THE ICING ON THE CAKE, Alison Kent's latest - I have a signed copy for a giveaway!

Finally! A new release from Alison Kent - raise your hand if you think it's been far too long since we've had anything from her! *waving madly* I'll spare you all the details of how much I love her, how I'm her biggest fan, I want to meet her, etc. I don't think I've ever mentioned though that Alison is one of the first authors I discovered online. Alison was once again kind enough to send me a signed copy of THE ICING ON THE CAKE and because I had pre-ordered a copy for my Kindle, I'm going to do a giveaway for that signed copy. I strongly suggest that you take a look at Alison's blog - scroll down as there are several posts with information about this exciting new series and how she connected with Michelle and Todd, the real-life characters from this book.
Here's everything you could possibly want to know about THE ICING ON THE CAKE:
Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match . . . dot.com. An on-line dating service is not Michelle Snow’s idea of how to find love but when the Big 3-0 hits, Michelle decides she has nothing to lose since she hasn’t brought a date home in ten years, she’s professionally burned out, and her climb up the corporate ladder has come at the expense of abandoning her sweet dream: to own a boutique cupcakery.
Todd Bracken, early thirties and a successful technology consultant, isn’t exactly a player after being off the market for ten years, and pours himself into his dual passions of martial arts and home-sweet-home renovations. Only there’s no one to come home to so he decides to give Match.com a try. Todd isn’t so sure the Internet dating scene is his thing – until a message pops up in the wee hours on a weekend night: “I like your smile.” Todd likes – a lot – the whole package that glides into a French bistro in Washington, D.C.
It’s serious mojo-at-first-sight but there’s a glitch: Todd and Michelle live in different cities. Will love find its way in the digital age with a You’ve Got Mail courtship when video cam kisses just aren’t enough? And when Todd challenges Michelle to not only go for her dream but also let him share it, will they be able to make it happen together despite obstacles more plentiful than a shower of rainbow sprinkles?

You'll find an excerpt here - go have a closer look!

My review:
THE ICING ON THE CAKE is Alison Kent's latest release and while it's slightly different from what readers have come to expect from her, it is a evocatively beautiful love story based on the true story of Michelle Snow and Todd Bracken who met via Match.com. In my expert, readerly (hey, my blog, my made-up words) opinion, it's reason to fall in love with Alison Kent all over again!
Michelle Snow reluctantly signs up at Match.com at the repeated coaxing of her girlfriends. The girlfriend scenes in this book are some of my favorites. Their personalities are so different, but they are united in their affection for each other, just as girlfriends should be. Todd Bracken has a lot going on and yet there is a void in his life - he decides to take a chance on Michelle being the one who can fill that void. Their initial online conversations are so much fun. Both are intelligent and quick-witted, but unsure enough that occasionally they worry over something they've said being misconstrued - who hasn't felt that way over an email or tweet that they've sent? Totally realistic. From their initial date which was intended to consist of a quick, introductory drink but lasting for hours instead, both knew there was something special between them and they had an undeniable need to pursue it.
Michelle and Todd have successful jobs, lives rich with family and friends. Michelle's relationship with her parents is especially sweet, and they fully support her dream of owning her own bakery. Her excitement is shared and encouraged by Todd and his enthusiasm provides a boost of confidence to Michelle's hesitation. Todd's family situation couldn't be more different from Michelle's and while it isn't warm and fuzzy, it is well-written and the emotions of his broken home will likely strike a chord with many readers.
THE ICING ON THE CAKE is a powerful love story, written in Alison Kent's unique style of sharp, crisp storytelling. Not explicit, but sweetly sexy with clever character banter that keeps the reader smiling. One of my favorite quotes from the book isn't a romantic one, but pulled from a conversation between Michelle and her mother about opening a bakery. Michelle says: "I'm just ready to go to work and breathe in hot sugar and vanilla instead of all the desperation and anger stinking up the office." - it reminded me of a conversation I had with my girls once while baking, about how calming it always is for me to smell sugar, butter and vanilla working together to produce something that will be shared and enjoyed with my family and/or friends.

If you want your name in the draw for this signed copy of THE ICING ON THE CAKE, leave a comment about your favorite Alison Kent book, character or cover. If you've been living under a rock and haven't read any of Alison's work, it's OK to admit that too! Send your friends over and if they mention your name, I'll toss your name in the draw two extra times. I'll draw a winner in the evening on Friday, September 24.
Thanks to Alison for the autographed copy - and thanks to all of you for checking out THE ICING ON THE CAKE. This is a beautiful story and I encourage each and every one of you to get your hands on it! Knowing that it is based on a true love story makes it that much sweeter!

Laurie