Release (23 page)

“I love that. I’m really excited. But it’s a long way away, and in the immediate future – I can come inside you.”

She shook her head and laughed. “Yes, you can, baby.”

“In that case, I think it’s time for us to go home.”

“Right now?”

“Right now. Give me five minutes to get my stuff from the locker room. We’ve got some celebrating to do.”

My life had changed drastically over the course of the past year, but everything felt right. I was where I was supposed to be. Like my dad always said, everything happens for a reason. And Samara was my reason.

** Follow the stories of Killian Bosch and two other players on Orion’s new team in a brand-new hockey series from Author Brenda Rothert. On the Line – coming in Feb. 2015. **

Thank you so much for reading Release! Your support of not just this book, but the entire Fire on Ice series means the world to me. Bound was the start of great things in my writing career. It wasn’t until readers began discovering that book that I really started gaining momentum as an author. And that was the fifth book I’d written. So whether you’re a writer or have other dreams and passions — never give up.

As always, I’d greatly appreciate a rating or review at the place you purchased this book. I’m not allowed to list the name of a website here, but if you used my first and last name, you’d find mine. It has trailers for my books, excerpts and a sign up button for my newsletter to be notified of my new releases.

You probably know this by now, but I’ll say it again anyway – I’d love to connect with you on social media! Messages and friendships from my readers are truly the best part of my job. In the vast sea of books you could be reading, you choose this one and I am ever so grateful to you.

I knew almost nothing about hockey when I started writing Fire on Ice. I couldn’t have done it without the support of a minor league team, its staff and players. I won’t name them, because the interviews I did to research the books were all confidential. But from the ins and outs of the game to life as an NHL player to the mindset of a 20-something man, they shared their time and knowledge with me graciously.

Fellow authors Stephanie Reid and M.E. Carter are the best author friends a girl could ask for. From critique to encouragement, they are both there for me in every way and I appreciate it so much.

My assistant Pam Million also provides critique and encouragement, in addition to daily laughs. She is an amazing friend to me, and I’m so grateful to have her in my life.

Beta readers Denise Sprung, Michelle Tan and Janett Gomez helped me decide what was and wasn’t working in this story. I know all three of them could be helping countless other authors, but they gave me their time, their honesty and their support. Many, many thanks.

Editor Gayle Evers gave me developmental advice that strengthened this story. She is awesome to work with because she respects my voice, but knows when I need guidance. She is also an outstanding line editor. A book Gayle has edited is a book I feel more confident about releasing.

The team at Chatter PR is a constant source of enthusiasm and support for my work. I’m so grateful for their tireless efforts to spread the word about my books.

My friends and fellow authors in Random Moon Books are always there for me. They give me advice, encouragement and sometimes a safe place to vent when I’m worn out and feeling not quite good enough. GP Ching, Laurie Larsen, Laurie Bradach, Leta Curtis, Kathy Tosh and RT Wolfe & Katz – thank you.

The members of Rothert’s Readers continue to make me smile every day. They aren’t just my readers, they’re also my friends. They support me and pick me up when I’m down. I’m honored they take the time to be so engaged in my work. If you’d like to join, find the group on FB. We’d love to have you.

My greatest thanks go to my husband and our three boys. Our family is my greatest source of inspiration.