Susan Fox is YOURS, UNEXPECTEDLY (or, rather, her book could be!) Back to Blog
Update: The winner of YOURS, UNEXPECTEDLY is…Yadira A. Congratulations!!
Do you like sexy, fun romances? Then I’ve got a treat for you! Fellow Brava author Susan Fox is my next guest–and the lady has a gift for writing great contemporary romances. One lucky commenter is going to find out all about that gift…because Susan is giving away a copy of her new book, YOURS, UNEXPECTEDLY.
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It’s release day, and Cynthia and I are release sisters with Kensington Brava. How exciting! And thanks, Cynthia, for inviting me here today.
My new Brava is Yours, Unexpectedly . It’s the fourth and final Wild Ride to Love book. This is a sexy “planes, trains, automobiles, and a cruise ship” series. In the first three books (Sex Drive, Love, Unexpectedly, and His, Unexpectedly), the three older Fallon sisters travel home for their baby sister Merilee’s wedding.
In families, siblings each tend to find their own niche. Growing up, Merilee felt like she was in the shadow of her larger-than-life sisters – until she met Matt at age seven. She found her soul mate and her special niche: she was the Fallon sister who was lucky in love.
She and Matt are M&M, and Merilee’s always known they’d get married. At least until her sisters arrive home one by one, with exciting guys and passionate new romances. Suddenly, her relationship with Matt feels a little . . . flat. They’re only 21, yet they act more like a comfortable middle-aged couple than people who are passionately in love. Is this what she wants, for the rest of her life?
You can see what’s coming, right? This is a runaway bride story – with a twist.
When Merilee calls off the wedding two days before the ceremony, she needs to get some distance and perspective, to be alone and think. Because the Mexican Riviera honeymoon cruise is non-refundable, she decides to go.
But Matt has the same idea. And neither of them will back down and go home.
The idea behind the Wild Ride to Love books is that travel is a journey in more ways than one. And so it proves for M&M. It’s time to stop being joined at the hip – even though they’re stuck sharing a cabin – and find out who they are as individuals. As adults. Yes, it’s time to grow up, and to discover whether that means growing apart or growing together.
I hope readers will enjoy M&M’s wild ride from Vancouver to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas, and back home again. As they redefine themselves and explore new opportunities, they find that they’re still drawn to each other – even more deeply and passionately than before. And now, the idea of a lifetime together looks like the most exciting, romantic adventure they can imagine!
I’d love to hear your comments about travel, how to keep a long-term relationship fresh, and anything else that strikes your fancy. And, last but not least, I’m giving away an autographed copy of Yours, Unexpectedly.
Bio:
Susan Fox, who also writes as Susan Lyons, is the award-winning author of “emotionally compelling, sexy contemporary romance” (Publishers Weekly). She is published by Kensington Brava, Berkley Heat, and Harlequin Spice Briefs. A resident of both Vancouver and Victoria, B.C., Susan has degrees in law and psychology but would far rather be writing fiction than living in the real world.
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I don’t like to fly so I only travel by car. I don’t get out much but I do enjoy a trip to Niagara Falls every now & then. As far as how to keep thing good in a relationship. Communication & Laughter is always a good place to start. Congratualtions on your release—Rachel
Thanks, Rachel. You know, I’m Canadian and I’ve never been to Niagara Falls! And I sure agree with you about communication and laughter.
Yours, Unexpectedly sounds fantastic… I’ve never read a runaway bride story before. I think M&M will get through their rough patch especially after traveling to all of those exotic locales. It sounds like they were married since the age of seven and just never got that honeymoon phase of their relationship since they were so young when they met instead they just got comfortable with each other. I think it’s an important piece to any relationship and should be revisited more often.
Thanks for the great giveaway!
yadkny@hotmail.com
Yes, I did think of their relationship as having a lot in common with a middle-aged marriage. Comfortable, but where are the sparks? We all like sparks! And a little romance.
Keeping a long term relationship fresh you have to be willing to take about things. And you can never go to be mad at each other!
khelseyrjackson@gmail.com
*talk 😀
Khelsey, I’m guessing you meant to type “go to bed mad.” I think that’s great advice, but man, it’s hard to do! Some people fight and clear the air when they’re upset, but others (count me as one of them) tend to sulk and pout. Not so healthy. LOL.
I love to fly. I’m one of the few people that doesn’t over pack. Hubs and I have taught the kids this too. We never check bags. Always have carry-on. Even when the entire family went to England for a week we each had one carry-on.
I think M&M will make it. It takes work and it looks like they’ll realize this and find what’s missing :).
Thank you.
I love to travel. Hoping for a nice just me and my husband vaca in the near future! 🙂
And I hope you get it, Sarah. Hey, why not stop hoping and actually plan it?
I’ve been with my husband for 24 years. We keep it fresh and new by not taking ourselves too seriously. We have fun, it’s that simple.
Oh, yes! We should never take ourselves too seriously. Excellent advice – and so is having fun. Congratulations to you and your hubby, Tanja.
congrats on your new release. this sounds really cute
My husband and I have been together for 4 years but married for only 6 short months and the best advice I can offer anyone is make sure you are marrying your best friend. We enjoy doing pretty much everything together and it never gets old or stale. We enjoy being together whether it is a night in or a night out and if we need to vent, its to each other, not ABOUT each other. I will definitely have to check out these books they sound completely enthralling. As far as the traveling goes, we don’t get to do that as often as we would like and we haven’t had a real vacation in years! Would love to drive out to Utah again some time just to show my husband where I grew up! Thank you for the giveaway and congratulations on your new release!
You’re so right about being best friends – and taking the time to make sure of that. We all know that wild “falling in love/lust” feeling and it’s wonderful, but it does wear off. Then you want to know you’ve got a partner you’re happy living each day with.
I have been married 9 years and we keep it fresh by having date nights.. It gives us a chance to be in couple mode instead of parent mode.
The book sounds great.
flaca798@hotmail.com
Date nights are a great idea, Jahaira. Good for you!
I just love the cover of Love, Unexpectedly! I thing most brides (mentally, at least) cross their fingers but are filled with hope. After being married 49 years to the same man I disturbs me to see how many young people just give up on their marriages instead of working on them. Yes, there are times when you question what you have done but if you really love each other it is worth the effort to stay together. I realize there are some who really have good reasons to split–abuse, infidelity etc.–but lack of effort is just laziness and looking on the other side of the fence. Thank you for so many hous of pleasure. Please keep writing.
Wow – it’s almost your 50th anniversary! Congratulations, Whitney, that’s awesome. I agree with you that a lot of people give up too easily. We think life should be easy, but it isn’t. Relationships, careers, even health – they all take work. And play! So often, the grass does look greener outside of the relationship – but if you jump the fence it won’t take many years of living on that other lawn to realize it has just as many weeds, and needs mowing just as often. LOL.
Susan, thanks so much for participating in my release party! Have I told you how much I love your cover?
And congrats on your release!!!!
Thanks so much for inviting me, Cynthia. And wow, by the time I checked in there were already so many comments! You sure know how to throw a great party!
Wow this book sounds great. I’d love love to read it. I’m such a big fan of your books I can only imagine how good this one is. If I don’t win it I’ll just have to buy it when I can. Thanks guys/gals for writing these great books. Keep writing and I’ll keep on reading. <3 Linda <3
Ooh, Linda, that’s so nice to hear. I’m so glad you enjoy my books.
My parents were married for over 50 years. They still held hands and had date nights. They were best friends and made their relationship important always. They taught us that you have to make time to be a couple even if it means after the 5 kids are in bed.
You had great role models, Patti. I think that makes a big difference. It’s easier to know how to build and maintain a good relationship if you’ve grown up seeing one.
i love to travel!! havent done as much as i would like however.. road trips across one coast of the US, then from Point A to point B (MI to North Dakota).. i learned dress comfy.. who cares what you look like when flying,driving etc, as long as you are comfortable!!
the book looks awesome, thanks for a chance to win!
Oh yes, dress comfy, Alaina. That’s so true. There’s nothing like being too hot or too cold, or stuck in uncomfortable clothes for hours of travel time. And when I’m flying I believe in really comfy walking shoes, because sometimes it’s quite a trek around those airports.
To keep a relationship fresh I think you have to get away every once in a while. The same thing day to day like clockwork can be boring and can put a strain on a relationship. I think taking a weekend away out of town can freshen up a relationship. Out of town you have no control over what can happen so it can be a little adventurous. It will freshen up the relationship and keep it from being so cookie cutter.
Congrats to Susan on her new release. It looks like a book I will definitely enjoy. Thanks for the giveaway.
sweet_tea1(at)rock(dot)com
Kim, what you said about being out of town making things more adventurous is exactly what I had in mind when I wrote this series of books. At home, you get stuck in a rut. When you travel, you can’t do the same old things in the same old ways, so you’re shaken out of your rut. Life’s more interesting, and you become more interesting (and so does your partner) as a result.
Don’t get to travel much anymore, but do enjoy it when we go. Keeping a relationship fresh takes work, not taking each other for granted and the ability to laugh together.
Your book sounds like a fantastic story.
Thanks, Jean. Yes, the fact that you and another person have sworn marriage vows or made a commitment doesn’t mean you should take them for granted – and they shouldn’t take you for granted. The person who has committed to you is the most special, wonderful person in the world, and deserves to be appreciated every day.
I think communicating frequently is the best way to keep a long term relationship alive. Even if you can’t be with your guy physically, talking, emailing and texting can keep the relationship flowing.
Crystal, you’re the first to mention keeping in touch when you’re not together. It’s so true – and especially for long distance relationships, or ones where someone travels or the partners work really different shifts. Out of sight should not be out of mind – and it’s so easy to send a quick text to let your partner know you’re thinking of him.
I’ve been married for almost 23 years, and I have to say that we are still hot for each other. It’s different than when we first met, but better because we know each other so well. I think the key is to always be honest–no game playing–say what you feel WHEN you feel it, not days or weeks later. Also make time to be alone no matter how much you have to plan it out. People knock planning but I love it– we look forward to what we’ve planned all day and it’s fun. We often laugh when we’ve put wine or beer in a small cooler in our room. Hey, when you have kids you’ve got to be creative!
Brenda, you and your hubby are obviously doing things right. Your relationship sounds fabulous. Good for the two of you for being creative!
Did alot of traveling in my younger days, got to Hawaii, California, Ireland and British Columbia to name a few places. As my kids get older, we find ourselves traveling to locally for various tournaments as both my girls are athletes..favorite place to travel to hads down is DisneyWorld,never gets old for me!!
Ooh, you made it to British Columbia, Marianne. That’s my province! Travel patterns do shift over time, don’t they? What fun to travel and watch your daughters compete. I hope you all get another trip to DisneyWorld soon.
I love to travel with my husband. We’ve been married for over 30 years and dated in high school.. This book sounds like a lot of fun!
Cate, congratulations on those 30 years. When you were in high school, would you ever have imagined it? (Or even imagined BEING 30, much less being married for 30 years!)
i only travel by car and this book sounds like a great book i would love to read 🙂
reginamayross@gmail.com
Thanks, Regina. I like car travel myself. When you see soemthing interesting, you can always stop and take a look. And if you’re feeling cramped or claustrophobic, you can get out and stretch. So often, in airplanes, I feel really confined.
I like car travel myself. I like being able to stop and get out and stretch, or to take a closer look at something interesting.
Keeping long-term relationships fresh is tough. I’m only 27 but I’ve been married for 8 years in december. The most important thing, besides shaking things up when they get stale, is to be honest w/ one another. Dreams and plans change; if you’re not honest about what you want and need, bad things happen eventually – and disappointment is the least of your worries!
As to travel, you don’t have to go very far to get away from everything. Sometimes traveling 100 miles away is all it takes for a change in scenery. 🙂
Honesty is a good rule, Elisa. And it’s definitely true that dreams and plans change, and you need to share that information with your partner. No, they really don’t read our minds!
I absolutely love to travel, but do not get to as many places as I would like. I love to fly and get there immediately rather than driving 🙂 I cannot really comment on the long term relationship as I am single but have enjoyed reading everyones responses. Your book looks fabulous and I can’t wait to read your first three. Contemporary romance is my absolute favorite genre.
Thanks, Connie. I think there are two styles of travel. One is yours – get there quick, because it’s the destination that counts. The other is to enjoy the process, like a scenic road trip with lots of stops along the way.
I haven’t gotten to travel much or even at all really this year..lol…but I do know that I prefer to travel via car, which I know is strange, but I just don’t like airplanes much and what you have to go through to get on one is such a hassle that I think I prefer going places I can drive. I’ve also never been in a long term relationship..but I think to keep a long term relationship fresh there has to be great and honest communication, a willingness to really share your deepest thoughts and desires without judgement and a willingness to try new things. There needs to be a lot of give and take and understanding that sometimes one partner will get more at one time than the other. Thanks for the giveaway.
I don’t think it’s at all strange to not like airplanes! They’re cramped and uncomfortable, and the air is dry and nasty. And walking barefoot through security machines is no fun at all! You make good points about give and take in relationships, and the fact that the balance shifts back and forth.
I love traveling…but the main thing is to have lots of communication with your spouse or boyfriend while your away. It makes them feel like you didn’t forget about them while your having a good time & they feel more a part of your trip! 🙂
Yup, Cassidy, you definitely don’t want them feeling forgotten about.
As much as I love to travel I don’t really have the opportunity to do it very often. However, I have had the chance to visit two of the places that I’ve always wanted to see … New York and London. So that was awesome.
Regarding long-term relationships (or any relationships), I’ve no insights for you there. Sorry!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Hey, Pam, if you only got to two places, you sure picked special ones. Good for you. Bet you have lots of memories, and souvenirs.
Really do not travel that much. I’ve never been on a bus (for lengthy travels. I have been on a bus before. Simontons when they had their anniversary parties had one to take employees and family to this park) or plane before. I took my first boat ride last year – was my parents.
But the only travels we take. In May, hubby and I go to Columbus for a weekend metal concert. Then in the summer the entire family goes down to South Carolina to stay with my brother to hang out on the beach.
Raonaid, I’ve always wanted to hang out on a beach in South Carolina. I envy you!
My hubby and I have been together for 4 years and married for 2 years. We have so much in common that we very rarely find ourselves in a rut (although it does happen occasionally). He’s very humorous and keeps me laughing all the time. He’s just a natural silly-bones.
I don’t fly if I can at all get away with it but I love to go to different places.
Saph
saphsbookblog at gmail dot com
Saphhyria, I’m glad you have a husband who makes you laugh. Every day needs a little laughter.
This sounds like a really good book.
I don’t think long distant relationships can work.I’ve known a few people who have tried and they just didn’t work.
Thanks for the chance to win this book.
Elaing8, now you’ve got me thinking. I’m not sure I know anyone who’s made a long distance relationship work either.
Long distant relationships work if there is a give and take on both sides I love to travel we haven’t this year
as hubby has knee prob. and getting both knees replaced next month mabe next year I hope
I hope when your hubby gets those new knees, the two of you use them to visit some wonderful places togehter, Rhonda.
My husband of almost 40 years and I travel as often as we can. We enjoy many of the same things, so trips work rather well. We bring books on tape to listen to as we drive, but have discovered we spend the time talking, something couples often don’t get or take much time to do. We are slowing down a bit, but still have many places we want to see. Once he retires, we hope to really hit the road. We plan on taking our first cruise for our 40th anniversary.
What a great way to celebrate your 40th. I hope you have a fabulous time, librarypat. And what fun to hit the road when he retires. Lots to look forward to!
I think you have to learn to pick your battles to keep a long relationship healthy.
Now there’s wise advice, Bethie!
My hubby and I have only been married for 3 yrs next month but have been together for 15 yrs. We starting dating our sophmore year of high school. Honestly I don’t know how we have lasted. All I know is that we fight really hard to stay together. We are truly soul mates and love each other very much and all we have to do is remember that and we do just fine 🙂
More wise advice. Yes, it’s easy to lose sight of the really important basics, but if you focus on the love and the reasons you’re together, it makes it so much easier to get through the bad times.
Happy Release Day, Susan. I love to travel and wish I get to do it more often. I do hope I’ll be visiting Hawaii again soon. I did go on a mini road trip with my cousin to Toronto back in May. It’s a beautiful city.
Thanks, Jane. I hope you get back to Hawaii. It’s a great place. I’d choose it over Toronto, even if that makes me a disloyal Canadian.
Susan, how I wish I could travel the world one day! So far, I do all my “traveling” via stories but they do inspire places to visit someday. I would love to see Alaska, New Zealand, Scotland and Ireland 🙂
Hello, Na. Books are so great for giving you the armchair travel experience, aren’t they? I hope you get to all the places on your list.
Congratulations on the new book Susan. I don’t have the chance to travel much but but when I do I feel like I need a vacation when I come back home.
I know that feeling, Maureen. Often, within an hour of getting home, I feel as if I’ve never been away. Though there’s a ton of piled up work to remind me!
I’ve never really traveled anywhere, but i would love to go to Ireland one day! I’m just going to have to get over my horrible fear of flying!
Or you could take a very long boat trip, Ashley! Nope, better to get over that fear of flying.
My hubby and I will be married 15 years in May (together 19 years now) and I have learned that we get along a lot better if we aren’t joined at the hip. Meaning I give him the freedom and trust to go to the dear lease and go play darts with the guys when he wants without nagging him and he lets me read or go hang out with the girls whenever I want without complaint. We also do plenty together but we do not have to do everthing together! Telling each other about what happens in our days is plenty.
This series sounds wonderful, thanks for the chance!
Aha! That’s a lesson M&M learn in my book, Maria. Yes, we each have to have some different activities and friends. It’s unfair to expect your partner to provide for all your needs, and it’s unhealthy. Besides, going off and doing your own thing gives you lots to discuss at the end of the day.
We live so far from family that we travel often. I love seeing new places. As soon as we are done with grad school then we are planning on travelling more!
How lovely that will be, Carrie, to be finished with school and go off and see the world. Have fun!
Hmm… I have been married for 5 yrs now… And yes, it gets predictable at times… but it’s also kind of nice to have the comfort and safety of someone you love. 🙂 But a little time apart definitely helps….
Comfort and safety are lovely, aren’t they, Carrie? But it is good to find ways – like time apart – to spice things up.
I just got from Jamaica. It was our 10 yr anniversary present to ourselves. A week with no kids in an adult only resort. It was fabulous! I won’t to go back to the relaxation.
I’d love to go to Jamaica, JoAnna. Lucky you! What a great present to yourselves.
I love the sound of this book! Not much of a traveler, but looking forward to visiting some places I want to see in the future!
Well, Colleen, before you get to visit those places, you can at least enjoy some armchair travel with books like mine. Hope you enjoy.
hmmm not much of a traveler. I did some in highschool within the US and in the Army if you want to call Saudi Arabia a fun travel destination. lol It wasn’t. I wouldn’t mind traveling somewhere but i think i’d have to go with someone with experience or i would be scared to death. Do like those kinds of books though.
Lisa B
Lisa, I agree that I’m much more comfortable traveling with someone who has experience. Or, even if they don’t, it’s just more comfortable to be with someone else and muddle through together rather than alone.
Tho I love to travel, I always get really nervous as departure day approaches. My favorite times while traveling is just wandering thru areas where people live, have good food & trying to experience the life of the area. And then it’s always to get home again.
Diane, I’m with you. I’m not big on hitting the big tourist sites. I’d rather wander around different neighborhoods. I also like sitting at a sidewalk cafe or bar and watching that whole different world flow by.
I never really travel but me and my man did take the kids away last year! Great fun 🙂
Carlyn, it sounds like a great trip – and you need to do it again!
I’ve only been on a plane once & that was when I was really little, so I don’t really remember it. I have to try it again to have an opinion. 😉
How to keep a long-term relationship fresh… well I think seeing your partner every couple of days instead of every day helps. He misses you more if he hasn’t seen you & the relationship feels like its still new. (Just my opinion) 😀
That’s an interesting suggestion, Jewel. Along the same lines, I’ve heard that some married couples keep two different apartments or houses and get together when it suits them. It’s kind of like the fun part of dating combined with the secure part of being in a committed relationship.
I love to fly. I have been traveling since I was a little girl with my grandparents and hope to continue the tradition with my own son. Being able to travel and see new places I think helps a child to learn and grow into a better person.
Oh yes, Heather, travel is a great experience for a child. We traveled a lot when I was a kid, and they were all driving trips. Around BC, through the western states, and even in Mexico. I hope you and your son have some lovely trips together.
i love travel because i like the aventure, knowing new place, new people, new locate food and other things 😉
Eli, I hope you get at least a couple of great travel adventures in the next year.
I love travel – so many places to see, so little time and money to go there. I like eating local food, seeing whatever makes that place unique and enjoying the excitement of the adventure to somewhere new.
Love your cover.
Ah yes, that pesky little problem of not enough time or money. Bummer, isn’t it, Stephenia?
Book sounds great. I”ve never really thought long distance relationships work but i’ve never tried one. I love to travel unfortunately i don’t have enough time or money o go everywhere i want to which is why i love to read. I can travel to anywhere in the world from between a books cover.