I’ve always loved the reunited lovers theme in romance, regardless of subgenre. The romance always starts off with tension because there had to be a reason these two lovers couldn’t make it the first time. Sometimes it’s something as simple as they were too young to know what they wanted in life. Or, the families of the couple tore them apart. Maybe time and distance proved to be too much. Secrets, lies or insecurities managed to cut through their relationship. One of the characters thought they were protecting the other by walking away … Whatever the reason, the couple once loved each other, or cared deeply for each other, and now they’re finally getting their second chance!
In the case of DEADLY OBSESSION Lilly and Braden were high school sweethearts but were torn apart because of secrets. Both went their separate ways and both ended up in law enforcement. After years in the military, Braden is now the sheriff of the fictional town of Hudson Bay and Lilly is an NSA agent suffering from PTSD.
Circumstances force them together and even though a decade has passed since they’ve seen each other, the attraction and tension between them is hotter than it was before. With a homicidal maniac taunting them at every turn, they’re fighting for their lives and a second chance at love.
What are some of your favorite reunited lovers’ stories? Feel free to share titles. Or if not that theme, what are some of your favorite themes in romance and why? One commenter will be selected to win a digital copy of Deadly Obsession. The winner will be announced in the comments section of this blog post on Friday, August 19 2011 with instructions how to contact me.
(Contest open to all readers, 18 years or older, who are legally allowed to participate in such a contest as allowed by their local laws. By participating in the contest, participants agree to be bound by the decision of the contest sponsor.)
Deadly Obsession now available:
The chilling words of a killer: This is just the beginning…
Ten years ago, Lilly Carmichael left town without an explanation, breaking Braden Donnelly’s heart. The death of her aunt has brought Lilly home–and face to face with memories she thought were long buried. Still getting over a traumatic incident from her work as an NSA agent, Lilly initially dismisses the face at her window as a figment of stress-induced paranoia.
Now the sheriff of Hudson Bay, Braden has spent the last year hunting a sadistic murderer. But his investigation is turned upside down when new evidence indicates that Lilly is the killer’s next target. Determined to protect the woman he’s never stopped loving, Braden must race against the clock to trap a dangerous psychopath—before it’s too late…
A little about me: I’ve been reading romance since I discovered my mom’s hidden stash at a young age and the addiction stayed with me into adulthood. I write dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense. Deadly Obsession is my most recent release from Carina Press. I also write for Harlequin Nocturne (Destined Mate, October 2011), and in early 2012 the first book in my paranormal series will release from NAL/Signet Eclipse. To learn more about me please visit my website, my blog, facebook or find me on twitter @katiereus.
Tags: contest, Romantic Suspense
I love the reunited lovers theme. Whether they are just boyfriend and girlfriend or husband and wife. One of my favorites is Everything To Lose
I would love to win a copy of this book. Thanks!
I adore stories like this. Couldn’t narrow it down to a couple titles, but I love the notion of two people who made naive mistakes in their pasts coming together once again. I think most of us can think back on somebody from our past that we let get away. Makes you wonder if time, distance, learning a little from life would help heal old wounds and allow a fresh start. Authors who nail that idea get my undying devotion!
Congrats on your release. I call this a meant to be story. Hearts are so anchored together they eventually beat all that try to seperate them
I love the reunited lovers theme, especially when there’s been significant emotional change in the characters during their time apart. Bring on the conflict!
I love the hero in this story, but the villain made my skin crawl! *shiver*
My favourite story lines are second chances and reunions. I don’t want it to come easy for the characters, I want them to work for it, to learn from it and earn their happy ending. Reunions stories are so much worthwhile when that is the case. They also tend to be emotional and is a big part of why I am drawn to them. I like reunions theme in all genres: romantic suspense, historical, contemporary and paranormal.
Some of my favourite reunion stories are:
Ashes in the Wind by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. The reunion wasn’t the main story line but I still loved that part.
My One and Only by Kristan Higgins
Paradise by Judith McNaught
The reunited lovers theme is one of my favourites. I love it when we get their story told from years back and the reasons for breaking up. And, of course, how to find a way to be together again.
I do enjoy stories about reunited lovers and some of my favorites include Lisa Kleypas’ “Again the Magic” and Julia Quinn’s “Everything and the Moon.” I’m also a fan of amnesia and revenge plots.
I love reunited stories. As you say, there’s always some drama in the past that makes the present sizzle! I’m a big fan of Mira Lyn Kelly who writes unbelievable sexual tension.
I always enjoy a good romantic suspense!
Thanks for stopping by Donna! I’m glad you enjoyed ETL
Thanks for stopping by JM and Rita
Glad you love villain Kaylea! He was fun and a little scary to write.
Great choices Na and Jane. (Everything and the Moon is one of my all time favorite stories)
Exactly Claudia! Getting them back together is the best part. Nice choice Elaine
Reunited lovers’ stories are alway emotional. My novel set in China has a similar theme. Never heard about PTSD, so read now a long article about it in Wikipedia. I guess there is a trauma why Lily left without explanation. Best wishes with this novel and the the others, which explore other themes as seen in your Facebook page.
I do love a ‘Reunited Lovers theme’, but it something that has to be done really well. I recently finished a book where they had split for a somewhat valid reason: he called out another woman’s name in the heat of passion, definitely a no-no, but I couldn’t believe that she did not call him out on that for 2,5 years, because he was too drunk to remember! They met again and the issue was resolved within 2 days… *sigh*
I am also a big fan of paranormal romance and love a good “redeemed bad boy” story, which comes across quite a bit in this genre. One of my favourites is Unbound and Wild Hunt by Lori Devoti (both from the Harlequin Nocturne Series Unbound).
And I would obviously love to win a copy of your book, it sounds like something I would definitely like to read!
Thank you everyone who stopped by! Na, you are the winner of a digital copy of Deadly Obsession. Please contact me at katiereus @ yahoo .com (no spaces). Congrats
Thank you! I’m so excited to read your book, which will be my first by you