Stirring Up Trouble - Excerpt & Giveaway

Stirring Up Trouble

Pine Mountain #3

By: Kimberly Kincaid

Releasing October 7^th, 2014

Zebra / Kensington

Blurb

Sloane Russo's turned a decade of crazy jobs and whimsical travel into a career writing steamy novels set in exotic places. Trouble is, Sloane's flat broke now--and she can't channel sun-drenched beaches in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The only fast cash in town comes with some seriously distracting temptation: Gavin Carmichael, hot, handsome and oh-so-hard-headed.

Gavin isn't the impulsive Don Juan of Sloane's novels. He's raising his thirteen-year-old half-sister, and he's pretty sure he's supposed to act like he's never heard of fun. Sloane is way too sexy and irresponsible to be his idea of a good tutor for Bree, but the unpredictable anti-nanny may be irresistible as well. . .

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Excerpt

A question poked at Gavin's conscience, getting increasingly louder until he finally gave it a voice. “Look…don’t take this the wrong way, but this is over three weeks’ worth of work. I’ve got to ask, how much help did you give Bree, exactly?”

Sloane made a less-than-dainty sound and rolled her eyes. “I already passed eighth-grade English, and I’m not exactly eager to do any of the writing on my own again. Bree busted her butt, I assure you.” She started to wad up the discarded pages at her feet, muttering a low oath as the ball got big enough to exceed her hand.

Okay, so that had come out more accusatory than he’d intended. He knelt to help her collect the crumpled pages. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to imply that you did it for her.”

“Sure you did. But like I said, you don’t have to worry. I helped her, but only as much as she’d let me. Once we got started, she really did most of it without even talking to me.”

Now there was something he could relate to. “Yeah, that sounds like her.” The ache in his bones migrated to include everything beneath his sternum, and Gavin let out a tired exhale. He reached for the last scrap of paper at the exact moment Sloane did. Unable to change his course of movement without making contact, his fingertips brushed against the top of her hand as she closed a fist over the page, and the sheer heat of her skin under his hand registered in a jolt.

“Whoops, sorry.” He withdrew his hand and looked up, only to discover his face about six inches from a pair of heart-shaped lips, parted in a look of surprise. “I didn’t mean to…” A quick gesture to her hand completed the sentence. Her skin was so soft, like a stretch of perfectly golden caramel, warm and sweet and utterly decadent.

For a hot, impulsive moment, he wondered if she tasted the way she looked.

“No biggie,” she murmured, not moving her eyes from his.

Up close in the soft lamp light, they looked even prettier, kind of a cross between a summer sky and gathering storm clouds, and the juxtaposition caught him square in the chest. His left knee pressed against her right thigh from when they’d both knelt down on the floorboards, and even through the wool and denim, heat coursed from her body in waves.

He meant to lean back, to correct the mistake of accidentally invading her space and just let her go. Gavin commanded himself to move, to say good night, and give her enough room to walk out the door.

But instead, he kissed her.

About the Author:

Kimberly Kincaid writes contemporary romance that splits the difference between sexy and sweet. When she's not sitting cross-legged in an ancient desk chair known as "The Pleather Bomber", she can be found practicing obscene amounts of yoga, whipping up anything from enchiladas to éclairs in her kitchen, or curled up with her nose in a book. Kimberly is a 2011 RWA Golden Heart® finalist who lives (and writes!) by the mantra that food is love.

Her digital Line series is all about the hot cops and sexy chefs of Brentsville, New York. She is also the author of the Pine Mountain series, which follows small town singles as they find big-time love. Kimberly resides in Virginia with her wildly patient husband and their three daughters.

Connect with the author at:

Website * Facebook  * Twitter  * Goodreads

Two sets of the first two Pine Mountain books:

Turn Up The Heat and Gimme Some Sugar

(US/Canada only)

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How to Un-Marry a Millionaire - Book Tour & Giveaway

RICKY HART wants to the get the hell out of small-town Arizona to escape the fate of generations of women in her family – a boring, nothing future.

Inspired by Basia Johnson, a penniless cook who married into the Johnson and Johnson fortune, Ricky sets in motion a plan to get inside a rich old man’s house. Once there, she will do the rest. She is twenty-two years old, blonde and unashamedly brazen.

And she is ready to make a deal with the Devil.

What she hasn’t counted on is seventy-year-old SANDFORD KEANE, the Arizona Copper King, a notorious sonofabitch with an agenda of his own, and a family with a long history of other ambitious wives.

One of them is SUZANNE NELSON-DRUMMOYNE-GRAFF-CARMEL, a serial marrier who has finally found love. Unfortunately it is not with her latest husband. At war with her mother-in-law, PHILIPPA, a legendary old viper and trophy wife of another era, Suzanne is thirty-seven and terrified that she is about to hit her “use-by” date.

From the richest enclaves of Connecticut and Manhattan to the wilds of the Arizona desert and New Mexico, the novel brings these women together on a raunchy, life-changing encounter that will make them question the roles they have chosen for themselves, and the high price they have all paid to live the pampered life of a rich man’s wife.

Purchase the book at:

Amazon * Barnes&Noble

About the Author: 

Billie Morton is a British screenplay writer and film maker who originally set out to make documentaries about tribal life. Along the way she took a detour to California where she spent many years filming the natives and their social customs.

How To Un-Marry a Millionaire is her first novel. It was inspired by meeting young – and not so young – women across the globe all busily performing a colourful array of mating dances.  Some were dancing as fast as they could. Others were looking to take a little time and add love to the dream. And some were grabbing the microphone at the nearest karaoke bar to belt out Tina Turner’s classic – What’s Love Got To Do With It? 

These were the ones she chose to write about from her new home in the rainforest of northern Australia. 

Connect with the author at:

Facebook * Website * Twitter

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Mating For Life - Review

Review by Marlene Engel

Former folk singer Helen’s feminist and anti-monogamist views have affected her three daughters.  The youngest, Liane, has met “The One” but has concerned herself with the “what ifs”.  What if their happiness disappears and takes the magic along with it?  She has allowed these concerns to affect their relationship and, in turn, steal their ability for happiness and magic.  Middle child, Ilsa, is on her second marriage and afraid that she’ll give in to temptation and be unfaithful.  Then there’s the oldest, Fiona.  She prides herself in having a stable marriage based on values, but her husband harbors a secret.  The life that she has become accustomed to is no longer.  She is determined to get back to that life, even if that means without her husband.

                                     

Despite Helen’s dislike of commitment, she falls in love with a man who holds traditional values of marriage.  She’s not sure if she can turn her back on her ways, but at the same time can’t bear the thought of losing him. 

This book follows the struggles and challenges that all four women face.  Together they help break down their walls and uncover their individual truths.  What they’re left with is the knowledge that no matter what life hands you, it’s our life experiences (both good and bad) that make us the people we are. 

An amazing debut about the power of female relationships.  Mating For Life will leave you feeling like you made four new friends.  Add this book to your TBR pile.  You will be happy that you did.

Purchase the book at:

Amazon * Barnes&Noble

About the Author:

I'm a National Magazine Award nominated writer and former magazine editor whose work has appeared in the Globe and Mail, National Post, Elle Canada, and many others. Mating for Life (Atria Books; Simon & Schuster Canada) is my first novel. When I'm not writing, I'm reading. (In fact, I never go anywhere without a book. Except maybe swimming.) Some of my favourite authors are Meg Wolitzer, Julia Glass, Alice Munro, John Irving, Lauren Groff, Margaret Atwood and James Salter. I live in Toronto with my husband and two children, where I teach writing, and am working on another novel.

Connect with the author at:

Website* Facebook * Twitter

She Sins At Midnight - Review & Giveaway

Review by Marlene Engel

Living in La La Land (aka Los Angeles), where a size 4 is considered over-weight and sleeping one’s way to the top is the norm, Lila’s ready for a change.  Holding the invitation for her fifteenth high school reunion, she thinks maybe going back to her hometown is just the respite she needs.  However concerns about the welcome she’ll receive when she shows up husband and childless gives her pause. 

But, Lilia Montgomery has a secret … she is the New York Times best-selling author of She Sins At Midnight.  Embarrassed of what her family and friends would think if they read her erotica infused book, she published under a pen name.  Her secret‘s safe until her publisher informs her that she’s up for a RITA award, the romance world’s equivalent to an Oscar! 

As she embarks on her journey, it’s a whirlwind of events.  Beginning with seeing her book at the airport gift shop and the Adonis of a man who tries striking up conversation, to the peculiar way her parents are acting and her best friend who’s life Lila wishes she had (complete with husband and kids), but finds out isn’t being fulfilled by.  Oh, and did I mention this was all just on the first day back home?

She Sins At Midnight is a fun, laugh-out-loud novel about taking chances, discovering one’s self and enjoying the ride along the way.  This book was so entertaining and the characters so amusing that I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a sequel. 

Purchase the book at:

Amazon 

About the Author:

While attending the University of Illinois in Chicago, Whitney Dineen was discovered by a local modeling agent and began an unexpected career as a plus-size Ford model. She modeled in New York City before moving to Los Angeles with her husband.

When she wasn’t modeling, she was in the kitchen, baking delights to share with friends. Soon, her friends began asking her to send baskets of her wonderful candies and cookies to business associates, agents and production studios. Word spread like wildfire, and the rest, as they say, is history. Whitney’s sensational creations are still in great demand by her loyal celebrity clientele.

During “The Hollywood Years,” Whitney was bitten by the writing bug and started creating characters that are inspired by strong women with a great sense of humor.

In addition to her love of chick-lit, Whitney has also written a series of adventure books for middle readers.  The first of which, Wilhelmina and the Willamette Wig Factory, is nearing completion.

Whitney and her husband, Jimmy, have recently relocated to the beautiful Pacific Northwest to raise their children, chickens and organic vegetables.

Connect with the author at:

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Whitney's Goodies * Whitney's Goodies FB

Whitney is graciously giving 2 lucky winners

A signed copy of She Sins At Midnight

&

¼ pound of her "The Girl Next Door" Crème Caramels

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Crazy on Board - Review & Giveaway

Review by Deb Czajkowski

In general, genres follow a predictable pattern.  Read a mystery novel and you can expect a dead body and the ensuing search for “whodunit.”  A romance starts by introducing this woman and this man, and then you follow their myriad ups and downs until the end of the book and the beginning of their happily-ever-after.  Pick a subject any subject (Wine-making? PCs? Playing Bridge? Travel?), and there’s a “for Dummies” book to explain it to you. 

Is there a genre for Throwing Yourself Under the Bus?  What about cross categories like Autobiography with Tell-All?  Author Heather Davis qualifies for all of that with her book Crazy on Board TMI Mom Rides Again. 

Crazy on Board is a compilation of “if it can go wrong” stories from her childhood as well her now married-with-children life.  If we all sat down and tried to think of a funny or embarrassing story from our past (or maybe yesterday), we could probably come up with one.  Maybe you can recall a family trip that involved a wrong turn and the subsequent misadventure.  Or maybe yours is the crazy uncle who snored so loudly after Thanksgiving dinner that…. Or the funny aunt who…

Now that I have you laughing out loud at funny family follies, pick up Crazy on Board and keep laughing.  Will this book solve any mysteries? Well, no, not the dead body kind at least.  Will there be a happily-ever-after?  Well, everyone does come through each story safely in the end, so does that count?  Okay, no, it’s not a romance.  Will I learn a new skill?  If you mean like sewing or bee keeping or writing poetry, then no.

But you will learn that everyone has a story. Some have enough stories to fill a book.  Stories that teach you that we all have some crazy in there somewhere, and laughing is often the best way to get through it.  Or perhaps the best way to remember it?  This is Heather Davis’s Crazy on Board.  If you need a few smiles to brighten your life right now, to help you remember that we all do goofy things now and then, or you just feel like something fun to read, pick up Crazy and get “on Board.”

Purchase the book at:

Amazon * Barnes&Noble

About the Author:

Heather Davis shares the hilarity that is her life at www.Minivan-Momma.com. As a full-time, work-outside-the-home momma (she teaches middle school English & colors her hair regularly), she and The Dad attempt to parent two bold, no-holds-barred daughters. Fortunately, she’s learned the trick to keeping her toilets clean, her daughters bathed and her husband satisfied in bed (and not just on Saturday nights!). The trick is this: Ignore it all, drink lots of sangria, and enjoy the ride! Recently, Heather was chosen as a cast member for the National show Listen To Your Mother - Northwest Arkansas. She’s also regular atwww.FunnyNotSlutty.com and welcomes Twitter-stalkers (MinivanMomma2). She invites you to laugh with her or at her.

Connect with the author at:

Website * Facebook * Twitter

Enter to win a print copy of

Crazy on Board (TMI Rides Again) by Heather Davis

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Skinny Bitch Gets Hitched - Review & Giveaway

Review by Marlene Engel

Clementine is busier than ever with her restaurant, Clementine’s No Crap Café.  Business is booming and the restaurant is an overall success.  She has been so busy focusing on her career that it catches her off guard when her boyfriend, Zach, proposes.  Not quite sure how she’s going to juggle her career and planning a wedding, her soon to be mother in law decides to step in and take over the reins.  Although Clementine is willing to hand over some control to Dominique, Dominique isn’t good at compromise.  She has a vision for this wedding.  And, the more over-the-top, the better.  However, Clem envisioned her wedding day taking place at her family’s farm, knowing the backdrop would be perfect and would make her father, who’s dying of cancer, happy in his final days.  She can handle Dominique and her demanding ways.  What troubles Clem is how distant Zach has become.  Especially during this time when she needs the support and encouragement as she’s trying to land a coveted spot in the New York Times Sunday travel section.  He even shoots down her idea of opening a second restaurant, Clem’s No Crap Outpost, on her family’s farm.  Confused by his actions, she starts to question if Zach is really the man for her.  Clementine doesn’t tolerate crap in her food, will she put up with it in her relationship?

Skinny Bitch Gets Hitched is the second book in author, Kim Barnouin’s novel series.  Known for her Skinny Bitch books and cookbooks, the author incorporates her vegan lifestyle into these novels.  However, you don’t have to be vegan to enjoy these books.  With the perfect combination of vegan and carnivore, snarky and sweet, this book is for anyone who loves a great story, realistic characters mixed in with some yummy food.  Once again, Kim whips up the perfect treat for her readers. 

Purchase the book at:

Amazon * Barnes&Noble

 About the Author:

Kimberly Ann Barnouin was born on February 27, 1969. Yes, she has included her year of birth, she's in her 40's and proud of it. She was born in Rhode Island but grew up in Maryland. Both states were way too cold for Kim so she moved to Miami Beach in her mid 20's to thaw out. She now resides in Southern California with her hot French husband and their 4 year old son Jack.

She is the co-author of the New York Times Bestseller Skinny Bitch, and Skinny Bitch in the Kitch, as well as Skinny Bitchin, Skinny Bitch Bun in the Oven, and Skinny Bastard. She released her first solo book Skinny Bitch Ultimate Everyday Cookbook in October of 2010.

She is the founder of her website www.healthybitchdaily.com, a fun and informative green living guide for women.

Connect with the author at:

Website * Facebook * Twitter 

Kim is generously giving one lucky winner a SIGNED, hardcover copy of

Skinny Bitch Gets Hitched!

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Dangled Carat - Book Tour & Giveaway

Dangled Carat

By: Hilary Grossman

Releasing September 14^th, 2014

BookTrope

Blurb

For every girl who wondered if she should love him or dump him.....

For every girl who listened to her heart instead of her friends advice....

For every girl who l wondered if she was wasting her time dating that guy....

Meet Hilary....

She 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.

For anyone who has ever dated a commitment-phobe, who has found their patience wearing thin with the one they love, or who has sat around wondering if he is ever going to pop the question while trying to remain the very picture of patience and grace, Hilary's humorous and honest story will hit home.

Purchase the book at:

Amazon

About the Author:

Hilary Grossman dated a guy so commitment-phobic that she was able to write a book about their relationship.  She has an unhealthy addiction to denim and shoes.  She loves to find humor in everyday life.  And she likens life to a game of dodgeball - she tries to keep many balls in the air before they smack her in the face. When she isn't writing or blogging she is the CFO of a beverage alcohol importer.  She lives on Long Island.

Connect with the author at:

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads

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Five "Name Brand" Perfumes (US ONLY)

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