Monday, August 1, 2016

Preview--FOREVER IN HER EYES by Karen Rose Smith #Paranormal #Sweetromance



Melanie has dreams that can't be explained by science. If she follows her heart and intuition, she can find true love. Release day is September 12 for this paranormal, contemporary, sweet romance. Here is an excerpt...



In just a few moments she'd find out whether he was the man in her dreams.  If he was...
Melanie's heart thudded so hard, she felt as if it were going to jump out of her chest as Flo Briggs led her through a spacious living room, then down a hall.  There the housekeeper motioned to an open door. 
Melanie stepped inside and came face-to-face with Zachary Morgan.  Her organ donor's husband was sitting at his desk, his oxford shirt sleeves rolled up, deeply involved in his work and seemingly oblivious to her presence.
This is the man, everything inside of her screamed.  She felt almost dizzy with the realization that her dreams had been much more than dreams.
As he stood to greet her, their eyes locked and Melanie's heart lurched.
"Ms. Carlotti?" he asked, his voice deep and rich, striking a chord inside of her.  He extended his hand, and for a moment she was afraid to take it.
Then she did.  His grip was strong, his skin warm, his hand tanned, and she was so relieved when she didn't feel anything strange.  "Yes.  It's good to meet you."
Releasing her fingers, he leaned away and nodded to the black leather chair in front of his desk.  "Tell me why you'd like to decorate my offices."
After she took her seat, he lowered himself into his chair but kept his gaze on hers.  She still couldn't believe she was finally face-to-face with the man she'd been dreaming about for months—a man she'd found so very compelling.  Yet she knew if she told him her real reason for being here, he wouldn't believe her or worse yet, he'd think she was crazy.
Smoothing her hand down the rose skirt of her two-piece dress, she gave a logical explanation for wanting this job.  "The way I understand it, this is a large project—four floors of offices.  I'd enjoy working on a job that size, starting from scratch and choosing everything from wall coverings to furniture."
He glanced down briefly at the papers on his desk.  "You've mostly decorated homes.  Why do you feel you have the qualifications to do this job?"
"I'd expect you'd want your offices to reflect something about you and your business and how you run it.  It's really not so different from decorating a house to match a client's personality as well as likes and dislikes."
"I suppose that's so."  Keeping his gaze steady on hers, he noted, "There's almost a two-year gap in your work history, and you've only finished a couple of minor jobs in the past few months.  Can you tell me the reason for that?"
She could lay it all out on his desk right now—tell him about the fire and her cornea transplants and the keening ache that had brought her to him.  If she did that, he might escort her out of his building, lock the doors and never let her back in.  She'd be left with dreams and no explanations.  "I had some health problems," she explained.  "Now they're resolved and I'm ready to get back into the swing of my career again." 
He seemed to think about that.  "Why here in Northern California rather than back in L.A.?"
"I need a change.  I've heard that Santa Rosa is a particularly lovely place to live.  I have a good reputation that I can take with me anywhere, so I decided to start fresh.  If I get this job."
He arched a brow.  "And if you don't?"
"I might stay in the area for a while and see if there are any other opportunities."
After another long, silent appraisal, he asked, "Do you have a place to stay?"
"Not yet.  I checked into the motel at Cool Ridge last night."  Cool Ridge was about forty-five minutes outside of Santa Rosa and consisted of little more than a main street.  She'd been fortunate to find a room in the one motel there.  A country-music festival was being held at nearby Clear Lake this week and vacancies were hard to find anywhere in the area.
As her gaze held Zachary Morgan's, there seemed to be more than words between them.  Something akin to electricity.  She wondered if he felt it, too.
His brows furrowed as he once again looked down at the papers on his desk, and she suspected he was buying time as he made a first impression of her.  "Your résumé is certainly complete.  I phoned—"
Suddenly a toddler came running into the office.  From Jake's background report, Melanie knew Zack's daughter was eighteen months old.  The little girl made a beeline straight for Zack and held onto his knee, looking up at him with a beatific smile.
Melanie's breath caught at the wave of feelings that washed over her.  Zack's daughter had dark brown eyes and his dark brown hair.
"Da-Dee.  Up," she said gleefully.
Flo Briggs came tearing into the office, breathless.  "I'm so sorry, Zack.  She got away from me.  Right after her nap, she's got more energy than ten of me."
Zack laughed and lifted his daughter onto his lap.  "How's a man supposed to conduct business with a distraction like you around?"  His voice was teasing and warm and altogether loving.
"Da-Dee, Da-Dee," she said, as if that explained absolutely everything.
He shook his head.  "I can't play right now.  Maybe Flo can find a cookie or two for you."
As if telling her dad that was a fine idea, the child wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a tight squeeze.
He hugged her back, and looking over her tiny shoulder, he said to Melanie, "This is my daughter, Amy.  Since we moved here and I often work out of the penthouse, she takes advantage of any time she can find me."
Amy suddenly let go of her dad's neck and turned to look at Melanie.
Melanie had felt an almost-hum when her gaze had first connected with Zachary Morgan's.  Now as she looked at his daughter, there was that same feeling of connection.  Was it her imagination?  Truth be told, if she hadn't already been dealing with strange things since her operation, she might think she was going crazy.
Her heart told her another story...especially when Amy blinked twice at her, broke into a super-wide smile and scrambled from her dad's lap.  She ran to Melanie and looked up at her with wide brown eyes.
"Hi, there," Melanie said almost reverently, feeling like a mother again.  Joy and sadness and an unfathomable yearning filled her.
Amy held her arms up, never taking her gaze from Melanie's.  Instinctively, she lifted the toddler to her lap.  The little girl touched Melanie's cheek, her soft baby fingers leaving an imprint on Melanie's heart.



Amazon--FOREVER IN HER EYES ebook



Join in my launch party for FOREVER IN HER EYES on September 12, 2016 at my Facebook Author page!!!





USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 95th novel will be released in 2016.
Karen and Paddy

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens.  And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 



    

    




39 comments:

shyler11 said...

Your books look wonderful and I can't wait to read them. Unfortunately I haven't had the pleasure yet but I'm on my way to Amazon to start one-clicking. Your cat is beautiful too by the way.

Thank you for this chance and I look forward to following you.

Sue LeBlanc

Anonymous said...

Someone else with a house full if kitties! Fur babies can bring such joy.

Unknown said...

I can't wait for this book!! Thank you for the giveaway!!

Yvonne said...

Looking forward to this book

Granny Loves to Read said...

Can't wait to read it!

Granny Loves to Read said...

Thanks for the chance. Can't wait to read it!

Anonymous said...

This book sounds amazing, I'm a big Fan of all your books, keep them coming. Linda May lindamay4852@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

This is a new idea. I've wondered about thesevtypesvof bonds. Neat! Teri Lenz

Unknown said...

This little Snippet sounds amazing. I can't wait for this book to come out.

Janine said...

I enjoyed the excerpt.

Lori R said...

I cannot wait for your launch party! I always enjoy seeing your cat pictures. My cat did 2 years ago and so seeing your pictures and hearing about your cats puts a smile on my face. I will see you at the launch party.

Unknown said...

I like how she feels a connection to Zachary and then to his daughter.

lkleback said...

I love reading your newsletters and blogs. I feel like I know you personally.

Unknown said...

This book sounds fantastic, I can't wait to read it.
Thank you
Deborah Favorito

Unknown said...

This book sounds fantastic. Looking forward to reading it. I usually don't read paramonornal, but will read this one.

Sharon said...

I love your books and, of course, your kitties!!

ptclayton said...

Sounds so good love all of the cat pics that you post they are wonderful!

Fishmom23 said...

Looks like a good read.

Unknown said...

This sounds like a very heartwarming story. I very much enjoyed the excerpt. Congrats on your 95th novel. That's amazing!

pattiew said...

So looking forward to reading your newest book...love your work. Also love your posts and updates about your cats.

Unknown said...

I can't wait to read this book ! I have enjoyed so many o them o'er the years !

Sue said...

I so enjoy your romance books---they are real romance to me, not the sex romance that is so popular these days.

diannekc said...

Love the Caprice series, looking forward to the release of the next book. Love your posts about your cats, both the indoor and outdoor cats. You and your hubby are great cat parents.

Anonymous said...

I love your books, your kitties and your generosity! :)

Jackie Wisherd said...

Your book sounds like one I would like. Always good to read new authors.

servedogmom said...

I love this series as much as your Caprice series. Superb addition to the collection. Joanne K~ servedogmom

Kai said...

Love the pictures of your cats. One of your cats looks like mine.

Anonymous said...

Sounds really good...thank you. And I love keeping up through FB and your Newsletter.
Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I can't tell if my comment went through.
Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com

Cynthia P said...

This book sounds great! I can already tell it's going to be a very emotional read for me.

Carla said...

Thank you for participating in the Book sweeps giveaway! I love finding 'new' authors and am looking forward to adding your books to my 'to read' list! Love books and Cats! Your Torrie looks a lot like one of my kitties!

Ramblings From SEKS said...

This sounds like a wonderful story. Thanks for the preview.

Elaine Robberson said...

This sounds like a book that I would really enjoy. And I love cats. Thanks for the giveaway. elainehroberson@gmail.com

Jean Smith said...

Love the cover of your new book

Linda Herold said...

Thanks for offering this giveaway! I love keeping in touch with you because I am also a cat lover! I currently have 2!

Linda said...

This preview sounds amazing.... can't wait to read the book. Thanks for the giveaway!

Kathy Davis said...

I enjoyed your preview, and your newsletter. I always enjoy hearing about the cats, and seeing their pictures.

Emma said...

I like reading your books, newsletters and blogs. Have a wonderful weekend. Thank you for the opportunity to win.

CentralEast2 said...

I enjoy the chance to learn about upcoming releases.