan page!── ★★

A star should be awarded to the humor in this book. Maybe it wasn’t rib-cracking, but it was certainly above average to keep you smiling all throughout (thanks to the humor-laced plot).── ★★★

The cast of lead and supporting characters in this book were extremely entertaining to read about. From Ellie, our lead’s best friend who perhaps considers herself a match-making genius; Renson, the sister-in-law whose acts of trying to outdo our lead girl were both annoyingly riveting and humorous; The mum who spends much time shopping matching outfits with sister-in-law than she does spending some alone time with her daughter; Tonya, the ‘sorta friend’ who wouldn’t mind feasting over our lead’s (hot) leftovers; The Cop who always, always, catches our lead in the most embarrassing apprehension situations. Bradley, the fiancé, the sometimes adorable, sometimes jealous who everyone seems to think is a perfect match for our lead (and maybe definitely is); Shane, his grandiose romantic gestures gave this book the perfect amount of swooning factor to keep me glued.  I loved each and every one of them, plus all the extras employed to execute the iconic Pretty Woman shopping scenes (humorous Mary and Mary), the Sleepless in Seattle scenes, the My BestFriend’s Wedding scenes, the Love Actually scenes… and all the other all-time fav rom-coms included in the Love Like The Movies List (which I do not plan on revealing). And oh, not forgetting, Bethany Chesawit, the fairy godmother wedding planner──★★★★

It’s a long time, I took a book and gasped, “OMG!” This title certainly had lots and lots of OMG moments, some shocking, some funny, some “Aww…” worthy, some “I remember this line (or scene)!”. I ah-dore my chick-lit with such plot complications.── ★★★★★

This review is incomplete if I do not consider the ending. Like a perfect rom-com, it gave that chest expansion feeling that made my eyes go misty. It’s certainly going down on my Most Romantic Rom-Com list for the year. I’m going back to repeat all those movies Victoria mentioned in this title! The soundtracks that I vaguely remember are just haunting me!── ★★★★★★

My rating: Five stars. 

And I hardly give an author five stars on their debut, because they are supposedly to get better in their recurring titles, so I can only imaging what Victoria Van Tiem’s next would be. BIG APPLAUSE and A STANDING OVATION!

Victoria Van Tiem’s debut, Love Like The Movies is available on...

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Love-Like-Movies-Victoria-Tiem-ebook/dp/B00FU8PCP0/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1388702748&sr=1-1&keywords=victoria+van+tiem

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-like-the-movies-victoria-van-tiem/1117136084?ean=9781476763682&itm=1&usri=9781476763682&r=1&cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-TnL5HPStwNw-_-10:1&r=1

Simon and Schuster Gallery Books are giving away…a Rafflecopter giveaway

I recommend this title to anyone who loves chick-lit with a heroine they could almost reach out to and hug.  Anyone who fancies their romantic comedies. Anyone who simply thinks Rom-coms are not dead (like me). And anyone who just wants to have a blast!

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

ChickLit Ebook Giveaway!!!

We're offering FIVE lucky winners a bundle of ALL the following ebooks:

After Wimbledon by Jennifer Gilby Roberts

After 12 years on the pro. tennis tour and four years with her sort-of boyfriend, Lucy Bennett has had enough. She wants real life... and real love. Her life, her decision. Right? Well, no one else seems to think so. With opinions on all sides, Lucy's head is spinning. And she's stumbling right into the arms of long-term crush and fellow player Sam. Shame her boyfriend - his arch-rival - would sooner smash a racquet over their heads than agree to a simple change of partners. As the Wimbledon Championships play out, Lucy fights for her life on and off the courts. The question is: what will she be left with after Wimbledon? Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, other Amazon sites, Barnes & Noble

Thirty-Two Going on Spinster by Becky Monson

Julia Dorning is a spinster, or at least on the road to becoming one. She has no social life, hates her career, and lives in her parent's basement with her cat, Charlie. With the arrival of Jared Moody, the new hire at work, Julia's mundane life is suddenly turned upside down. Her instant (and totally ridiculous) crush on the new guy causes Julia to finally make some long-overdue changes, in hopes to find a life that includes more than baking and hanging out with Charlie. But when the biggest and most unexpected change comes, will the new and improved Julia be able to overcome it? Or will she go back to her spinster ways? Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, other Amazon sites, Barnes & Noble, Kobo

Dangled Carat by Hilary Grossman

Hilary had gotten used to dating the commitment-phobic Marc, thirteen years her senior. They had a great relationship--why rush into things? She saw no need to pressure him for marriage, believing that when the time was right, he would propose. But after they had been together for four years, their friends decided to take matters into their own hands, pushing Marc to propose and making Hilary realize how much she really did want to marry the man that she loved. Unfortunately, Marc still wasn't ready--and their friends' meddling in the form of a faux engagement party led to a disastrous New Year's Eve that brought their relationship to an inevitable turning point.

In this relatable, light-hearted, and playful memoir, Hilary reminisces about her life before Marc—from the insecure and awkward teenage years she spent in a back brace and dealing with the loss of her father, to her early relationships and, finally, to the day she met Marc and realized that she really wanted to see him again. Through their first date—even though Hilary was technically seeing someone else at the time—and the ease of their early time together until Marc first decided that they were moving too quickly, up until that fateful New Year’s Eve, Hilary shares the details of their relationship and how Marc’s inability to commit led her to find an inner strength and confidence she didn’t know she possessed.

Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, other Amazon sites, Barnes & Noble

Conditional Love by Cathy Bramley

Meet Sophie Stone, a thirty-something serial procrastinator. Tesco knickers, Take That and tea with two sugars is about as exciting as it gets. Sophie’s life is safe and predictable, which is just the way she likes it, thank you very much. But when her boyfriend dumps her on Valentine’s Day and a mysterious benefactor leaves her an inheritance, even Sophie has to accept that change is afoot. There is a catch: in order to inherit, Sophie must agree to meet the father she has never seen. Not a fan of surprises, Sophie would rather not; why not let sleeping dads lie? Besides, her mother would kill her. With interference from an evil boss, bickering flat mates, warring parents and a sexy ex-boyfriend, Sophie has plenty to contend with without an architect who puts his foot in it every time he opens his mouth. But it soon becomes clear that she will have to face the past and learn some uncomfortable home truths before she can finally build a future on her own terms. Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, other Amazon sites, Barnes & Noble

The Shopping Swap by Erin Brady

Maggie Andrew has a problem. She needs to convince Richard, her attorney boyfriend of five years, that he’s finally ready for a commitment. How? By planning an unforgettable night starting with a romantic dinner for two and ending in the bedroom. And to help things along, Maggie has spent half of her salary on sexy black lingerie from Crandall’s Department Store that Richard won’t be able to resist. Except, once home, Maggie realizes she has someone else’s shopping bag and instead of her very expensive lingerie, she’s stuck with a housecoat that wouldn’t turn anyone’s head, least of all Richards. When Maggie goes back to the scene of the swap, she runs into Benjamin Saunders, a tall, dark and handsome stranger, who not only has what she wants but may also turn out to have what she needs. Suddenly what Maggie thinks she has with Richard is called into question and she’s not sure of anything. Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.ca, Amazon.com.au, Amazon.in

Zoey and the Moment of Zen by Cat Lavoie

When coffee shop owner Zoey Everwood takes her obsession with ex-boyfriend Braden too far, everyone—except Zoey—is convinced a bit of fun in the sun at the Moment of Zen Wellness Resort will help her get over him once and for all. But Zoey's relaxing vacation turns out to be anything but peaceful when she meets Shane Lawson, a resort guest who bears a striking resemblance to Braden. And things get even more complicated when the resort's owner starts spilling secrets about Zoey’s aunt Nessa, the woman who raised her. Add a snarky Wellness Coordinator and Nate Holmes—Shane's grumpy friend—to the mix, and you've got the recipe for a perfect tropical storm. When Zoey comes back home with a new husband instead of tacky souvenirs, she must convince everyone she hasn't completely lost her mind. As Zoey and Shane struggle to keep the magic alive outside the resort, Zoey discovers that she isn't the only one having trouble letting go of the past. And when Nate drops a bombshell that changes everything, Zoey must decide if the old saying is true—what happens at the Moment of Zen stays at the Moment of Zen. Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, other Amazon sites, Barnes & Noble, Kobo

Saving Saffron Sweeting by Pauline Wiles

Grace Palmer's British friends all think she's living the American Dream. But her design business is floundering and when she discovers her husband is cheating with her best client, she panics and flees home to England. The tranquil village of Saffron Sweeting appears to be a good place for Grace to lick her wounds, but the community is battling its own changes. Reluctantly, Grace finds herself helping her new neighbours as they struggle to adjust and save their businesses. However, not everyone has the same opinion on what's good for the village. The charismatic new man in her life may have one speculative eye on Grace, but the other is firmly on profit. How will she navigate the tricky path between her home and her happiness? With gentle humour and generous helpings of British tea and cake, Saving Saffron Sweeting explores one woman's need to define herself through her career and community, before she can figure out who should be by her side. Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, other Amazon sites, Barnes & Noble

Super Natalie by Caitlin McKenna

Natalie Dalton can’t hold down a job. It’s not because she is constantly late, has a terrible work ethic or doesn’t try. It’s because she is plagued with a gift she’d rather give back. Natalie can communicate with ghosts—annoying, persistent ghosts who choose to have a word with her at the most inconvenient times, often at work with bosses and colleagues around. Fired from her umpteenth job and nearly out of cash, Natalie accepts an offer to appear on the low-brow, sensationalist TV talk show, World’s Weirdest Hobbies, to discuss her unusual ability, but more importantly to collect a paycheck. Unfortunately, a spirit appears as she’s being interviewed and ends up embarrassing the host of the show by revealing a juicy secret. The host goes ballistic and the clip of his attack goes viral, which catapults Natalie into the limelight and lands her a reality series as a paranormal investigator. With her financial future secure, it looks like Natalie’s life is finally going to run smoothly for a change. Then she meets Ryan Emery, a gorgeous, sweet, funny guy who is working on her new series. Natalie could really fall for him except for the fact that Ryan is a major skeptic. He doesn’t believe in ghosts and never will. This presents a problem when a persistent spirit wants Natalie to give Ryan a message—one that will dramatically change his life. Now Natalie must somehow get Ryan to believe. Can she do it without ruining a potentially great relationship? As Natalie carefully navigates her precarious situation, she suffers a loss which makes her question her own beliefs. With both of their lives turned upside down, Natalie and Ryan lean on each other and soon learn that what they truly need cannot always be explained with logic and reason. Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.ca, Amazon.com.au, Amazon.in, Barnes & Noble

Hard Hats and Doormats by Laura Chapman

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? Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, other Amazon sites, Barnes & Noble, Kobo

The Great British Date Off by Sheila Brady

Londoner Maggie Sullivan hadn’t exactly spent her teenage years beating off hordes of panting admirers with a stick. In fact, most of it was spent alone in her bedroom either working on her Spice Girls, Union Jack dress or trying out her dead mother’s heated rollers. All that had changed in her final year at school. As the object of her all-consuming school girl crush, Steve, had remarked at the time; who would have thought losing a little puppy fat, discovering hair product and investing in a Wonderbra would make such a difference? More than ten years on, he still has 'plans' for Maggie ... but not until he’s got one or two things out of his system. Only now Maggie has announced her intention to move to the country and he is not happy; especially since he’s noticed a ‘country toff’ rival ‘sniffing around’. He is more than delighted that Maggie’s move is turning out to be somewhat of a disaster. While she had been expecting village fetes, cricket teas and to be able to finally unleash her inner baker; in reality her cake-making efforts are being described as ‘lacklustre’, her godfather and boss is being referred to in very derogatory terms and somehow an extremely embarrassing photo has appeared in the local paper. An overheard conversation and a chance late night encounter lead Maggie to conclude that widower and local ‘catch’, Will is responsible and there is a price to be paid, right? How can she know that her day (or rather, intimate evening) of reckoning will set in motion a roller coaster ride of high points and humiliations that will put to the test some of her most long standing relationships and lead her to question everything she thinks she knows about her capacity for love... Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, other Amazon sites Buy all these great books on Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk To enter this fantastic giveaway, we're asking you to support us in the world of social media. You can enter by following us on Twitter, liking us on Facebook, following our blogs or signing up for our newsletters, as well as helping to spread the word about this giveaway. You can enter once or do everything if you want to maximise your chances of winning.

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End Date: Midnight 14 March 2014 EST