Guest Post by Diane J. Reed and a Giveaway!

Spring Fling

by Diane J. Reed

Why is it that new romances often blossom in spring? We’re all familiar with the fact that increasing daylight hours and warmer temperatures tend to ignite sexual hormones in animals and bring about the term “mating season”—hence the classic “birds & bees” analogy for the coming of spring. But what about humans? Though we now live with electric light and thermostats to keep us well lit and warm most of the time, why is it that we tend to throw ourselves headlong into a new romance during the spring, too?

Frankly, I think the answer lies in the phenomenon of “spring break”—and the mentality that goes along with it. Let’s face it, Christmas and Hanukkah are winter holidays that carry with them a lot of depth. You’re supposed to give ones you dearly love meaningful presents at that time of year to show them how much you truly care. But Easter or Passover? They’re mostly food holidays! Times to celebrate sunshine and spring flowers and whatever religious tradition you might subscribe to. But especially for most teens and college students, spring represents a chance to go on a much-longed for “spring break” from studying so hard or the usual grind at work. And traditionally, that means leaving town and even heading to the ocean or a lake for some sunshine by the shore.

And all of a sudden, we find ourselves in a location that gives us a new, and possibly a wider, pool of romantic possibilities. We get to see new sights (even if it’s just at some delightful new spring festival), and we certainly get to move beyond the usual faces of our monotonous school or work environments. In addition, the warmer temperatures tend to make us more willing to wear skimpier outfits to soak up the sun. Combine that with a lack of pressure or deadlines during our brief respite, and you suddenly have the perfect recipe for romance—the chance to step out of your usual comfort zone to connect with new faces and places that might just bring you the lover of your dreams . . .

Did I say lover for a lifetime? Absolutely not!! Because there’s no pressure here. You’re just on vacation! It’s simply warm and you’re feeling frisky. The very nature of being on vacation makes you feel more relaxed and willing to take chances on something casual that doesn’t have to mean anything at all—which is why we tend to call them “Spring Flings.” And it’s exactly that breezy feeling that sweeps Robin McArthur into a romantic mood in my novel Robin in the Hood. After Robin took her father (who’s wanted by authorities) and hid him near a vacation lake where people often go for spring weekends, she never dreamed that she might find a hot new romantic interest. But spring wraps her up in its spell, especially during the following scene where a local bad boy named Creek invites her to an outdoor dance: 

“Let’s get down to Turtle Shores and see what all the fuss is about,” Creek said to me.

I carefully followed him down the tree-stand ladder to the ground, and we picked our way through the forest that was growing more shadowy by the second. Yet through the trees, I could see the reflections from the fireworks glowing on Bender Lake.

My heart skipped a beat.

Because despite the smell of sulphur and other obnoxious fumes I didn’t recognize, the vibrant colors on the dark water were . . .

Captivating.

But not half as exquisite as the twinkling white lights that greeted us like stars when we arrived at the Turtle Shores compound.

I stood at the edge of the meadow in shock.

The delicate lights criss-crossed from tree to tree over our heads—like winsome fireflies illuminating the meadow.

And on some of the tree branches hung round paper lanterns in charming colors—the kind that usually appeared gaudy in daylight, like some sad remnant of a forgotten carnival. But here, in the twilight, they appeared . . .

Magical.

Creek saw me halt in place and gasp.

A big smile spread across his face, lit up by the orange and red and blue paper lanterns that hung above us.

“Didn’t know the boondocks could cast such a spell, did ya?”

Later, after they start dancing, spring works further magic on Robin’s heart—and suddenly a mere guy from a trailer park that she never would have thought of dating at her old private boarding school is starting to look like genuine lover material in the scene below:

Creek enveloped me in his arms and began to sway a little—for a few, blissful moonlit moments—as the music slowed to a softer melody. Catching my breath, I glanced up and saw the stars flicker above us, so bright now in the clear night sky, and the way Creek’s eyes seemed to match their light. His hold on me felt strong and enduring . . . and tingles began to spark along my skin. Something inside told me I was living out every teenage girl’s dream—dancing with a hot guy most boarding school chicks would kill for!

Even Robin is shocked by the intoxicating alchemy that spring wages on her heart—because surprise is the very nature of Spring Flings! We don’t expect these liaisons to just happen, so when they do, it’s like receiving a marvelous gift to go with the warm season. But does that mean Robin’s new love will turn into something more enduring? I’ll let you find that out by reading the rest of Robin in the Hood. But the one thing that’s always wise to remember about the power of spring—sometimes it’s the most “accidental” relationships that turn out to have just the right blend of adventure and surprise that can keep us going for the long haul . . .

If you would like to read Robin in the Hood by Diane J. Reed, it’s available in paperback at Amazon.com & BarnesAndNoble.com & as an ebook on Kindle, Nook, iBooks & Kobo.

“Is it any wonder I became a bank robber?” said Robin. 
But she never dreamed she’d fall in love…

15-year-old Robin McArthur thinks she has it all figured out when it comes to bilking her wealthy dad for guilt money as a substitute for his genuine affection. Until one day he suffers a stroke, and she learns the brutal truth.

They’re broke.

And everyone from bankers to bookies has come to collect.

His only saving grace is what he reveals to Robin in between drools: He truly does love her, in spite of all his mistakes.

Panicked and desperate, Robin figures she has two choices. Either surrender to the pestering caseworker and live in a skanky foster home, or take a chance and sneak her dad out of the hospital to make a run for it. Little does she know that stealing a car and hitting the road means that before the day is through, she will rob her first bank.

Now an outlaw, Robin finds a backwoods trailer park to hide her dad from authorities. There, she encounters Creek, a local bad boy who also commits crimes to provide for their motley neighbors. Realizing she could use Creek’s help, Robin proposes an ingenious plan—they should team up to rob banks together. But when their partnership leads to a romance that turns Robin’s world upside down, she soon begins to discover that people are more precious than pocketbooks, and real love means opening your heart to the kinds of treasures money can’t buy…

About the author

Diane J. Reed

I write novels that are infused with enchantment, where characters dare to break through boundaries and believe in true love. I have a soft spot for artisans & outlaws of the heart, those of us who burn brightly to live each day as a gift--because it is! I'd love to hear from you, so feel free to visit my website or message me on facebook or twitter to share the whispers of your spirit.

CONTACT INFORMATION

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GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
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