Wish Me Tomorrow (Review+Excerpt+Giveaway!)

Blog Tour Hosted by: Romance Addict Book Blog

Title: Wish Me Tomorrow

Author: Karen Rock

Release Date: September 1, 2013

Publisher: Harlequin

Goodreads | Amazon | Kobo | iTunes | Barnes and Noble

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!

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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