To Rush or Not To Rush a Romance, that is the Question.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion as to how long people should get to know one another before dating, carrying on a relationship, and then, if things work out, get married.  But, I have to ask..."Is there really a timeline?"

Love happens in its own time.  I've known people to date the same person for years on end to have them end up getting married and the relationship quickly ends in divorce or have them end things before marriage is even discussed.

At the same time I've known people who've gone out with one another for two or three weeks, realize that they've found their true match, get married right away and still be married 30 + years later.

So is there a timeline that one should follow in regards to relationships, whether in reality or in fictional writing?  The answer is NO!

As a fellow author I've heard complaints about both my books and others.  They range from, "I thought the couple would never get together" to "The relationship is hard to believe because it happened too quickly".   The comments are endless.  In reality, you might not want things to happen so fast, but they sometimes do, so it isn't a stretch of the imagination.  Then again, a book is fantasy, not reality.  It's a means to escape reality and go into a fictional world where romance and love exist in perfect harmony, with the occasional switch-up.

I know I've been guilty of having my characters trust a bit too easily in the other person, fall too quickly, and marry within no time.  I did have them carry out things over the course of many, many months.  But, if you think about many of the books out there, especially the erotic genres, you almost have a "Wham, bam, thank you ma'am," kind of persona.  I've read some where the characters instantly fall into lust, bed, and not long after, marriage.  Even FSOG goes from a first encounter to marriage within the course of a little over three months.  Talk about quick, but an amazing story!  (Can't wait for the movie!)  

Does love at first sight exist?  It's possible.  Let me give you an example of a true romance and how fast it transpired.

Imagine if you will a female who's married to her work, but at the persuasion of friends, places an at online and starts dating.  Yep, you guessed it, she ended up with a lot of toads and one nut case that caused her trust in men to falter.  But, when all hope seemed lost...along came a "too good to be true - knight in shining armor."  She was going through a lot of life changes and a family emergency, but he was caring, considerate, and offered hope.

The couple ended up talking via instant messaging, email, and then moved on to phone calls for about two months before finally meeting.  She needed time to grieve for the loss of a family member, he was swamped with work.  The two finally meet, knowing after all their daily phone conversations, lasting hours on end, that they'd always be friends.  But, there was an instant spark.   They've discovered they've lived within blocks of one another time and time again for years; even shopping at the same stores on the same nights, but had never met.

Their very first meeting resulted in another date, and another, and another.  They became glued at the hip, even completing each others thoughts and sentences.  In eleven, yes I said eleven, short days, they went from meeting to becoming engaged.  After seven months had passed, they were married and are still together today, even more in love than ever.

I will admit this did seem a bit rushed.  But, my parents had always told me, "When you find the one you're meant to be with, you'll know.  It will feel like all the air has been taken out of your lungs and you've been hit by a Mack truck.  The pull you'll have toward one another will be undeniable and you won't be able to resist staying away from each other, even for just a day."

Yes, I'm talking about how I met my husband.  The strangest thing is that we came so close to meeting so many times in the past, but our fates must not have been ready for us to meet yet.  When we finally did meet, I stopped looking because, "Once you find your forever, there's no need to look any further."

This week we'll celebrate our 16th Wedding Anniversary.  I will admit we've had our ups and downs and plenty of things that should have torn us apart, but the foundation in our relationship was solid, so we've been able to weather all the storms and come out stronger than ever.

It amazed me this weekend when we were driving along and a song came on the radio.  It was a song from Queen and I looked over to see my hubby smiling.  I began to say, "You know what this song reminds me of?"  He immediately finished my thought, "Wayne's World?"  Sure enough, he knew what I was thinking, because he was thinking the same thing.  It's actually scary just how in tune we are with one another.  I've had people complain that we can't possibly love one another and share so many likes and dislikes, but we do.

Our love story was the inspiration for the series Remembrance, especially how the two characters fall in love in I Remember.  So do I tend to write my characters falling in love too quickly at times?  Yes, I do.  But, I have a lot of personal experience and pull from similar stories to my own.

Love happens when it's the right time.  There is no right or wrong timeline, place, etc.  It just exists.  May you find the love of your life and your happily ever after.  I know I've got mine. 

A Learning Series Trilogy NOW Available on Amazon!

That's write...the entire trilogy of A Learning Series is NOW Available on Amazon, Worldwide!  In fact, my publisher has the first book in the series, Learning to Trust, currently FREE on Amazon!  The links are as follows:

Learning to Trust, A Learning Series Novel, Book 1

Learning to Let Go, A Learning Series Novel, Book 2

Learning to Love Again, A Learning Series Novel, Book 3

The NEW Learning to Trust under Limitless Publishing is HERE!

NOW AVAILABLE: 

Amazon US:  Learning to Trust - A Learning Series Book 1

Amazon UK: Learning to Trust - A Learning Series Book 1

The remainder of the series comes out on the following dates:

If you like steamy reads like FSOG, with hot alpha dominant males, strong willed women, along with some suspense and lust filled adventures -- then this series is for you!!  Feel free to share the word about this series! 

Bad about blogging...been super busy

I know...I've been bad about posting like I should.  My schedule just took a big turn towards hectic.  I promise to sit down and catch everyone up properly sometime this week!  So check back...some interesting news, upcoming signings, yada, yada, yada....is going on and you don't want to miss it!

Until then...have a fantastic week!

Important News for the Learning Series

I've had some questions start coming in, "Why can't I find the Learning Series on Amazon?  Where's Learning to Love Again?  Did Amazon take them down? etc...."

Amazon didn't take them down, I did.  But, for a good reason.  I recently signed the Learning Series to Limitless Publishing.  They were taken down to undergo transition and will be re-released.  I don't know exact dates yet, but they are already working hard to make the series even better.  As soon as I have any updated information, I'll pass it along to everyone!  Garrett and Laurel will return! 

In the meantime, I still have the Remembrance Series, with I Remember and Loving You, available for ebook and print purchase, via Amazon, Smashwords, and Barned & Noble.  It's a sweet YA, Paranormal, and Historical Romance all rolled into one.  Two souls are destined to meet and fall in love throughout history until they finally fulfill a prophecy to defeat the darkness that threatens to unleash evil upon the world.  Each book focuses on their current relationship, while trying to uncover secrets to their past lives.  The more they're together, the more information they find out about the past, the stronger their paranormal powers grow, but so does the darkness that seeks to defeat them. 

The book LOVING YOU is FREE July 19 - 21, 2014

LOVING YOU is FREE this WEEKEND thru Monday! 

Here's a 5 Star review of Loving You, from Amazon, cut and pasted:

This is a sweet romance coupled with paranormal and historical elements; which makes for an exciting read! I have to admit that I didn’t realize this was the second book in the series until I had finished. This book could easily be a standalone; that being said, I picked up the first, re-read the second and eagerly anticipate the third – I enjoyed reading this series that much!! Cynthia did a wonderful job writing this story. You learn so much about Jordan and Gregory; their pasts, & their present as they seek to discover who is behind the curse, and just to what extent evil will go to ruin them. I love that Jordan and Gregory are proactive and are willing to fight to stay together and to stay alive! They have some great powers that were passed to them and even better ones that they come in to, which adds to the excitement. My only question is: will Jordan and Gregory succeed in their journey toward Happily Ever After?

Amazon

Smashwords

Need, Book 1 - Hot Alpha Madness

Initially I'd thought I would never write in the Contemporary, boarding on the Erotic, Romance Genre.  Then again, how could I pass up the challenge of trying a new genre for a writing competition and having the gauntlet thrown down that someone didn't see me being able to pull of writing a steamy romance?  Well, anyone who knows me will state I'm ALWAYS up for a challenge!  I may not succeed in everything I do, but it doesn't mean I won't try, maybe step back and re-evaluate and try again until I say, "Maybe this isn't for me."

Thankfully, my first attempt at Contemporary has inspired more books of the same level.  I thought I would never write a male hero with more of a controlling and dominant nature than that of Garrett Andrews Waters, but I've decided to push the envelope and see just how dominant I can make this new one, but stay within the Contemporary borders. 

The next book was supposed to be a stand alone, but the more I get into the book, the more I see the supporting characters creating a series with each "potential" couple having their own book with their own set of issues.  The original characters will remain present, but they will shift to the background, while another couple moves to the foreground.  It will be my first attempt at doing this so there are no cliffhangers in the books.  Yep, I definitely learned my lesson with cliffhangers from Learning to Trust.  I'll never leave you with a soap opera Friday or season ending finale like that again. 

The Need Series will start with "I Need You Always" and is actually based on a real life event that I encountered and may have helped save a young man's life.  The events of that night kept playing out in my mind and I kept wondering why he ended up where he did and thought about the different scenarios until I realized I had a romance story in the making.   It is amazing how the events around us, including our dreams, can inspire the stories of tomorrow. 

Dane and Marissa are currently being written.  They are the new power couple.  He of course will be the dominant, but they are both pig headed, strong willed, and ....   I'd like to go into details, but I'm not ready to fully introduce them just yet.  I'd actually intended to work on the third book in the Remembrance Series next, but the idea for this book took hold of my dreams and insisted it be written first. 

I'll slowly start to introduce the characters, as soon as I figure out a timeline for things.  But a new series has definitely started and it will stay in the Contemporary genre, but pushing the edges of its boundaries. 

Check back for more information. 

Learning to Love Again is NOW LIVE!!!

Buy Links for Learning to Love Again:

Amazon:

U.S.  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KVOINEU

U.K.  http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00KVOINEU?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

CA  http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00KVOINEU?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Barnes & Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-to-love-again-cynthia-p-oneill/1119700141?ean=2940149214426

Smashwords:  being worked on

ATTENTION Bloggers/Author Friends - Learning to Love Again Book Blog Tour Coming Soon!

The Learning to Love Again Book Blog tour is Coming June 23rd for one week.  The sign-up for the tour is currently in session with Between the Sheets Promotions.  If you haven't read the first two books in the trilogy, no problem, they'll be provided.  Learning to Love Again is the third and final in the installment.   If you love Contemporary Romance, verging on Erotica, then here's the link to sign up for the tour:   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Ql-BGbDhz0wZ7SwVixASGHKGQQWrPAo58BK9jvOH7IA/viewform?usp=send_form

Please feel free to share.  Thank you! 

Learning to Love Again, Learning Series, Book 3 COVER REVEAL

Blurb:

Control can be a wonderful feeling, especially when you’re an alpha like Garrett Waters.  But how do you control a beast from the past intent on destroying everything you hold dear?  He’d already lost his parents and aunt, but now threats against him, his fiancé, Laurel Hart, and their unborn child pushes him into hiding to try and protect all he cares for. Can he outsmart Walt Peterson and regain control or will he lose everything he’s come to trust and love, including his own life?

Laurel Hart’s life has been upended, with one traumatic event after another, but she’s survived thanks to her family and Garrett. She’s learned to trust in Garrett’s love for her; letting go of her past, and his, has opened her up to the idea of learning to love again.  Will her trust and affection be short lived with Chase Peterson hot on her trail, determined to make her his, or will justice prevail and allow them to finally live in peace and have their happily ever after? 

It will be a heart pounding race to the finish for both Garrett and Laurel, with surprises around every corner.  

Excerpt #1:

 

I could feel my body shivering over the thoughts roaming around in my mind and soon felt the comfort of an extra blanket being pulled over me and the warmth of a warm body surrounding me. I jumped at the contact of an arm wrapping around my waist. 

“No need for alarm, darling, it’s just me,” Garrett whispered softly into my ear as he placed a gentle kiss along the side of my neck. 

I opened my eyes slowly and turned towards him, letting my head fall against his shoulder and snuggling deeper into his form, breathing in his intoxicating vanilla musk fragrance. He cradled me closer as one of his hands ran soft strokes up and down my spine. 

I rubbed my nose against his until his lips found mine. His tongue traced the outer edges of my mouth, nipping me on the corner with his teeth, causing me to open right before he plunged in. I could feel his manhood harden against my thigh as his hands began to feel upwards towards my breasts, squeezing them firmly.  

I felt lost in the moment until he pulled back.

“Laurel, we need to stop.” 

But why? My heart shattered. The fear of rejection coursed through me, wondering if I’d hurt him to the point he didn’t want me anymore. I quickly turned on my side and scooted away from him, but not before he pulled me back against his full length. He kissed the side of my neck and nuzzled into it, breathing in my scent. 

“It’s not that I don’t want you. You have no idea how badly I want to tie you to this bed so I know you won’t run from me again, and take you with everything that I have.” He turned me so I could see his face. “I need you, but we’re on approach for the airport and will be landing in ten minutes. That’s not enough time to do everything I crave. We’ll have to wait until we get back to the penthouse and let everyone see that you’re okay first.”

I realized what he was saying and started to get up and collect my shoes so I could return to my seat for landing. I was reaching for the door when I felt him press up against me and whisper, “Just wait until everyone leaves tonight, because then you’re mine!” he growled as he bit gently into my earlobe and thrust his manhood against my bottom. He always did know how to take my breath away.

I'll post Excerpt # 2 in a day or so.

 

Amazon Link:

Amazon Author Page and Book Links 

Facebook Author Page 

Twitter Page 

Goodreads link to Learning to Love Again , be sure to add it to your TBR list. 

NEWS --- UPDATES --- ANNOUNCEMENTS!

Okay, I figured that title would get everyone's attention.  LOL!

Sorry, I've been a bit bad on keeping things updated lately, but life sometimes throws you a wrench and you have to deal with things.  But, on the plus side...there's excitement in the air!

The next Learning Series book, Learning to Love Again, will have a cover reveal later today or later this morning, given the time I'm typing this out.  I'll include the blurb, along with a couple of excerpts.  I'll also be revealing a new banner on my Facebook page. 

I hadn't planned on the book being back in my hands already.  So I'm a little ahead of schedule.  The "official" release date is set for June 16th.  But, if enough interest in given, I might be inclined to release a week earlier, "unofficially". 

Come back for the cover reveal!

Now, time to catch up on my website...life is never slow or dull and I love it! 

I've Been Too Quiet - I Know!

I've been quiet, but have had a lot of personal family illness going on that took priority.  Family comes first before writing.  So my apologies about a lapse in blogs and posts.  I've actually been more current with my posts out on Goodreads then here. 

So, what's going on with the books?

The Remembrance Series has been pushed back due to illness.  I was hoping to release the third book in the series early Summer, but it will be moved to late Summer/early Fall.  The final book will either release the end of the year 2014 or first part of 2015. 

My focus right now is on the Learning Series.  The second book just came out in February.  I'm currently writing the third, and most probably final, book in the series.  It is due to my editor the middle of next month and hoping for a June release.  The reason I say it is "probably" the last book in the series, is it will be the last that focuses primarily on Garrett and Laurel.  I have had requests to do a stand alone to enlighten everyone on the details of Jonathan (Garrett's brother) and Grace's (Laurel's cousin) romance.  Hint:  There will be other couples that will start pairing together in the final book.  If there is enough interest, they may get their own books as well. 

After the two series are complete, I have four outlined projects that I would like to take on, most likely as stand alone books.  I don't know that I would have enough material to push them to a series, but one never knows.  ;-)  

I'm trying to get myself back on schedule with everything.  It is amazing how much being sick can throw you off, but then when the whole family gets sick....UGH!  At least we are all on the path to healing and getting our schedules back to some degree of normalcy. 

I'll try to blog more often and update my website.  

Learning to Let Go is now LIVE on ALL avenues! Special introductory pricing of $0.99, for the month of February only!

Amazon:

US http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I9R1I3Y

UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00I9R1I3Y

CA https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00I9R1I3Y

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/405701

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-to-let-go-cynthia-p-oneill/1118584379?ean=2940148210108


Garrett and Laurel are back, as their story picks up right where the other book left off.  Book three will be out June 2014!  

Please feel free to share with everyone you know!  

Plus, if you are a member of Facebook, there's a Release Party to celebrate Learning to Let Go's Release.  This Wednesday, February 12th, at 5 PM to 9 PM, EST, right on FB.  Here's the Link:   https://www.facebook.com/events/583269625074355/ 

Learning to Trust FREE Jan 31 - Feb 3 - Amazon ONLY!

Haven't read the first book yet?  What are you waiting for?  The next one comes out in a week!  Get hooked on the passion that exists only between Garrett and Laurel.  If you're missing Fifty Shades of Grey, then check out this hot series!

Be sure to add both books to your TBR list on Goodreads:  Goodreads

Amazon - Kindle:   Learning to Trust - Amazon

Garrett comes back Feb. 2014 in Learning to Let Go

Garrett Andrews has controlled every aspect of his life for as long as he can remember.  Whatever he wanted, he took, especially when it came to Laurel Hart. She was the first person to make his heart skip a beat and capture his soul, allowing part of his control to slip, which uncovered his lie and destroyed her trust in him.

Laurel now lays battered and broken thanks to Chase Peterson, a stalker from her college days, who won’t accept no for an answer. Garrett is determined to win her back, obsessing over her care in an attempt to heal both her body and her mind.  He will go to any lengths to earn back her trust and teach her to let go of the past, but can he follow his own advice and let down his own walls?

They struggle to overcome their issues and soon Chase is after her again, fixated on staking his “claim” with a startling revelation that links both the past and present.  Can they find happiness with each other or is their too much to overcome?  Only time will tell if they can learn to let go. 

Don't forget to put it on your TBR list on Goodreads:   https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18802141-learning-to-let-go

**Check back for more information about the Learning Series!**