Monday, September 30, 2013

3000 LIKES GIVEAWAY

Shhh, Mommy's in the Bathroom Reading has hit 3000 Likes on Facebook! To celebrate we have had a bunch of donations, so ENTER & SHARE. Good Luck to Everyone!

Guest Reviewer Search!

Hi everyone! I have been doing this little blog for about 8 months now, and thanks to all the support, it has gotten bigger than I ever expected. There were a lot of big changes in my life this summer and I feel like I am so far behind. I get closer everyday to catching up, but I always feel like I am letting everyone down because I don’t have as many reviews done as I would like. Nicole with Ariesgrl Book Reviews has helped me with her awesome reviews(show her some love, she is an awesome reviewer (www.facebook.com/AriesgrlBookReviews .))

Her help has got me to thinking... I want to do a “Contest” of sorts to see if I can get a few more reviewers on board, to get you more reviews.

If you would like to do this, First fill out this form: 

Second, I will contact you to submit a review of your choice. Depending on the response to this, I am hoping to narrow it down to TOP 10.

Thirdly, Once we have it down to Top 10, I will send you a book (via Amazon-so you need a kindle or kindle app available to you). Once you have the book I have sent, then you read it and submit me a review on that book. The reason for this is so I know I've read the book and can really see your review style. I can also see turn around time.

Fourth, I will narrow from there to a TOP 5. Everyone in the TOP five will get A SWAG Pack (Each one is random with bookmarks, button, pens, magnets, etc. (could be any or all))

Finally,to the final contestants I will gift a book of your choice (up to $4.99) to submit a review on. (also via Amazon)

I hope that this will lead to good working relationship, to share more reviews with my followers.

To the people that choose to do this, reviews need to be on a professional level, by that I mean that I want reasons that you loved, or hated, said book. Don't just say “I hated it, worst book ever”, I want to know why you felt the way you did. (ie, character development, plot continuity, writing style, emotional level, etc.) You can give a break down of basic plot but also give the above (please don't give plot summary and then say “I really Loved it.”) I also want to give total credit to the reviewer with links to your page or blog, but I know that some people do not feel comfortable reviewing books under their real name, due to jobs or community, in this case you can have a pseudonym if you choose and stay anonymous.  Also, On a side note: I really like when reviewers put some of their favorite quotes from the book.  Not anything that would spoil the book, but things that made you laugh, cry, scream, etc. Lastly, please don't spoil the book for the readers, that just mean. If you feel the need to spoil a book, make sure you clearly state that a spoiler is coming (but, I prefer no Spoiling)

I hope this inspires people who would love to review books, but just doesn't have the time to run a blog.

So what does everyone think? Good idea or bad idea?

Plus None by Emily Hemmer

Keeping her loud, redneck family in line for seventeen years has been no easy feat for Charlie Davies, but she’s managed to carve out a life for herself in the quiet crazy of her hometown. That is, until her baby sister announces she’s marrying a country-club boy from the bright lights of Dallas. Charlie’s got two months to defeat her sister’s she-demon Maid of Honor, keep her cousins from ruining the nuptials, and decide whether her one-time, one-night stand Alex Ramirez is worth a second chance.

Alex has thought of almost nothing but Charlie for two years, since the morning he woke up alone in her empty hotel room. Her sister’s upcoming wedding to his best friend seems like the perfect opportunity to reconnect with the girl who got away, but he underestimates her pull on him and soon finds himself torn between love and duty.

With the wedding fast approaching, Alex and Charlie’s relationship will be put to the test. Hillbillies, debutantes, and the old southern divide of rich and poor threaten to keep them apart. One thing's for sure, it's about to get interesting in Harlow County.


Emily Hemmer was raised in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago before settling in Kansas City in 1996. She was raised in a house full of women and can therefore shower, blow-dry her hair, and apply a full coating of makeup in twenty minutes flat. A huge fan of romantic comedies, Emily was overjoyed to realize her college roommate could recite every word of the movie 'Clueless,' until she realized that was the only VHS tape her roommate owned. Emily dropped out of college and to this day, blames the listless years of her twenties on the words, "As if!" She completed her degree after an extended eleven-year semester break.

In October 2012, Emily learned she came in 2nd place for the SFARWA 's Heart-to-Heart contest (for contemporary single title romance) for her first work, The Break-Up Psychic. This work has been a true labor of love and is the basis for all of Emily's future happiness. But she's trying not to put too much pressure on herself. According to her Yahoo! Shine horoscope for 2013, this year looks to be the best of Emily's life. She has plans to publish three books, win countless accolades from her peers, and literally roll around in a bed made of money. She also plans to purchase a new dishwasher.
http://www.emilyhemmer.com/blog/ 
http://www.facebook.com/emilyhemmerauthor
Twitter: @EmilyHemmer

Book 2 in Dangerously Dimpled Series (Can be a Stand Alone)


Book 1 in Dangerously Dimpled Series (Can be a Stand Alone) FREE 9/30 & 10/1


Punished into Submission by Holly Carter with Review

 

SYNOPSIS:

“Growing up with a drug dealer and a whore was never easy. I saw things that a child should never see. I felt things as a teenager that one should never feel and there are things that I heard that one should never hear. I was grateful when Sailor saved my life.”

Kat was determined to get away and become someone else after her tragic childhood. Become someone people would fear. Become invincible. Incredible. Painful. Harmful. Playful. Dangerous……..

When Kat breaks the law in her adopted club, she is sent to trial where the jury demands obedience, training, and a punishment she will never forget. They force her to become a submissive to none other than Hunter Ford, Master of Masters and Mistresses Palace, the most notorious BDSM club in the city.

Hunter is wanted by all and feared by many. He’s dark, dangerous, and sexy as sin. He’s the master. When he is handed a Switch to play with and teach, he thinks life couldn't get much easier. How wrong he was. His life was about to get explosive.

Hunter has thirty days to make Kat obey him, respect him, want him, and kneel to him. Hunter’s methods are savage, sexy, and mind blowing. The feelings between this Dom and sub are never meant to be anything more than pleasure and pain. But when you mix pleasure, lies, and an earth shattering need there are arousing yet devastating consequences.

Will Hunter let his guard down? Can the Master be mastered? Or, will Kat give up control after her moment of clarity? Can Hunter succeed and punish her into submission?
*This is a FAN MADE book trailer*
 For entertainment purposes only.
NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED
All rights credited to the owner
Song "Nickelback-Here And Now-Everything I Wanna Do", sound recording administered by: WMG





“Whatever you are thinking in that pretty head of yours, stop. I can see it in your eyes.” His hand grazes my cheek. “Be assured, Kat, you will call me Master by the time you leave here. You will submit to me fully.”
 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Holly-Carter/195808103876263?fref=ts
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17725051-punished-into-submission



REVIEW:

I was gifted an ARC for an honest review:

Hunter Ford is the Master at Masters & Mistresses Palace. He is the ultimate Dom and he has been given the task to Punish Kat into Submission.
Kat is one tough bitch and doesn’t know when to stop. She loves being a Mistresses as much as she hates it. Kat had a rough introduction into this world and she has found the best way to stay in control is to hold the power. Will she be able to submit or will she bring Hunter to his knees?

I have been anxiously awaiting this novel for a while and I can honestly say that it didn’t disappoint. Holly wrote these characters in such a way that I wanted to reach in an shake these people to open their eyes to whats going on around them! I have to say, in the beginning I really didn't like Hunter (a shock to me), but he really grew on me. In addition to the main characters, I also fell in LOVE with the supporting characters. Arrow and his brotherly advice, Angel with her upbeat personality, David as close to a father figure that Kat has ever known, and Rumbles with his bad ass sweet side (with a mean left hook.)

Multiple plot twists I never saw coming helped evolve this story to the end (sort of), we are left with the dreaded cliffhanger, but at least we will see more of these people. I not so patiently wait.....

I think this is a awesome first published novel from Holly Carter & I can't wait to see where else she takes us.


 
Staring at the bottom of your glass
Hoping one day you'll make a dream last
But dreams come slow and they go so fast

You see her when you close your eyes
Maybe one day you'll understand why
Everything you touch surely dies

But you only need the light when it's burning low
Only miss the sun when it starts to snow
Only know you love her when you let her go
LYRICS by PASSENGER

ALL TEASERS ARE by HOLLY CARTER©

BUY ME!!!!!


Trust Me? The Trust me? Trilogy by K.E. Osborn

When Jenifer Taylor, a young woman from the big City of Mornington Vale California starts her day, it turns from bad to worse, when on her way to work she is in a chain collision.
Little does she know that this accident will set off a chain of events transforming her dull life, filling it with love and heartache.
Aiden O'Connell, a young, attractive, and rich businessman sparks her trust issues as he starts his pursuit of her.

Jeni admits her feelings for Aiden; only to find out he is being investigated for a serious crime. Her trust issues spark as she goes through a journey of self-discovery. She must decide once and for all whether she trusts the man she loves, when she’s asked the ultimate question.

“Do you trust me?”

This is book one in a series of three. Book two "Love Me?" coming soon.
K E Osborn was born in September 1984 and raised in Adelaide South Australia. She had a love of writing throughout High School but went down a different path to Design instead. It wasn't until she had a vivid dream about a three car pile up that the characters of her first book came to life. 
Aiden and Jeni are the amazing couple from the Trust me? Trilogy and they were born into the world through the imagination of K E Osborn in 2012.

Trust Me? The Trust Me? Trilogy by K E Osborn is now available for purchase for $3.99 at Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble and Kobo.

You can download from smashwords in the following formats:
Epub for iPads, Nook, Sony Reader, Kobo etc.
Kindle for Kindle devices.
PDF for the computer.
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/354821

For Amazon and kindle
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F0G6JRW

I turn to face him; he puts his other arm around me. We are in the same position as before when the last kiss attempt failed. My arms are tight around his neck, his arms around my waist. I look down. He lifts up my chin so I’m lost in his gaze. His hand goes back to my waist. He swallows; I think he’s as nervous as I am. He tilts his head and leans in … I back away quickly. 
“What’s wrong?” he asks, looking hurt. 
“Oh, no, it’s not you. I think … I might have garlic breath.” 
He laughs and pulls me back to him. “So do I.” He pulls me in tighter, and before I know what’s happening, his lips are on mine. I give in and surrender to him completely. 
This feels like one of my fantasies, only way, way better. He holds me tight as one hand moves from my waist to caress my cheek, kissing me softly but sensually. My hands move to the back of his head, and I grab a lock of hair in each hand. He moves our bodies so that I’m against the railing at the edge of the deck. He moves his hand from my waist to hold the rail as I still grasp his hair. The kissing becomes feverishly passionate; his tongue against mine as they intertwine with each other. Our breathing becomes faster and erratic. Our kissing becomes more intimate. We are in perfect sync with each other. I pull him closer to me, our whole bodies touching. My heart is pounding fast and hard. His hand moves from my face to the back of my head, pulling me tight. He moves my hair from the side of my neck, breaks our kiss and kisses my neck slowly and seductively. I sigh and breathe in a stuttering motion. I open my eyes to see the waitress standing there, gawking at us. I stiffen as I see her. He pulls back and looks at me. With my eyes, I gesture toward the waitress. He turns, looks, and lets out a little huff. He leans in towards me. 
“Now that’s a first kiss,” he whispers as he grabs my hand and leads me over to the table. I can’t help but smile.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

A Witches Curse by M.L. Stephens COVER REVEAL

 
Hecate didn't dabble in dark magic. Watching her lover die at the end of another man's sword changed that. In a single act of vengeance, she turned her lover's killer into a werewolf and cursed him for eternity. It was A Witch's Curse to rival all others and it was her last act as a goddess.
   Drago despised being a werewolf. He spent thousands of years searching for an antidote, only to discover that the witch who cursed him, also had to cure him. Unfortunately, that witch died lifetimes ago. Undeterred, he continued to search. Two years ago he found Hecate's remains lying in a crypt hidden deep within the Louisiana Bayou. Today, he watched a coven of witches bring her back to life.
   He killed her lover. She damned him for all time. Can two souls who are destined to be eternal enemies, learn to forgive enough to live again?

I'm always clicking away at the keyboard, but when I'm not, my family, two dogs, and a very peculiar cat keep me on my toes! There's never a boring moment at my desk!
    Besides my obvious love for coffee and all things caffeinated, I love to travel. The occasional tourist stop is fun, but I'm a back road kind of gal. Take me off the beaten path. I want to meet the ordinary people behind the culture.
    My crazy family includes a husband, four kids, two grandbabies, two dogs, and a cat. That's right! Life is totally insane! Now you understand why I write!
    Speaking of writing, I've been spinning stories around the campfire, since I can remember. Poetry was second nature, and as a teen and young adult, short stories were constantly being penned. I'm an avid reader, who loves almost all genres. Let's face it! A good read is a good read, regardless of whether it takes place in the future, the past, or with ghosts.

Waking Up in Vegas by Stevie Kisner COVER REVEAL

Waking Up in Vegas by Stevie Kisner
Release date of late December,
I’m Tack Morgan, and I’m Las Vegas Magazine’s Sexiest Man. I’m the host of the most listened-to morning drive-time show on Vegas’s FM dial.



I’m also in therapy for sexual harassment.
My therapist is the one making me write this. The doc says it’ll help put things into perspective.

To be clear, I don’t have sexual harassment issues. I have sexualfrustration issues.

And it’s totally not my fault.

That responsibility rests squarely with the person I’m being accused of harassing. I see her each and every weekday morning at the ungodly hour of6 am.

Funny. I used to think that was the best time of the whole day. I lived for starting my mornings so early, not seeing my bed until many, many hours later.

Unless it was for recreation.

At the risk of sounding cocky, I recreated a lot.

Sex is my sport of choice. Or at least it was, until Jen waltzed through the station door and announced she was my new morning-show co-host.

I swear, she’s developed some sort of pheromone-canceling ESP that follows me around everywhere and cockblocks me at every turn. I haven’t gotten laid in… too long.

Honestly, I haven’t been keeping track.

Actually, yes, I have.

It’s been two months.

Coincidentally, that’s exactly how long Jensen McKenzie has been my co-host.

I don’t think my balls can get any bluer.

Finding Kia by Eiricka Phonix with GIVEAWAY

 Book Name: Finding Kia
Author: Airicka Phoenix
Publisher: Fire & Ash Publishing
Release date: August 20, 2013
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary Romance
Warnings: Language. Sexual Content. (16+)
Formats: e-book, paperback
Social Networks:
Twitter (@AirickaPhoenix) - https://twitter.com/#!/AirickaPhoenix

Finding Kia Synopsis

Maybe you should avoid me tonight.”
His arm slipped around my waist and I was drawn into his chest. “If I only have this one night with you, the last thing I’m going to do is stay away.”

Kia Valentines had always accepted the fact that she was a nerd, a nobody. It was a badge she wore with honor, until the day she saved Claudia DeLorenzo’s life and lost herself.

When offered the chance to shed her identity for a single night, Kia never believed it would change her life. It was one night. It meant nothing, or it shouldn't have. But that single night turned out to be her undoing when she finds passion in the arms of the one person she can never have.

Adam Chaves was more than just a gorgeous face, he made her laugh, but more importantly, when he looked at her, she felt like the most beautiful girl on earth. But Adam has no idea that Kia was the girl behind the mask and Kia has no intention of telling him. But a secret can only be kept if no one else knows about it. Claudia knows and she wants something Kia isn't willing to give in order to keep it.

Will Kia succumb? And just how far is Claudia willing to go to get what she wants?

Excerpt
“She’s talked about you, but she never warned me just how dangerous you were.”
Somehow, I really doubted he meant in a Charlie’s Angels, sexy in tights kind of way. “I am not dangerous!”
His brow lifted as his gaze darted to the binder drip drying in the sink. “Could have fooled me.”
This was so not the way I wanted him to remember me, like some clumsy whack job with balance issues. “Those were accidents.”
“And the restaurant?”
“Accident!” I was sticking to that story if it killed me.
The corner of his lips twitched. “Sure thing, nena.”
“Kia,” I corrected him. “My name—”
“I know,” he said. “I haven’t forgotten.”
Right. “You just called me Nena.” Yeah, I was so not impressed.
He rolled a pink tongue over his teeth. “It means baby in Spanish.”
Baby? He called me baby? Wait, what kind of baby? The hot, seductive sort or the, you need a diaper change sort?
He laughed. “Do you always think so hard?”
“Yes,” I said automatically. “I think. I’m a thinker.”
“Interesting.”
I frowned. “Why?” Better yet… “How?”
He grinned. “I’m a doer.”

Author Bio
Airicka Phoenix is the best-selling author of The Touch Saga, Games of Fire and Octavian's Undoing with short stories in Whispered Beginnings: A Clever Fiction Anthology and Midnight Surrender Anthology. She also writes adult paranormal & contemporary romance under her alter ego, Morgana Phoenix.

For more about Airicka, also on how to win giveaways, read author interviews and reviews, visit her website at: 
http://airickaphoenix.com/Author/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Airicka-Phoenix/252135634831614
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/#!/AirickaPhoenix
Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/AirickaPhoenix
LinkedIn:
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/airicka-phoenix/40/432/74
Fanpage:
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/100193 - See more at: http://www.anchorgrouppublishing.com/authors.html#sthash.ldk4sWph.dpuf

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Very Bad Things by Ilsa Madden-Mills with Review


Title: Very Bad Things (#1 Briarcrest Academy)
Author: Ilsa Madden-Mills
Expected release date: September 10, 2013
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Born into a life of privilege and secrets, Nora Blakely has everything any nineteen year old girl could desire.  She’s an accomplished pianist, a Texas beauty queen, and on her way to Princeton after high school.  She’s perfect…or is she?
Leaving behind her million dollar mansion and Jimmy Choo’s, she becomes a girl hell-bent on pushing the limits with alcohol, drugs, and meaningless sex.  
Then she meets her soulmate.  But he doesn’t want her.
When it comes to girls, twenty-five year old Leo Tate has one rule:  never fall in love.  His gym and his brother are all he cares about…until he meets Nora and realizes he is not the master of his own fate.  He resists the pull of their attraction, hung up on their six year age difference.
As they struggle to stay away from each other…secrets will be revealed, tempers will flare, and hearts will be broken.
Welcome to Briarcrest Academy…where sometimes, the best things in life are Very Bad Things.

 

Ilsa wrote her first work at the age of twelve when she penned a little ditty about a handsome prince who had no sense.  Since then, she’s written plays, poems, and numerous short stories.  Very Bad Things is her first full-length novel and part of a new series called Briarcrest Academy.

She graduated summa cum laude with a master’s in English from an esteemed university in the South, where she now resides.  After graduation, she taught writing courses, directed plays, worked with autistic children, helped start a children’s clothing company, and eventually had a family.  Now, she spends her days with two small kids and her Viking husband.  When she’s not typing away at a story, you can find her drinking too much coffee, jamming out to Pink, or checking on her carefully maintained chocolate stash.
She loves to hear from fans and fellow avid readers.  You can find her on Facebook and a soon to come author website.
                                     

                                  

http://www.ilsamaddenmills.com/

Cover designed by: Toski Covey Photography and SommerStein from Perfect Pearhttps://www.facebook.com/toskicoveyphotography?fref=ts
Cover reveal organized by: AToMR Tours;http://atomrbookblogtours.com
Goodreads:http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17836829-very-bad-things
Very Bad Things by Ilsa Madden-Mills
Review by Wendy @ Shhh, Mommy's in the Bathroom Reading
4.5 Stars
On the surface, Nora Blakely seems perfect. She comes from an affluent family with money, pretty, thin, (neurotic), and brains to boot. I know, first thought, spoiled rich girl. As they say, the grass is greener on the other side... until you get there and it's just weeds. 
Nora has spent her life trying to please an unappeasable mother. Her father is never home. Her half brother Finn has moved away. So Nora is left in a mansion alone.  
One day, Nora finally snaps and is determined to do "Very Bad Things", if she's never going to live up to the expectations, might as well have fun and do things she shouldn't. Nora makes a list of the bad things she wants to do:

1: Change my image. Get a tattoo? Wear slutty clothes? Dye my hair?
2: Drink alcohol. Drugs optional. Drugs required. Proceed to rehab?
3: Have meaningless sex. Often. With different people. 
4: Be the aforementioned bad girl whenever possible. In school. At home. Everywhere.  
5: Do not under any circumstances be called perfect. 
Sometimes the one that seem perfect are the ones that are the most broken. 

Leo Tate and his brother Sebastian Tate are new to the area and Briarcrest Academy and witness first hand Nora's break down. 
Leo had to grow up fast and take over guardianship of Sebastian and the family business.  
When Leo sees Nora's mother screaming at her, Leo wants to step in to help, but doesn't want to make things worse for her.  When Leo makes eye contact with Nora, the connection with Nora is instantaneous. 

This book was a winner. There was drama, passion, angst, and jealousy. I laughed, got mad, got sad, and down right concerned.  The chemistry between Nora and Leo is palpable. However Leo doesn't want or need a relationship and Nora is tired of being everyone's second choice. Is it better to be second choice or no ones choice? Can Nora let go of what she wants and move on with her life. 
I loved how Nora took a very shitty situation and turned it around. The character progression was great. I really felt Nora evolving to the person she was meant to be, not the person she was forced to be. 

Leo, Leo , Leo.... He needed a swift kick in the ass. With that being said, I understand why he made the choices he did, and to be forced into a life he never planned and own it. 
The supporting characters, friends and enemies rounded out this book. I loved them and hated a few. 

The story is also told from alternating POV's so you really get a look into their heads. I loved this aspect and really felt the characters emotions. 

This book does not have a cliffhanger (yeah!), but it does leave it open for more Briarcrest Academy (Sebastian please ***hint, hint Ilsa***)

My one con about the book is that it ends at about 86% which was a huge let down, thinking I was going to get a little more. 

Overall a great, can't put it down read, and one in my re-read list. 

Incoming, incoming, super-slutty nurse arriving in three, two, one.” ~Mila

It’s hard to give up something when it’s everything you want.” –Nora Blakely

I lie awake and dream of her; I close my eyes and dream of her.” –Leo Tate

Best. Tiramisu. Ever. ~Nora 

Bad decisions can make some damn good memories.” –Nora Blakely

If love is the answer, then I’m changing the question.” –Leo Tate

I’d like to sleep for a hundred years, wake up and try again.” – Nora Blakely

happiness is simply collecting and remembering all the good moments in your life, kinda like beads on a necklace. ~Aunt Portia

A question that sometimes drives me hazy: am I or are they crazy?” –Albert Einstein

"No one can resist the Tate charm when I crank it up" -Sebastian


Friday, September 27, 2013

Wish Me Tomorrow by Karen Rock with GIVEAWAY


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.


WISH ME TOMORROW in paperback form, please visit at http://bit.ly/11Ue28g 
 Kindle form at http://amzn.to/12qqqKh 
                                                                         
So, why were you two talking about me? Eli probed, shifting in his shining black Oxfords. In the background, the piano keys banged out the song Lets Do It,” an off-key chorus accompanying it.
Grans husky contralto rose above the rest, belting outthe lyrics, Lets fall in love… as she gazed down at an eyebrow-waggling John. Why was life so uncomplicated for them? They were enjoying each others 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 signoutside the window cast red light on his pale face.
Am I really alone in this? His voice sounded as tattered as retired flag. I didnt want to press you after our run in the rain because you looked sosurprised by my admission that I want more. But can you really tell me youre not feeling something for me, too? Because Im losing my mindlosing sleep. Every waking moment is me thinking about youabout 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 beatingtogether…it was close to coming true and she wasnt going to deny it any longereven though she knew she didnt 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 Grans 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. Thered be time enough for doubts later.
Make a wish, Eli John called. Youll 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. Elis 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-dont-believe-in-wishes?John wheeled closer and ruffled Scouts ears.
Eli shrugged. He picked off the candles and dropped them on a paper plate. Guess Ive seen the light.
So, whatd you wish for, Dad? Becca asked, grabbing hold of Tommys finger as it inched toward the cake.
When the lights came back up, his eyes leveled on Christie.
Something I cant live without.

         
                         
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!