This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Parker Fairchild will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
When people learn that I’m an author who writes romance novels, they then often ask why did I choose to write in the romance genre? Why not pen mysteries, suspense, or legal thrillers? Some even think that romance books aren’t serious works of fiction. But then, what qualifies as serious fiction?
All fiction, no matter the genre, is comprised of characters who must overcome both internal and external conflicts within a plot set against a fascinating backdrop. So, whether a book focuses on a high-profile trial, tracks a serial killer, or shows two people conquering their personal past demons to find love, we still have a story that’s emotionally engaging and deals with some form of life issue or reality.
So, in that sense, all great, well written fiction shows character growth and development through a problem solved.
I’ve been a voracious reader my entire life. I used to participate in the summer reading program at my local library where I always surpassed the required number of books to read. Today, I enjoy many different genres and count writers like John Grisham, David Baldacci, Nicholas Sparks, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, and James Patterson among my favorites.
So, that comes back to me and why I chose to write romances. Love. That simple four letter word that packs a ton of drama as the chemistry between the heroine and hero sets the tone for the entire book. Their relationship struggles and quest for love are what draws the reader into the story and keeps them hooked to the very end.
Love is eternal and universal. Whether you’re the hard-nosed detective or the cynical lawyer to everyone in between, most people long for love and family in their life. So, when I write about love, I’m writing about something we all want and cherish. It is a desire that unites us all.
In particular, I love writing stories where it’s love at first sight for my heroine and hero. In fact, in my first published novel, a holiday comedy, entitled: “Christmas Cookies on a Cruise Ship,” my characters do just that.
This book is especially close to my heart as my husband and I met on a Hawaiian cruise, and it was love at first sight for us. And that’s the primary reason why I love this meeting type so much—because I truly believe that love at first sight is real and does happen.
Once my heroine and hero acknowledge their love early in the story, which they often only recognize as simple physical attraction, then the fun comes when I place those internal and external obstacles in their way. I create these hurdles to be both realistic and believable and that fit into the framework of my overall plot. Because, to me, the best romance novels are those that are plausible and inspire real hope that true love does exist and can happen to them.
On a Caribbean cruise, a platter full of cookies, and a shot of Christmas magic yields a perfect pairing.
Chemist and budding romance writer Olivia Chasen is on a cruise to avoid spending Christmas with her beautiful twin sister and new fiancé—Olivia’s ex. Now, thanks to her lonely, intoxicated ramblings on Santa’s lap, her fellow passengers think she’s in love with a fictional character.
Former Navy SEAL Commander Jace Morse has dealt with plenty of unusual situations in his career, but he’s never had the honor, the pleasure, or the privilege of being a beautiful and intelligent woman’s fantasy hero come to life. While he hasn’t officially met the sexy chemist, he’s sure eager to explore the chemistry that’s sizzling between them.
Bringing the charming SEAL together with the skeptical Olivia is going to take more than just Christmas cookies and a little help from Mrs. Claus; it’s gonna take a heaping dose of Christmas magic.
Enjoy an Excerpt
“What is it, sweetheart?” His eyes burned with love and desire, and she wanted to cry and dance at the same time.
Instead, she did the most un-Olivia thing—she grabbed his head and yanked his mouth down onto hers!
Cheers and catcalls erupted from the small assembly, and she distantly heard people chanting her name. Somewhere, she thought she heard someone shout, You Go, Girl, but she wasn’t sure. She was only into kissing Jace!
About the Author:
Parker Fairchild is a social media copywriter, a freelance writer with multiple writing credits, and a model. Recently, she Cnished writing a client’s memoirs, which will be published in the next few months.
A Virginia native, she and her husband have their own shipboard romance as they met on a cruise ship tender in Maui, and as her mom is fond of saying, “they haven’t stopped talking since.” When she’s not busy playing with words, she loves spending time with her husband and family in Arizona where she now resides.
Buy the book at Amazon.