She scrunched her nose. “I think you’re mistaken.” Dragging out the words for clarity, she grasped her understanding of their situation. He should have started blaming and berating her by now, not worrying about details of her vacation. She prepared for raised voices and an uncomfortable silence. Within the next ten minutes, he’d leave the ship and any discussion over payment was moot. She tightened her hands into fists and stood tall. “I reserved this cabin. You are standing in my stateroom. I’m taking this trip.”

Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he rocked back and forth on his heels several times. “No. You’re not. I’d like to pay for your half of the room.”

She gasped. Why was he acting like he had an undeniable right to the trip? For years, she saved for her passage. Between the two of them, she should remain onboard. Adam Benson wasn’t an unkind or thoughtless person, but at the moment, he bordered on cruel. Clarity chilled her bones, and she shook her head and studied the floor. Her sister couldn’t be added to the manifest because her cabin already had another occupant.

With an outstretched hand, he stepped closer. “My wife is ashore and waiting to board. I’ll cut you a check now. We can get your name stricken from the room, and she and I will then take our honeymoon. Just be reasonable, Caitlyn.”

She recoiled, drawing back her chin and crossing her arms.

He dropped his hand.

For the second time in as many minutes, he shot her a pitying look. She placed a hand against her swirling stomach and darted her gaze about the room at everything she stood to lose.

Excerpt From: Rachelle Paige Campbell. Love Overboard

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.