Saturday Promo - Nona Raines...

First of all, Rachel, I'd like to thank you for letting me share your blog today. It's great to be here!

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Some enchanted evening…you may see a stranger across a crowded room…

The lyrics to "Some Enchanted Evening" by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein paint a picture of two people fated to meet who fall instantly in love. Is there such a thing as love at first sight? Romeo and Juliet fell in love immediately, needing only a little wooing from a balcony to seal the deal. King David knew he wanted Bathsheba when he saw her bathing, and the Little Mermaid fell for the Prince when she rescued him from drowning. Narcissus found his soul mate when he gazed at his reflection in a pool of water! Literature, songs and films l give us plenty of examples of this phenomenon of love at first sight.

But does it exist in real life? Some anthropologists believe that it's a matter of evolution. The "urge to merge" goes back to human beginnings. Our ancestors didn't have long lives, and they needed to pass on their genes. Of course, they knew nothing about genetics, but having healthy babies that would survive to the next generation was paramount. They needed to quickly size up potential mates, good partners to make babies with. (Source: Is love at first sight possible?)

Scientists also believe that when we fall in love, all kinds of chemicals are released in the brain that make us euphoric. It takes only a fifth of a second for us to fall in love, and for those chemicals to flood our brain. Then we're lighter than air, walking on clouds, and looking the world through rose-colored glasses. (Source: Falling in Love Only Takes About a Fifth of a Second, Research Reveals)

The two women in my newly released erotic short story Irresistible Impulse fall in love at first sight. Not across a crowded room, but across a steam table in a Chinese restaurant. Though they immediately feel a connection, they don't have a chance to follow up on it until they unexpectedly meet again at a speed-dating event.

Ordinarily, Tania Talcott wouldn't be caught dead at a speed dating event, but she lost a stupid bet. Checking out the slim pickings, she's convinced the evening will be a total bust--until a classy, sensual, African American woman enters the room. A woman Tania met briefly once before and never forgot.

Latisha Hobbs is only attending this event to support her young cousin, who's ready to start dating again. Latisha's heart has been on ice for quite some time. But she finds herself immediately--and strongly--enticed by the friendly overtures of a vivacious redhead. Or are they more than friendly?

Fueled by an irresistible impulse, Tania wastes no time getting to know the beautiful woman. Latisha is drawn to Tania as well, but memories of an unhappy love affair make her reluctant to act. These two opposites definitely attract, but will their differences be too much to overcome?

Here's an excerpt:

As they chatted and laughed Latisha again felt that sensation vibrate through her body, that combination of nerves and sexual longing. She was light-headed with anticipation and weak with fear.

Of course, the alcohol didn’t help. But as Tania shared some funny stories about her experiences working with the public, all Latisha could think about was leaning forward and pressing her lips to Tania’s pink mouth.

Don’t go there.

Tania grew blurry as Danielle’s face floated in front of her. “I’m not in love with you.” The words echoed in her memory.

Tania’s voice brought her back to the present. “Latisha? You all right?”

“Excuse me.” Latisha stood so abruptly she bumped the table and made the glasses jiggle. “I need to use the bathroom.”

“Is everything okay?” Tania’s eyes were wide with concern. “These drinks are delish, but they pack a pretty good kick.”

“I’m not drunk.”

“I never said—”

She had to get away. “Excuse me.”

She brushed past a waitress with a tray of drinks and several others in her rush to the Ladies’ Room. Once there, she washed her hands and patted her cheeks with a damp paper towel, trying to collect herself.

The bathroom door opened, and Tania entered. “Tisha, I was worried…”

Latisha turned away to grab another paper towel. “No need. I’m fine.”

“Have you been crying?”

“Of course not.”

Tania stepped closer. “Yes, you have.” She gently cupped Latisha’s face and turned it toward her. At Tania’s touch, a thrill zinged through Latisha.

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These characters appeared as an established couple in my first two books One Good Man and Take This Man. It was great fun to tell the story of how they first met—and fell in love. I hope readers enjoy it, too.

To celebrate my new release, I'd like to offer a giveaway of Irresistible Impulse. Please just leave a comment telling if you believe in love at first sight. Has is happened to you or someone you know? Don't forget to include your email address!  I'll select a random commenter on Monday.

Thanks again. Rachel, for letting me be here today!

Irresistible Impulse is available from The Wild Rose Press

Nona Raines
Hot Contemporary Romance
Edgy ~ Emotional ~ Erotic
www.nonaraines.com

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