EXCERPT and GIVEAWAY
Waiting for Perfect
by Kelli Kretzschmar
Waiting for Perfect is the first book in the series of the same name. Coming soon: No Fear of Perfection.
Waiting for Perfect is currently on tour with Reading Addiction Book Tours. The tour stops here today for an excerpt and a giveaway. Please be sure to visit the other tour stops as well.
Description
In the wake of an attempted date rape, high school senior Kendra Voss receives hope from two unlikely heroes, who happen to be cousins.
After Nicolás Veneto rescues the popular Kendra Voss at a party, his long-time feelings for her reignite. But the socially awkward Nick can’t ever seem to find the right words to tell her so, and instead, seems to push her away with his persistence in trying to have her press charges against her attacker.
Nick's playboy cousin Sebastian Veneto, however, is a master with the opposite sex and is used to getting what he wants. After unwittingly helping Kendra at her most vulnerable, he discovers that his feelings for her go beyond his usual lust.
Kendra is caught between the two, the elusive artist and his dangerous cousin, both of whom are pulling her through the difficult aftermath of her near-rape in his own unique way. In the meantime, she tries to avoid the boy who attacked her, deal with rumors at school, and move on with her life.
Waiting for Perfect is a story about facing the unexpected events that force us to grow up and is told through the alternating, memorable voices of Kendra, Nick, and Sebastian.
Excerpt
I take the pen from him and say, “Yeah, Sebastian. I do want to make a wish.” I scoot up to the wall and find a blank space that seems to have been left just for me.
I sense Sebastian come up behind me. I can feel the heat of his body at my back. He lowers his head so that his lips are right at my ear. Goosebumps rise all over my body with the thrill of his closeness.
“You deserve all your wishes to be granted, my dear Kendra,” he whispers. “Wish big.”
He can’t see the smile that erupts from me with his words. His nearness consumes me. If I turned to look at him, our lips would be touching. The thought of it, the need for his lips on my own, almost possesses me. I want to feel him, taste him. But he would probably freak if I kissed him. There’s no way he’d want me. I am just plain Kendra, nothing but panic attacks and drama over here. I take a deep breath, trying to exhale any desire to be close to him, trying to save myself from any more pain.
I tighten my grip on the Sharpie, put the point to the wall, and start writing. Sebastian backs away, maybe wanting to give me some privacy, but maybe because he came to his senses about how close he was to me and backed off before I got the wrong idea.
When I’m finished scribbling, I put the cap back on the marker and back up a few steps to look at my wish amongst the others.
Sebastian steps closer so he can see what I wrote. We both stare at the wall while he reads my wish aloud.
“I wish for something perfect.”
I can feel my cheeks redden. “I don’t know. Pretty stupid, huh?” My eyes drop to the ground, and I use the toe of my sandal to kick a pebble down the hill.
He closes the gap between us, and when he’s standing right in front of me, he puts his palm on my cheek and guides my face up so he can see my eyes. “It’s not stupid. It’s honest,” he says softly. “What is your ‘something perfect’?”
I shake my head. “I don’t know. I’ll know it when I see it, I guess.”
Staring into those beautiful brown eyes of his, perfect looks pretty damn close to Sebastian Veneto.
Praise for the Book
"Didn't want to stop reading it! Absolutely loved it!" ~ Jessica M.
"This was a really good read. The author did an excellent job going from character to character in the chapters. You saw from their point of view and all of their feelings have an impact on how you view the problems they face. I liked the characters a lot, though, I was rooting for Nick the entire time. I can't wait for the next book to come out!" ~ LoveReading
"Waiting for Perfect by Kelli Kretzschmar is a powerful and beautiful story that will touch you deep in soul and heart. I read the blurb, saw the words date rape and thought I have got to read this. I admire the author for writing a story about a topic that is overlooked by many but is a significant problem today. I went through so many emotions will reading this that at times I had to take a step back to regroup. I did not want to put the book down but I needed a minute to collect my thoughts. This story might be a trigger for some because the subject matter. I could feel the pain, depression and cruelty from this one act through the character but I also could feel Kendra’s strength throughout." ~ Lustful Literature
"Waiting for Perfect is a well written book that grabbed my attention immediately. I couldn't wait to read what was going to happen next. Sebastian and Nick are two completely different boys and yet the author was able to describe them so that it made perfect sense why Kendra was drawn to them both. Congratulations Kelli Kretzschmar on a great book. You have made a fan out of me and I can't wait for the sequel!" ~ Leisa Loechner
About the Author
Kelli Kretzschmar graduated with a BA in Psychology from California State University of Long Beach. She works full time as a marketing manager and writes for enjoyment. She currently lives in Southern California with her husband, three children, a wild Labrador named Tyson, and a corn snake named Abigail. When she's not at the office or spending time with her family, she enjoys writing, reading contemporary fiction, learning new things, running, and her most recent passion, practicing Krav Maga.
Giveaway
Enter the tour-wide giveaway for a chance to win a $25 Starbucks gift card.
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