Lately, I’ve been having a fun time exploring new characters and settings with each book (aka writing standalone stories and not interconnected series books). From Chicago (A Perfect Picture of Us) to a dream Alaskan Cruise (Love Overboard), I love telling stories about finding romance when and where it’s least expected.

But, I did realize one common theme throughout my stories (including my current works in progress): an instant connection when the hero and heroine first meet.

I don’t think of this as love at first sight. When my characters are introduced (or re-introduced), they are in a heightened situation. And then they lock eyes on each other, and they share a moment of understanding. A spark. But it’s not necessarily instant passion. They have a flash of deep insight that if they let the other person in, they will be forever changed. And then the characters push back! Because personal growth is hard and demanding long before it’s rewarding.

I keep including this moment because it mirrors my real life. When I first met my husband, I was overwhelmed by a sudden, sharp sense of knowing we were meant to find each other. In a second, I thought we were exactly what the other needed (I was correct). When I held both of my sons in my arms after their births, that was the moment of love at first sight (and totally overwhelming).

How do you feel about an instant connection with another person? Do you believe in it? Is this a trope you’re not a big fan of? Have you ever experienced a spark at first sight?

 

 

Wow! Launching Love Overboard has been the best whirlwind. Thank you to everyone for following along on my book tour. As the tour winds down, there are only a few more days to enter the giveaway for the Amazon gift card. Click here for more information, ends March 11th.

Thank you for the wonderful reviews. I’m including a few more from the tour. I appreciate each and every reader, please review the book if you get a chance.

From N.N. Light’s Book Heaven

The three main characters don’t create a love triangle but instead, help each other move forward in their lives. The plot has its fair share of conflicts but it is well-crafted and the author uses them to challenge the characters. Another triumph for this book is the emotional turmoil Caitlyn and Greg go through. Told in alternating POV, the reader connects with them and feels a part of their story. The ending gave my heart all the feels. Such a sweet romance and one I highly recommend!

From Janice’s Book Reviews

The story starts with Caitlyn’s cell phone falling in the water. We all know how hard it is without a phone. Other adventures at sea continue from there. The book was fun to read.

From Rockin’ Book Reviews

What a wonderful romance! The story gives us hope with the many situations we encounter in life. Overcoming obstacles and coming out a better person in the end is a fun journey to follow.
The characters are all well-developed and it is easy to feel their emotions.
The cover and title of the book are a perfect fit for the story.
The story flows well from chapter to chapter and is easy to follow along.
I highly recommend this uplifting romance story to everyone.
I give this book a literary rating of 5/5
written by vickie

From Splashes of Joy

Love Overboard is a really nice short and sweet romance read. …all in all it is a great romance to read. I encourage you to check this  book out for a few hours of entertainment and enjoyment.

From Paranormal Romance Guild

What happens on this cruise between Caitlyn, Greg, and Adam is not something I will reveal but I will say that this was a beautiful story and a life changing cruise.

From Bookworm Lisa

This book has many moments that made me chuckle.  Caitlyn is either one of the klutziest people or luckiest.  Her misfortune brings her into the radar of Gregory.  There is some serious chemistry between the two of them.

This is a wonderful escape book to read.  I loved “going” on an Alaskan Cruise with them.  I hope to be able to see some of the places described in the book.  I could picture them in my mind.  I love it when a book helps me envision the characters and setting.

 

I’m so excited about the launch of Love Overboard today and even more thrilled with the early reviews! This book is a sweet, fun story, and I am so happy to share it with the world.

From Long and Short Reviews 

4/5 stars

… I really enjoyed this full length story. With a deliciously slow pace – much like a cruise itself – I loved the vibrant and well drawn characters, Caitlyn and Greg in particular. The recognition between the two – even though they’d never met before – was interesting and captured my attention. I also could appreciate the added complication of Caitlyn’s ex, Adam, and the holes Caitlyn kept on unintentionally digging for herself. With a slow, sweet pace to the story I feel this should appeal to a wide variety of readers. …

From Singing Librarian Books

3/5 stars

An easy quick read for contemporary romance read.  This story is about sticking it out when a cruise trip goes wrong.  It’s about discovering oneself through overcoming shyness.  And there’s a love story as well.  The story and character development may not be as deep as the book blurb to the story initially implies, as well as the switching back and forth between the thoughts of the two main characters is a bit choppy, but overall, readers will enjoy this short, sweet read.

From Liliyana Shadowlyn, The Faerie Review

4/5 fairies

Love Overboard is a sweet, beautiful story. I can deeply relate to Caitlyn’s shyness, and I have to admit I admire her for sticking it out even when her ex-fiance shows up. Greg might have some problems of his own lurking in his past, but their easiness together smacks of love at first sight (or bump). A great heart-warming read that will have you rooting for love.
I’m on a virtual blog tour with Prism books. Check out more information here including details on how to enter the Amazon gift card giveaway (open until March 11th).

Thanks for following my writing journey! Happy reading!