Showing posts with label Karen Rock. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Karen Rock. Show all posts

Sunday, April 8, 2018

GRAND FINALE BLITZ for Bad Boy Rancher by Karen Rock (Harlequin Heartwarming Romance)

On Tour with Prism Book Tours
Book Tour Grand Finale for Bad Boy Rancher By Karen Rock
We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:
Launch - Note from the Author
The Cade and Loveland family drama continues with the third book in my Rocky Mountain Cowboys series! The Cade and Loveland ranching families, neighbors who’ve been feuding for over a hundred years, are full of such interesting and complicated characters who face, and overcome, personal challenges in unique and inspiring ways to find true love and happiness...
"From the toe-tingling romance to the larger-than-life characters, Karen Rock does a fabulous job of delivering this story! I was completely captivated from the very first chapter... This is a book that is full of hope and connections and I loved every minute spent in this small Rocky Mountain town."
"I fell in love with this series with the first book, Christmas at Cade Ranch, and the stories just keep getting better, maybe because I’m crazy about this family and look forward to each return visit. The issues this story touches on are relevant and real - addiction, PTSD, survivor guilt... Bad Boy Rancher is a moving and highly entertaining story in every way."
I Am A Reader - Excerpt
“Surprise!” Justin’s family shouted. Javi ran around him chanting, “Happy birthday! Happy birthday!” Justin backed up a step. “No.” His mother, Joy, strode through the doorway. She shoved silver strands behind her ear and peered at him anxiously from behind frameless glasses. “It’s been a long time since we…we wanted to do something nice, honey… Wanted to celebrate…” His boots dropped down one tread. “No.” He would not, couldn’t celebrate his life. Not when his twin brother lay six feet under, buried along with Justin’s broken promises, the ones they’d whispered to each other in the womb: fidelity, unity, brotherhood.
"Bad Boy Rancher by Karen Rock is another excellent book in the Rocky Mountain Cowboys series! It doesn’t shy away from gritty issues like PTSD, survivor guilt, addiction, etc. But it also provides plenty of humor and sweet, tender moments. And of course toe-curling swoonliciousness. This is truly a heartwarming story as well as a stellar romance with great character growth. I’m looking forward to more books in this series!"
Brielle’s cell phone buzzed on the seat beside her. She risked a glance down at the number, recognized it as her new employer’s, then reached for it, slowing as she approached an intersection. Her fingers closed on the metallic rectangle just as the dark shape of a biker raced into view, barreling straight at her. Her pulse slammed in her veins. Was he crazy?
A Slice of Life - Review
"When it comes to realistic behavior and human emotions, KarenRock doesn’t disappoint, and the third book in her Rocky Mountain Cowboys series, Bad Boy Rancher, is no exception... The author delves deep into the human psyche in order to express the emotions Justin, Brielle, and others feel throughout this Rocky Mountain Cowboy journey, providing a compelling and informative read."
"I found the main characters to be enjoyable and realistic. Both Justin and Brielle are flawed and want each other but try to overcome the obstacles in their "relationship"... A very enjoyable read for anyone who loves romance novels or a fan of this series."
"Cowboys are not my favorite genre, but Justin is not your ordinary cowboy. He is full of guilt and tries to cheat death. He can not get over the loss of his brother. During a chance encounter, when he is tempting death, he meets Brielle. She is a strong woman. What a great heroine.... This was a really fun read, and I can not wait to read more about these characters."
Faithfully Bookish - Review & Excerpt
"I’m so thankful for stories that tackle tough issues to stretch and grow our compassion and understanding. I definitely recommend this story to readers who enjoy a little more heat in their sweet romance and everyone who loves a good underdog or cowboy or adventurist hero and thoughtful storyline." “What are you afraid of, Justin?” That snapped his spine straight. “Nothing.” “Then prove it. I dare you to spend the next ten weeks here, at the clinic.” “Dare?” Was she joking? This wasn’t kid stuff… To him, it was life-and-death. And the way Brielle got under his skin, opened him up, was downright dangerous. If he accepted, he’d need to keep his distance. “I’m not going to any group talks.” She pondered that a moment then sighed. “Fine. Go only if you want to, which I’m betting will be plenty.”
"I really loved this book from start to finish. I have loved this Cade clan from the start and their's something about this family that just makes you rally around them. I can't wait for Jewel's book." - LAWonder10 "You did it again, Karen Rock! I love the Cades and the Lovelands. This series of books is so good... I highly recommend this book to other readers. It's a great read."- Vickie
"This book has all the feels in it. I've known from the start of these Cade family member's that I have wanted to get to Justin's book. And Mrs. Rock does not disappoint with this one... I really loved this book from start to finish. I have loved this Cade clan from the start and their's something about this family that just makes you rally around them. I can't wait for Jewel's book."
Remembrancy - Review
"In Bad Boy Rancher, Karen Rock tackles topics that are difficult: addiction, depression, and PTSD to name a few. Each of the members of Second Chance is unique in their circumstances yet the same in that they are on their way to healing. Rock’s ability to humanize these disorders is top-notch."
"I enjoyed visiting the Cade family again and loved the addition of the pug in the story. Also really enjoyed Javi in the book, the little boy in the first book. This is really a good series."
E-Romance News - Excerpt
“You don’t want to lose anyone else.” This close, Brielle could smell Justin’s minty, warm breath. “No,” she admitted. “Then get to know them. Come to my ranching workshop tomorrow.” “I don’t know if I can,” she confessed. “It’s not easy for me…like it is for you.” His short laugh rushed across her cheek. Their eyelashes tangled. “You think it’s easy for me? I hate talking to people.”
Harlie's Books - Review & Excerpt
"Yall this series. I’m telling you, READ IT!!! Ms. Rock nailed Justin to a tee. Okay, so I may be partial to Ms. Rock because I’ve read her since she started but every one of her books in this series is heartfelt, at times funny, the men are sexy as heck and the heroines are perfect for them. Every couple has baggage and it’s quite a ride to see them work it out separately and then together for the all-important HEA." Are you ready to go?” There was a brief catch in Brielle’s voice as Justin tucked her loose scarf into her coat collar. “There’s something I want to show you first.” “Maybe another time.” She twisted a cross pinned to the lapel of her jacket. “I’ve still got work to finish and—” Her words cut off as he laced his fingers in hers. “Work will be there in the morning. This won’t.”
"I really love this series because it just pulls all the emotions and feels out of me. This book is intense with the emotion... I couldn't have been rooting any more for these two to find a HEA. It's definitely a book you don't want to pass up. "
Justin pressed a finger beneath Brielle’s chin, tipping it up until their gazes tangled. “Stop hiding from me,” he murmured, his voice hoarse with the strain of keeping himself in check. “I’m right here,” she whispered. The enticing scent of raspberries emanated from her, and he nearly groaned with the torment. He traced the outline of her lips with one finger. She started to pull away, but he halted her by sliding his fingertips over the smooth flesh of her upper arms. Her answering shiver was both rousing and scary. It amazed him that he kept her captive with no more than his touch.
"This book is like the perfect storm. It has all the elements coming together to make it so enticing to me... I loved that both these main characters were strong yet not. They both had broken bits that needed fixing and healing yet they were still fighting the good fight. The attraction was zingy and instant and it just kept building. The kissing was yummy. This is such a great series. I'm loving it. Each book can stand alone but I would highly recommend reading them in order because you will be happier and more satisfied if you do."
Justin traced her jaw with the callused pad of his index finger. “Do you still believe in God?” The moon disappeared behind clouds, and the light coming through the stained-glass windows dimmed. “I do, but I don’t hear Him anymore. He stopped answering me after my breakdown, stopped talking through me—like He blames me, too. Bill wasn’t the only suicide. Another member of his squad killed himself on leave, with his personal handgun. A couple months later, a third member of his company overdosed. A year later, Stan Dobbins, one of the only survivors of the group ambushed before Easter, redeployed for the third time and shot himself in the head.” She leveraged herself up to face Justin. “That’s why I’m not stronger.” “You haven’t healed yet. Didn’t you tell me therapy’s hard work?"
Don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...
Bad Boy Rancher (Rocky Mountain Cowboys #3) by Karen Rock Contemporary Romance Paperback & ebook, 368 pages April 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming He’s not the only one who needs saving… But maybe they can save each other? Dark, brooding, dangerous…and possibly suicidal. Renegade rancher Justin Cade was exactly the kind of man former army chaplain Brielle Thompson needed to avoid after escaping the horrors of Afghanistan with an honorable discharge—and PTSD. The whole point of moving to the remote Rocky Mountains of Colorado was to leave the darkness behind, not fall back into it. But falling she is…
Other Books in the Series
Christmas at Cade Ranch (Rocky Mountain Cowboys #1) by Karen Rock Contemporary Romance Paperback & ebook, 384 pages November 7th 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming The Christmas they never had. James Cade has one priority: keep the family ranch running smoothly in the wake of his younger brother's death. With Jesse's ex, Sofia Gallardo, and her young son, Javi, stranded at Cade Ranch over Christmas, this task just got a lot harder. The longer Sofia and Javi stay, the harder it is to imagine the ranch without them. James couldn't save his brother from his inner demons, but he can give his nephew a secure future. Maybe more—if he can figure out how to trust Sofia, and stop feeling like he's betraying Jesse. Because trying to stop thinking about beautiful, determined Sofia is impossible.
Falling for a Cowboy (Rocky Mountain Cowboys #2) by Karen Rock Contemporary Romance Paperback & ebook, 368 pages January 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming Doesn’t he get that she’s blind? Barrel racer Amberley James wants to join the premier rodeo circuit more than anything, but she faces the ultimate hurdle when she loses her eyesight to a rare genetic condition. All she’d ever wanted seems out of reach. Giving up is the only option…until her best friend and local hero Jared Cade steps in. The last thing she wants is Jared’s help. But his persistence at encouraging her to get back in the saddle is ridiculously annoying. And undeniably inspiring…
About the Author
Award-winning author Karen Rock is both sweet and spicy—at least when it comes to her writing! The author of both YA and adult contemporary books writes sexy suspense novels and small-town romances for Harlequin and Kensington publishing. A strong believer in Happily-Ever-After, Karen loves creating unforgettable stories that leave her readers with a smile. When she’s not writing, Karen is an avid reader who also loves cooking her grandmother’s Italian recipes, baking and having the Adirondack Park wilderness as her backyard, where she lives with her husband, daughter, dog and cat who keep her life interesting and complete. Learn more about her at http://www.karenrock.com or follow her on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/karenrock5.
Tour Giveaway
- 1 winner will receive print copies of CHRISTMAS AT CADE RANCH and FALLING FOR A COWBOY by Karen Rock, WISHES AT FIRST LIGHT by Joanne Rock, A SKY FULL OF STARS by Samantha Chase, WHAT IT TAKES by Shanon Stacey, and FAMILY TREE by Susan Wiggs (US only) - 1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card (open internationally) - Ends April 11th a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Friday, February 10, 2017

GRAND FINALE BLITZ: A Cowboy to Keep by Karen Rock (Harlequin Heartwarming)

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale for
A Cowboy to Keep
By Karen Rock

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops, go back and check them out...

Launch - Note from the Author

Best of all, this novel is the prequel to my ROCKY MOUNTAIN COWBOYS series that starts November 1, 2017. THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN COWBOY series chronicles the lives and loves of Jack's ranching family, the Cades (hot-tempered, passionate rough-riding rebels) and their neighbors, the Lovelands, (laconic, stubborn, gritty loners), with whom they've feuded for over a hundred years. They are loyal, strong and determined cowboys who work hard, play harder and love forever. I know you’ll fall in love with them as much as I have!

Christy's Cozy Corners - Dani’s 10 Tips to Running a Dude Ranch

Howdy all! Dani Crawford, stable manager at the Mountain Sky Dude Ranch outside of Denver, Colorado has learned a lot on the job and she’s ready to share her tips to running a dude ranch...

1. Carefully plan your horse line-up. Keep horses that don’t like each other apart, pair the right horse with the right human and always put the gassy horse in the back- lol.


"This is a tale of secrets, judgement, redemption, mystery, suspense and romance. , . . This was a very enjoyable book to relax with."


Jack rolled his eyes skyward and his chest rose and fell. “Ma’am. I have no quarrel with you. Let me have my gun and I’ll be on my way.”


Dani blew out a breath. “Kick it over here.” He did, and the Glock skidded to a stop at her feet. “Don’t move unless you want your head blown off.” At his nod, she snatched it up and straightened, her rifle still trained on the trespasser. “I could shoot you. It’s the law.”

“But you won’t.” He lowered his arms and crossed them.


Bookworm Nation - Review

"I really enjoyed this one. I I thought the plot and setting were a lot of fun. I also really enjoyed the characters of Dani and Jack."

I Am A Reader - Things Bounty Hunters Hear

Jack’s been chasing criminals since bond jumpers gunned down his little brother two years ago. He wants retribution, but most of all he wants redemption since he blames himself for not protecting his sibling like he should have, as an older brother. Life on the road is hard, but he won’t quit until he takes as many lowlifes off the streets as possible so that no families have to suffer as his have. Here’s a sample of what he hears every day on the job:

1. “You’ve got the wrong guy.”



Dani’s stomach fluttered at Jack’s appreciative look, then he strode down the hill. When she hustled after him, he stopped at the base. “What are you doing?”


“Going with you.”


“Sorry, sweetheart, it’s too dangerous.”



"Karen Rock writes about a beautiful ranch with stunning horses situated in a former mining area. There are many places for a criminal to hide, both on and close to the premises, and while Jackson and Dani visit them because they're looking for someone, I could still enjoy the vivid descriptions of the amazing countryside, a combination I liked a lot. A Cowboy to Keep is an original love story. It's filled with suspense and at the same time it's really romantic. I loved this fabulous story with many unexpected twists and turns."


Around here I like to say that reading is my superpower. If YOU had a superpower, what would it be?

Karen: Hmmmm… there are so many good ones that I wish I had… I would love to fly. Sometimes I really, really wish I could make myself invisible. Also, it’d be fun to morph into different animals, like dolphins or eagles, and get to see their worlds. But, if I’m true to who I am, my superpower would be storytelling because I believe in the power of stories to uplift us and transport us from our everyday lives. I’m a big believer in hope and positivity and faith and I hope my books give that to my readers.


"The book was intense. Sweet, hot, and intriguing. I couldn’t stop reading it. Karen Rock has created two characters that will never be forgotten. An emotional attachemwnt occurs once the book is read. Once, one reads this, it will be hard to let go. Addictive, well-written, and highly engaging. Overall, I highly recommend this romance to readers worldwide."

The Silver Dagger Scriptorium - Jackson’s 10 Tips to Courting a Cowgirl

Howdy! Jack here. Tracking bandits is easier than chasing cowgirls. When I first lady eyes on Dani, my heart about stopped beating. Of course, she’d pulled a gun on me for snooping around the dude ranch, so that might have been a contributing factor. Still, I knew right then and there I wouldn’t rest until I’d swept her off her feet and into my arms. I don’t love often, but I love hard and I knew she was the only woman for me. Here are my tips on how best to court a strong, gutsy cowgirl like Dani:

1. Don’t leave home without your wranglers and your cowboy hat. And a little face scruff never hurt none, neither.



“Thought you were waiting for my signal.” 

Dani’s voice was breathy. 

“If I waited any longer, I’d be drawing social security.” 

“Ha-ha,” she said slowly, so Jack understood exactly how funny she thought him, and, contrarily, wouldn’t suspect that she really did find him amusing. 

No more flirting.



Brooke Blogs - Review

"A Cowboy to Keep was such an enjoyable book. Between Dani’s past catching up to her, the chase for Smiley, and even more twists and turns, you will find yourself staying up late to finish this one. I liked the suspense and I really liked the romance. It was tender, sweet, and believable. If you like sweet, wholesome romance plus suspense, then you will enjoy A Cowboy to Keep by Karen Rock."


"If you’re looking for a terrific contemporary romance with a good dabble of suspense mixed in, pick up a copy of A Cowboy to Keep by Karen Rock. It’s a great read and the perfect prequel story to what promises to be a stellar new series: Rocky Mountain Cowboys."

Falling Leaves - Excerpt


Jack. When he smiled, Dani couldn’t help smiling. When his face turned sad, something inside her broke a little. She wished she’d met him years ago, before she’d gone left instead of right, taken the wrong turns that kept her from ever traveling beside him.


But she had him for now and she’d make the most of it.


Paulette's Papers - Jackson’s 10 Tips to Tracking Down a Criminal

Hey all. Jack here. I’ve been tracking bond-jumpers since my brother’s murderers skipped out on their court appearance. This cowboy’s picked up a few tips for tracking down criminals:

1. A little menace goes a long way in persuading reluctant witnesses to talk.


"In addition to romance, this book has a bit of danger, mystery and suspense to liven things up. . . . It's hard to resist a good cowboy story!"



All her feelings for him—hot and beautiful in her heart—dissolved on her tongue, strange, new and inexpressible.

He twined his fingers in hers, his thumb circling the center of her palm, slowly, and Dani disintegrated.



Becky on Books - Interview

Where did the inspiration for this book come from?

I’m a huge fan of westerns, especially ones with renegade heroes like Jack Cade. Those dark, conflicted cowboys tempt the good gal in all of us who hope to tame these strong, fierce men. I was also inspired by the idea that sometimes the person who most needs to forgive us for our past mistakes is ourselves. Both Jack and Dani have troubled pasts and their path to love requires them to confront, and forgive those mistakes before they can be ready for their happily-ever-after. I always want my characters to earn their happy endings and when Jack and Dani finally get there, it’s all the sweeter for the challenges they overcame.

Book Reviews - Review

"I loved this story by Karen Rock. . . . If you love cowboys, horses, and adventure, you will love A Cowboy to Keep."

Heidi Reads... - Excerpt

And then he pulled back, his eyes on her, his expression a silent question she couldn’t answer. Instead, she reached up and kissed his scar, wanting him to know that it made him beautiful to her. How much he meant to her. How every atom of her wanted to be here with him.


He angled his head and kissed her once more, slowly and tenderly.



"FANTASTIC!!! Another fantastic read by Karen Rock. This story not only had the chemistry between Dani and Jackson but had tons of twists and turns some that I didn't see coming. "

Mel's Shelves - Reasons to Vacation on a Dude Ranch

The first time I learned about dude ranches was in a funny movie titled CITY SLICKERS with Jack Palance, playing a tough as nails cowboy, and a three city boys, comedians Billy Crystal, Bruno Kirby and Daniel Stern, who are hopelessly out of their element after they sign on for a cattle drive. Watching the grandeur of the West, the freedom and sense of independence life on the range can give, I’ve always known two things: 

1. I would someday visit and/or live out west and I would write a book set here.

Lola's Reviews - Review

"If you’re looking for a great slow building romance with a well done, but subtle suspense element I would definitely recommend this book. There was so much I enjoyed about this from the realistic and interesting main character to the wonderful setting, the suspense element which kept me on my toes and wondering about people their motivations and some side characters that made the story complete. The romance feels real and these two were so great together. This might be my favorite book by this author yet and if I am correct this is the first book in a new series!"


What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

My favorite chapter is always the Happily-Ever-After chapter. I put my characters through quite a bit before we reach the ending and it makes the final scene the sweetest of all because we know that the hero and heroine have truly earned that joy. It’s that smiling through tears part of the book and I can’t wait to write those scenes!

Don't forget to enter the fabulous giveaway below, if you haven't already...


A Cowboy to Keep
by Karen Rock
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
February 7th 2017 by Harlequin

Can't stop running from the past

Dani Crawford has a secret…and if bounty hunter Jackson Cade finds out, he could ruin everything. The scarred yet handsome cowboy has tracked a dangerous criminal to the dude ranch Dani manages, and to get rid of Jack she'll have to help him catch his man. But the closer they get to cornering their quarry the more Dani wants Jack to stay. Spending time with him is making her long for things she can never have thanks to a past mistake. And if the truth comes out she may be spending her future behind bars rather than safe in her cowboy's arms…
About the Author
In a quest to provide her ELA students with quality reading material, educator Karen Rock read everything out there and couldn't wait to add her voice to the genre. In addition to her work as a Young Adult romance novelist, she's now an author for Harlequin's Heartwarming line and thrilled to pen stories that moms can share with their teenage daughters. She's loved Harlequin books since she spent summers going through her grandmother's Presents books that she passed along in paper grocery bags each year. As half of the writing duo J.K. Rock, Karen also pens young adult romance. When she's not busy writing, Karen enjoys scouring estate sales for vintage books, cooking her grandmother's family recipes, reinventing her gardens to suit her moods 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 Cavalier King cocker spaniels, who have yet to understand the concept of "fetch" though they know a lot about love. For more information about Karen's upcoming books, check out her website.

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Tour Giveaway


- 1 winner will win the above Prize Pack: 7 Paperbacks & a $50 Amazon Gift Card (US only)
- 1 winner will their choice of an ebook of one of Karen's backlisted titles (open internationally)
- Ends February 14th

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Friday, November 28, 2014

A League of Her Own Book Blitz by Karen Rock






He was attractive, talented…and way off limits. 

 Heather Gadway may have been a world-class college pitcher and a top university coach, but she's a rank amateur when it comes to managing the Falcons, her father's struggling minor league team. And when it comes to managing her aggravating attraction to Garrett Wolf, their talented new pitcher. It's going to be difficult enough to make it as the first female manager in the league and prove to her overly critical father she's worthy. No distractions. No missteps. And certainly no romances with players. Everything stands between them—including their troubled pasts—even as Heather's world falls apart and Garrett's the one who's there to catch her…


PRE-ORDER

“What else do you want?” The question came from a part of her she didn’t recognize. Asking a man like Garrett a flirtatious question was playing with fire.

 Garrett groaned, longing sharpening his features. “You.”

 Without waiting for her response, his lips captured hers. She knew she should push him away, but instead her head fell back, her pulse leaping in her throat. The pressure was exquisite as he nibbled and explored. Soft. Warm. Gentle. His lips moved slowly, gradually exerting more pressure.

 This felt incredible. Better than the last time. She had to stop this, but need seized her, shoving aside her good intentions.

 Her body hummed and a fuzzy sensation filled her head, making it hard to focus on anything but the feel of him, the evergreen scent of the forest and his aftershave heightening her senses.

 His hands gripped her waist as she swayed against him, holding her as his mouth sampled her lower lip, then put pressure on the top. Nerves sent small shock waves through her chest, and her hand rose to stroke the back of his neck, making him tremble against her.

 Suddenly his kiss intensified, growing fierce and demanding. His lips moved fast against hers, their tongues tangling, causing warmth to explode in her body, melting every piece of her.

 She moaned and Garrett’s arms tightened, bringing her closer still. Her lips maneuvered against his in response, loving his sweet taste. Garrett shuddered, curling his fist into her hair with a groan. She loved how her touch affected him, how it affected her.

 At last his lips let her go, and he looked down at her tenderly, pleasure in his eyes, his chest rising and falling hard.

 “I wasn’t getting involved with anyone. Planned to focus only on baseball,” he said when his breath came easier. “But I can’t stay away from you. You follow me, even in my sleep. Your eyes.” He kissed each lid. “Your smile.” He pressed his lips to each corner. “These freckles.” His warm mouth brushed her cheeks.

 Her chest expanded, taking in his beautiful words. This incredible moment. And then it hit her, reality a cold shower.

 She opened her eyes and scooted away. “Garrett. I don’t know.”

 His eyes moved out over the falls, tracking the sprays of water as they hit the jutting rocks and tumbled to earth. “You don’t trust me.”

 Her mouth opened and closed. He was right. While he touched a chord inside that’d never sounded for anyone else, she still couldn’t put her heart in harm’s way again. And she knew without a doubt that if Garrett let her down, he’d devastate her as much as her mother had. Even more. She’d loved and lost too many times to try again, especially with her father gone so recently.

 “I’m sorry,” she said inadequately as he stood and helped her to her feet.

 His blank expression gave little away. She wondered if, deep down, a part of him was relieved they weren’t taking things further. He’d said he hadn’t wanted distractions. And now she wouldn’t be one.

 “I can’t make you believe in me, Heather.” His voice was steady and strong. “I need someone who’ll give me a chance to earn her trust.”

Karen Rock is an award-winning YA and adult contemporary author. She holds a master’s degree in English and worked as an ELA instructor before becoming a full-time author.  With her co-author, Joanne Rock, she’s penned the CAMP BOYFRIEND series with Spencer Hill Press under the pseudonym J.K. Rock. She also writes contemporary romance for Harlequin Enterprises. Her wholesome romance, Heartwarming novels have won the 2014 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence and the 2014 Golden Quill Contest. When she's not writing, Karen loves scouring estate sales for vintage books, cooking her grandmother's family recipes and hiking. She lives in the Adirondack Mountain region with her husband, daughter, and two Cavalier King cocker spaniels who have yet to understand the concept of "fetch" though they know a lot about love. To find out about her upcoming releases, appearance and latest news, visit http://www.karenrock.com or follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/karenrockwrites or Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/karenrock5!
She’d love to connect with you!
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Thursday, March 13, 2014

His Hometown Girl Book Tour & Giveaway with Author Karen Rock

On tour with Prism Book Tours...

 Welcome to my Book Tour stop for
His Hometown Girl

His Hometown GirlHis Hometown Girl

 by Karen Rock
Mass Market Paperback, Large Print, 331 pages
March 1st 2014 by Harlequin


 He'd always managed to best her…

 Jodi Chapman will do whatever it takes to get top care for her autistic son. If that means going home and convincing local farmers to sell their land, so be it. Even if her biggest opponent, childhood rival Daniel Gleason, is equally determined to convince farmers to buy into his co-op plan. And he's not playing fair.

Facing off against Daniel is the last thing Jodi wants. The attraction that's always fueled their competitiveness is as strong as ever and just as distracting. But with both their futures on the line, and years of distrust between them, how can they ever be on the same side?
Amazon * Barnes & Noble * eHarlequin
Book Depository
Our Author Interview
What would you have done differently if you were the main character of your book? 

 Jodi is a great mom. She’s determined to help her autistic son speak again and works hard to get him the high-priced, specialized care she thinks he needs to be ‘normal’. She sees it as the only way to help him. What she doesn’t see right away, is that her son doesn’t need to be ‘perfect’ or ‘normal’. She just needs to accept him for who he is and not feel guilty that she’s not doing enough. Since my niece is autistic and such a beautiful little girl whom we all adore, I think, with my experience, I wouldn’t give myself such a hard time about my child not being like everyone else. I would be proud of myself for being the best parent I could be. That’s something that Jodi learns to accept and believe about herself and her son in the book through the help of her love interest, Daniel.
  
What was your inspiration behind this book? 

 A couple of things inspired HIS HOMETOWN GIRL. The first is my sister, Cathy. She’s my autistic niece, Abbie’s, mother and an incredible parent. Raising a child with special needs can be challenging and requires a lot of love and patience. Sometimes, when we are out together as a family, other people give us strange looks when Abbie has trouble controlling herself and I know it hurts Cathy. This book is my way of expressing the idea of accepting each other and not making quick judgments. No one is perfect and we shouldn’t expect others or ourselves to be. To me, true love is not about finding the perfect person, but about finding the person who accepts you and is perfect for you.  

 The second inspiration is my childhood days spent on my Uncle Bob’s dairy farm. I loved spending time outdoors and with the animals. Farmers are independent and make up their own minds about things. I couldn’t imagine a better place for an autistic child and his single mother to find the acceptance and love they deserve.

Why did you become a writer? 

 I reviewer wrote to me recently to thank me for writing about a mother of a special needs child. She said, like my main character, Jodi, she always wants to do more for her son and feels judged by others for times her son acts out. Getting her note touched me so much. I became a writer because I want to tell stories that people can connect to- like that reviewer.  It means so much when I know that I’ve helped readers feel less alone, that they’ve gone through similar things, and have learned what my characters learn on their paths to lasting love.

Do you have a favorite author or authors? 

 I love Jodi Picoult, Nicholas Sparks, and John Green to name a few.

Do you like to write your books in a continuing series? 

 Series are great and I actually have a Young Adult Contemporary Romance series, CAMP BOYFRIEND, now with my co-author, fellow Harlequin writer and sister-in-law, Joanne Rock. Book 2 in the series, CAMP PAYBACK, is out in April. It’s been a great experience to create the world of summer camp for teens and to create love stories in that setting. I haven’t done a series yet with my adult contemporary romances, but I have a few ideas in mind 

If you could date any character from any book, who would it be and why?

 I don’t know if I could ‘date’ him since it wasn’t allowed back then, but I would take walks and dance with Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice… *sigh. He’s such a great hero because he’s a loving older brother and a strong man who works selflessly behind the scenes to solve other people’s problems. He also appreciates an independent, spirited woman like Elizabeth Bennett and ultimately chooses love over society’s expectations. 

What kinds of books do you like to read in your spare time? 

 Besides romance, I read all genres including suspense thrillers, historical fiction, memoirs, literary works, paranormal, dystopian, science fiction, horror, and contemporary young adult. I recently finished Sue Monk Kidd’s THE INVENTION OF WINGS which was a great historical that dealt with issues of race and gender equality.

As a reader and writer I think it is important to get to know your fans and make a connection with them as an author who takes the extra step to hear what their fans think and want in their continued writing is continued success and key to selling more books. Do you agree with that?

 I absolutely agree with that! There is a saying that we read to know we’re not alone. The same is true for writers. We send our stories out into the world like rolled up messages in bottles and hope someone gets them, reads them, and understands what we are trying to say. It means so much when I hear from fans and they share their stories and how my book connected to their lives. My previous Heartwarming, WISH ME TOMORROW, has a hero who is a single father in remission from cancer. His love interest is a grief counselor who has guilt over how she handled a family member’s cancer. The idea of loving someone, when tomorrow isn’t a guarantee, inspired that book. Getting letters from cancer warriors, or people who’d lost loved ones to cancer, touched me deeply. When they told me that I gave them hope, uplifted them, I understood that writing a book isn’t about sales numbers or fame. It’s about connecting with people in real ways. That’s how I measure success as an author.





Karen Rock has adored romance since receiving Harlequin Presents books from her grandmother each summer. She formed her Young Adult writing partnership, J.K. Rock- pseudonym for the CAMP BOYFRIEND series, with her sister-in-law and Blaze author, Joanne Rock in 2011. When Karen heard of a call for submissions to Heartwarming, Harlequin’s latest line, she was inspired by the possibilities of writing unforgettable, deeply romantic, tender love stories that mothers would feel comfortable sharing with their daughters. When she’s not writing, Karen loves scouring estate sales for vintage books, cooking her grandmother's family recipes, hiking the ‘high peaks’, and redesigning her gardens. She lives in the Adirondack Mountain region with her husband, daughter, and two Cavalier King cocker spaniels who have yet to understand the concept of “fetch” though they know a lot about love. 

For more information about Karen's upcoming books, check out her website, Facebook page, or follow her on twitter. She’d love to hear from you!
Tour-Wide Giveaway


Grand Prize: Hand-stitched, authentic Amish quilt (uses their overlapping heart-stitching- pattern), with matching dust ruffle for a king-sized bed, signed copies of Wish Me Tomorrow & Camp Boyfriend, and some surprise swag (US Only)
1 - Paperback/ebook copies of Wish Me Tomorrow and Camp Boyfriend (format is winner's choice, paperback for US Only) and $20 Amazon gift card
2 - ebooks of Wish Me Tomorrow and Camp Boyfriend (INT)
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