Title: Wish Me Tomorrow
Author: Karen Rock
Release Date: September 1, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin
Blog Tour Hosted by: Romance Addict Book Blog
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.
Gran’s husky contralto rose above the rest, belting out the lyrics, “Let’s fall in love…” as she gazed down at an eyebrow-waggling John. Why was life so uncomplicated for them? They were enjoying each other’s company, plain and simple. So why, when it came to her and Eli, did their distance seem insurmountable?
“Something about Becca thinking we like each other.” Christie’s voice came out unevenly—he was standing very close to her, near enough that she could feel the warmth of him.
“Hmm. Guess she knows how to read her dad, at least.” He ran a hand through his hair, the intensity in his eyes making her flinch and turn away.
Her chest rose and fell, colored dots appearing on the edge of her vision.
“Christie. Talk to me.”
She shook her head mutely, unable to meet his gaze. There were too many secrets her eyes might tell.
He cupped her elbow and steered her farther from the party guests until they stood alone in a far corner. A sign outside the window cast red light on his pale face.
“Am I really alone in this?” His voice sounded as tattered as a retired flag. “I didn’t want to press you after our run in the rain because you looked so…surprised by my admission that I want more. But can you really tell me you’re not feeling something for me, too? Because I’m losing my mind, losing sleep. Every waking moment is me thinking about you…about us.”
His urgent tone made her look up into his pleading eyes, the surge of hope in their depths making her heart leap.
She nodded and felt his hand tighten, his hold draw her close. Her eyes shut, and she shivered at the caress of his breath against her temple. This was it. All this time, imagining what it would be like to have Eli’s arms around her, to feel him against her, their hearts beating together…it was close to coming true and she wasn’t going to deny it any longer…even though she knew she didn’t deserve any of it. And Eli needed to know why.
She wanted to admit what was in her heart before things went further, but she became suddenly conscious of the quiet crowd and the dimmed lights.
“Time to sing everyone,” Mary said. She carried a chocolate sheet cake with loopy writing and a blaze of candles. Luckily everyone was looking her way and not theirs.
John pounded out the opening notes to “Happy Birthday.” Christie avoided Gran’s speculative gaze as she and Eli stepped from the shadows and joined the assembly. Her voice blended with the rest, her body relaxing against the warm arm encircling her waist. Time to tuck away her rational self and live in this perfect, happy moment. There’d be time enough for doubts later.
“Make a wish, Eli” John called. “You’ll need a big breath to blow out all those candles.”
The group laughed then hushed as he closed his eyes and inhaled long and deep. Christie stepped aside to join Becca, Tommy and a tail-wagging Scout. Eli’s breath exploded from him, obliterating every pinpoint of light and smearing some of the candle wax on the frosting. Wow. Whatever he’d wished for, he meant it.
“What happened to Mister I-don’t-believe-in-wishes?” John wheeled closer and ruffled Scout’s ears.
Eli shrugged. He picked off the candles and dropped them on a paper plate. “Guess I’ve seen the light.”
“So, what’d you wish for, Dad?” Becca asked, grabbing hold of Tommy’s finger as it inched toward the cake.
When the lights came back up, his eyes leveled on Christie.
“Something I can’t live without.”
My Review: I am so happy that Harlequin has a new line that is *clean*!! There are some sizzling kisses, but that's as far as it goes.
Christie is a grief counselor. I love her little dog buddy, Sweet Pea--they make such a great team. I thought Christie came off so competent at what she does. At first, I would never have guessed that she has fears to overcome. But as the story progresses, she becomes more human, seeming to mask her insecurities and fears with a very dedicated and driven career. I love how easily she related to kids, even though she doesn't have any of her own. The way that she is able to relate to Becca is just precious.
When Eli shows up at one of her group sessions, I thought for sure the sparks would fly...and they did...in both good and bad ways. Eli is a realist and is almost afraid to live, just in case he might die. On one hand, I could understand his way of thinking, but on the other hand, I kept thinking, "Just live every day like it's your last!!"
I loved how gradually the two became friends and developed a good relationship. Eli was a little too quick to jump to conclusions on occasion, kind of skittish, but their relationship was so natural and real. I have to admit--I did shed some tears. This story really tugged at my heart.
I loved the interactions the characters all had with one another and I loved watching their growth throughout the story. My only wish: I wanted more of an ending--an epilogue maybe? I felt like it left too many questions in my mind, but that could be just be me.
Content: a handful of language and sizzling kisses. Clean.
To purchase WISH ME TOMORROW in paperback form, please visit at http://bit.ly/11Ue28g or in Kindle form at http://amzn.to/12qqqKh and on Nook at http://bit.ly/19cnFDP.
Buy Links
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wish-me-tomorrow-karen-rock/1114971549?ean=9781460319154
Wish Me Tomorrow Tour Schedule
Karen Rock
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! Please check out her website at http://www.karenrock.com , her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/karenrockwrites, and follow her on twitter http://www.twitter.com/karenrock5 or Goodreads at http://www.goodreads.com/karenrock.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarenRock5
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karenrockwrites
Website: http://www.karenrock.com/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/karenrock
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