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Wish Me Tomorrow (Review+Excerpt+Giveaway!)

Monday, September 30, 2013
Blog Tour Hosted by: Romance Addict Book Blog

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Title: Wish Me Tomorrow
Author: Karen Rock
Release Date: September 1, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin

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Synopsis

Can they build a future on hope alone? 

For years nurse and grief counselor Christie Bates has been teaching her patients to confront their fears, express themselves and trust in hope. But as her feelings for cancer survivor Eli Roberts and his two children grow, can she overcome her own fear and love a man who lives every day with the possibility of recurring illness?

Tackling cancer and single parenthood simultaneously has turned Eli into a devout realist. Which is why he finds Christie's perpetually upbeat attitude so aggravating. Still, despite himself, she's making a place in his heart. If only he could offer Christie more than an uncertain future.

My Review

Okay, so I’d been hearing a lot of great things about Karen Rock and her sister-in-law’s book titled Camp Boyfriend, but I never really got the chance to read it. Then I found out there was a blog tour for this novel, and considering it was written by Karen Rock, I jumped at the chance to sign up for it. I had high hopes for this book, and I find it safe to say that I wasn’t disappointed. I even had the impression that it was going to be this heavy tearjerker, seeing that it revolved around the topic of cancer (like The Fault in our Stars), but I was wrong. Sure, there were a whole lot of emotional moments, but they were far from depressing. The story deeply moved me, and it’s about finding love in places where you never thought you would.

The characters were all so beautiful and perfect. I loved every single one of them and how they all had this part to play in the story. I adore Christie the most, because despite her past and all the things she had to go through, she still emerged strong –stronger than before, even. She just has this unfading radiance in her personality and this complete willingness to help others that has become hard to find nowadays. I was really sad for Becca, who felt so lost and confused amidst her problems. I kind of got annoyed with Eli at first, honestly, because he was always in denial and was so set on the idea that he could do everything by himself. It was great, though, that he managed to gradually open up as the plot went along, and how this helped his relationship with his family. It was really sweet that he always seemed to be so selfless when it came to his children. Amazingly, all these people came together and were able to help each other learn to accept, to love, and to grow. The love between Christie and Eli was so solid and pure – something that is rare these days. Eli was able to accept Christie’s imperfections and even love her for them, making their relationship all the more incredible. Normally, I would complain about open endings, but in this case, I think that the ending was written perfectly.

Overall, the novel was heartwarming and genuine. It made me ponder on a lot of things and really reflect on my life. It taught me to forgive, to accept, to be open to new opportunities, and to live, but most importantly, it reminded me that no matter the circumstances, we can always hope and wish for tomorrow.

An Excerpt From Wish Me Tomorrow

“You’ve been gone too long.” he breathed in her ear.

She felt as if electricity coursed from her sensitive lobe and sizzled through her body. Her lungs trapped her breath and took it hostage. Was there anything more amazing than being held by the man you loved?

She turned and put her arms around his neck. In an instant, his breath quickened, his blue eyes searing hers before he crushed her against him.

“I’m the luckiest man in the world.” His voice was low, throaty. “Remember what you said earlier, about feeling like a monster?”

She nodded, burying her face in the firm planes of his chest. Why would he bring that up when things felt so romantic?

He tipped her chin and held her gaze. “Please don’t say that again. Don’t even think it. You’re imperfect. Flawed, a little scarred, but stronger now in a way that makes you the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met. Inside and out. I wouldn’t want you any other way.”

It was the most incredible thing anyone had ever said to her. Did she deserve it? An image of Bill came to mind. She could almost picture him giving her a thumbs-up.

Before she had another moment to think, he captured her lips with a kiss so intense it was bruising. Her thundering blood deafened her and her shallow breathing rolled out like a low tide. He tasted like salt and fire as his mouth slanted across hers. She buried her hands in his thick hair, drawing him closer still.
His mouth left hers and traveled along her cheekbone. She could feel the erratic beat of his heart against her chest. His arms held her tight, as if he never meant to let her go. She rained kisses on his neck, his jaw and finally on his lips.

Suddenly, an aching tenderness replaced their earlier frenzy. They needed to explore, to know each other. When he returned her kiss, his hand stole into her hair and wound her tresses with his fingers. Their kisses deepened slowly, softly, the intensity growing between them once more…a single match that had ignited a blaze.

She knew he was strong, but it still surprised her how easily he carried her to the living room settee and laid her down gently on the scattered pillows. His body slid over hers in one smooth gesture. She inhaled his breath as their mouths moved against each other, every kiss drawn out now, lingering, exploring. Her hands drifted over his back then rose to his shoulders and the muscles of his arms.

At last, he drew himself up on his elbows. Now he was looking down at her, and his expression had changed in the flickering light, his blue eyes darkened to indigo. The rawness of his open, vulnerable expression undid her.

Warmth overflowed her heart, filling up the cracks and wounds she’d held inside. She sighed and buried her hands in the thick strands at the nape of his neck. How had this miracle happened? It seemed beyond imagining, beyond wishing. Yet here she was, with him, the only person who’d made her feel complete. Whole. As if she deserved this moment with him.

My Rating:


About the Author

Since Karen Rock’s grandmother passed her shopping bagfuls of Harlequin Presents as a teen, it’s been her dream to add her voice to the Romance genre. Now an author of Harlequin’s latest contemporary line, Heartwarming, Karen is thrilled to pen wholesome, tender, deeply romantic stories that all can relate to. Her first novel, WISH ME TOMORROW, is out in September 2013 and her next, HIS HOMETOWN GIRL, is out in spring 2013. Additionally, Karen is a young adult contemporary romance co-author with fellow Harlequin author, Joanne Rock for the CAMP BOYFRIEND series that debuted July 2013 with Spencer Hill Press.

When she’s not busy writing, Karen enjoys watching anything starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, cooking her Nona’s family Italian recipes, and occasionally rescuing local wildlife from neighborhood cats. She lives in the Adirondack Mountain region with her husband, her very appreciated beta-reader daughter and two King Charles Cavalier cocker spaniels who have yet to understand the concept of “fetch,” though they’ve managed to teach her the trick! Hmmmm… wonder how that happened?! She loves to connect with other romance fans!


Giveaway

GRAND PRIZE

Signed copies:
  • Karen Rock's WISH ME TOMOROW
  • Robyn Carr's THE WANDERER
  • JoJo Moyes' ME BEFORE YOU 
  • JoJo Moyes' THE GIRL YOU LEFT BEHIND
  • JK Rock's CAMP BOYFRIEND
Unsigned copies:
  • Bella Andre's I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU
  • Pamela Tracy's KATIE'S RESCUE
  • Tara Randal's ORANGE BLOSSOM BRIDE
  • Syndi Powell's THE RELUCTANT BACHELOR
Harlequin tote bag
RWA 2013 water bottle
RWA water bottle holder

3 RUNNER UPS

$10 Amazon Gift Card


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dreamless

Tuesday, September 24, 2013
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Dreamless
by Josephine Angelini

Summary

Dreamless continues the story of Helen Hamilton, a shy girl living on Nantucket Island whose desire for an ordinary life was thwarted when she discovered she is a Scion, a descendant of a Greek god and a mortal. Each Scion has a power, and Helen’s is the ability to travel to Hades.

Helen is determined to use her talent to stop a war amongst the gods and change her destiny, which is to live a life patterned after that of the tragic Helen of Troy. But her quest may cost her Lucas Delios, the boy she loves.

My Review

First of all, I have to say, this book is really well written. There was never a moment when I couldn’t connect with Helen’s character, and I almost felt like I was the one going through everything she did. It was jam-packed with suspense, and most of the time I didn’t even have the slightest clue what was going to happen next. The plot really made me admire Helen, though, because she remained brave and selfless even amidst the toughest of times. This book introduced a love triangle between Helen, Lucas, and Orion, which I wasn’t all that pleased with, frankly. On some occasions, it seemed like all Helen could think about were these two guys, and she couldn’t even decide between them. She refused to choose despite knowing that all she was doing was hurting them, and that made her look pretty inconsiderate. But overall, this book exceeded my expectations, and I can’t wait to read the next installment!

Quotes From the Book

“...try to remember that dreams do come true, but they don't come easily.”

“It's not our talents that make us safe or dangerous, it's our choices.”

“How am I supposed to forget you?” Helen asked, laughing weakly at such a silly suggestion. “You’re too big a part of me. I’d have to forget who I am to forget you.”

Stacking the Shelves

Saturday, September 21, 2013


Thank you to the giveaway and blog tours for these! :)

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Thank you to my friends for this birthday book gift! It's been a while since I've had a physical book! <3

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Waiting on Wednesday

Wednesday, September 11, 2013


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Chloe didn't think about it much when she nodded off in study hall on that sleepy summer day. But when she wakes up, snow is on the ground and she can't remember the last six months of her life. Before, she'd been a mediocre student. Now, she's on track for valedictorian and being recruited by Ivy League schools. Before, she never had a chance with super jock Blake. Now he's her boyfriend. Before, she and Maggie were inseparable. Now her best friend won't speak to her.

What happened to her? 

And why can't she remember?


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They say that the higher you climb, the harder you fall - and Madison Clarke will do anything to keep her new life from crumbling to pieces. Moving from a small town in Maine to Florida, Madison grasps the opportunity to reinvent herself, to forget about those days of being a lonely, loser outcast, and jumps at the chance when the popular kids decide to take her under their wing. A hot boyfriend, parties, friends... If only there wasn't the slight problem by the name of Dwight, a cute, funny and totally nerdy guy in Madison's physics class who she can't help but enjoy spending time with. Running from her past and stumbling through the present, who knows what lies ahead in this new life in Florida.

Top Ten Books I'd Love to See as Movies/TV Shows

Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Meme hosted by: The Broke and the Bookish

In no particular order:

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American Girl on Saturn Excerpt + Giveaway

Monday, September 9, 2013


American Girl On Saturn
Release Date: 08/24/13

Summary from Goodreads

The summer after graduation is supposed to be that first real taste of freedom - but not for eighteen-year-old Chloe Branson. Just as that breeze of freedom is making its way into her galaxy, her secret-service-agent dad drops a meteor-sized bomb of bad news on her and her sisters. An attempt has been made on the lives of Canadian boyband, Spaceships Around Saturn, during their USA tour, and the guys have to go into hiding ASAP. The only problem? In the midst of the crisis and media frenzy, their dad volunteered to hide the guys...in their house.

Six-year-old Emery is as ecstatic as any self-proclaimed Saturnite would be, but Chloe and her seventeen-year-old sister Aralie watch their summer plans crash and burn like a falling star. The SAS guys aren't happy with the situation, either. Bad boy Jules picks fights with Aralie about everything from his Twitter followers to his laundry, and heart-throb Benji can't escape Emery's fangirlisms for more than three minutes.


But after the super-cute Milo kisses Chloe during a game of hide-and-seek, she finally understands what Emery means when she talks about SAS being "out of this world." If this is what Saturn feels like, Chloe doesn't want to come back to Earth.

 


AN EXCERPT FROM AMERICAN GIRL ON SATURN


I push him back. “You cheated!”
“Milo wins!” Noah shouts out. “I really thought you had it too, Chloe. I can’t believe you just crumbled like that.”
“He cheated,” I repeat. 
Milo shakes his head in protest. Noah has the audacity to agree with him. And thanks to Emery’s lost spinner in the grass, the plastic is my only other witness. 
Noah saunters over to us like a rapper trying to pull off a classic swagger. 
“Good job, Milo,” he says. “You know how clumsy girls can be. I knew you’d take her down.”
I peel myself off of the plastic, grab my flip flops, and head back toward the house. I’ve had enough exhilaration and angst for one afternoon. The video premiere was enough. Porno-Posed-Twister with Milo was too much. But I can’t escape Spaceships Around Saturn even if I try. 
Milo and Noah come up behind me like a black hole engulfing a shooting star. 
“Whoa, where are you going?” Noah asks. “I need you to work some Sharpie magic for me.”
I spin around by the pool. The blue water glistens behind him. 
 “Why don’t you ask your Canadian brother to help you out? I’ll even lend you the Sharpies, traitor,” I say.
Noah attempts a jaw-dropped shocked expression, but his dimples pierce through and make it impossible for him to look appalled. He moves closer to me. 
“If you wouldn’t keep secrets from me then I would’ve backed you up,” he says through his teeth. “I need to be in the loop.”
An evil thought crosses my mind, and I instantly do what I can to erase it. But it’s sort of like typing an English essay. You type a line. You think it sucks. You slowly backspace. Then you realize it helps meet that three-and-a-half-pages criteria, so you keep it. This evil thought is too good for the backspace button. 
“You want in the loop?” I ask. 
He nods rapidly, and his smile bounces up and down. 
“Okay,” I say. “Spell ‘loop’ backward, and you’ll totally be in it.”
I wait half a second for the word to click in his brain before I push him with all my energy into the cold water behind him. A splash of H2O floods the poolside concrete and splatters over my feet as Noah bobs to the surface. I rush to the patio door before he has a chance to climb out and throw me in. 
But Milo blocks my escape. 
“Are you free tonight?” he asks. 
“As free as I can be on a lockdown,” I reply.
He slides the patio door open and motions me inside. “I’ll hold Noah back,” he says. “As long as you promise to meet me out here at midnight.”


About the Author

Nikki Godwin is a Young Adult author from the southern USA. She is a city girl who can't live without Mountain Dew, black eyeliner, Hawthorne Heights, and candles from Bath & Body Works. When not writing, she's not-so-secretly internet-stalking her favorite bands. She is slightly obsessed with rock stars and surfers. She no longer hides her love for One Direction.

***Author Links***
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***GIVEAWAY***
1 signed paperback + swag (US only)
3 e-book copies (INTL)

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