Kelly Collins's Blog

Pack your sensible shoes and your paperbacks, because Port Promise might just be your next favorite fictional destination. Whether you're melting from a summer heat wave or dreaming of cozy cabin vibes, Port Promise is the perfect escape.

Here are four reasons you’ll fall head-over-hiking-boots in love with Port Promise:

✔️Cabin-Only Vibes: Think remote lodge, no cell service—complete wilderness immersion. Yes, you might have trouble downloading your next romance book, but you’ll have plenty of time to visit with the locals and breathing in the fresh air. No traffic (ATVs and snowmobiles are the only in-town modes of travel)

✔️Port Promise, Home of the Forced-Proximity Romance: Looking for romance? Whether it’s a snow storm trapping you inside with a man who’s escaped to Port Promise in search of healing and a second chance like in my Port Promise prequel Heart’s Haven, a flash flood taking out half the tents in your wilderness adventure group, forcing you into close quarters with a rugged wilderness guide like in Crystal Creek, or a fire destroying your cabin, forcing you to bunk up with a grumpy, sexy single dad like in Timber Ridge, Port Promise provides all the opportunities for a forced proximity romance.

✔️All the Small Town Vibes: Port Promise is the quintessential small town. Head to May’s Café for freshly-baked pie with a side of gossip. Gather with the townspeople at the community center for a potluck, complete with freshly-caught salmon and elk stew. (Don’t knock it until you try it.) Stock up on snacks at the store on the dock. Don’t see what you need? If you’ll be around for a while, ask Rhys to order it for you! Everything is simpler in Port Promise, and it’s glorious.

✔️It’s wild, remote, and breathtaking—just like the emotions Lena and Finn are forced to face in Crystal Creek.

So if you're craving romance with a touch of adventure, or just want to cool down with a story set in the Alaskan wilds, come spend some time in Port Promise. The cabins are cozy, the people are unforgettable, and the love stories are the kind that stay with you. Whether you're starting with Timber Ridge, the first book in the series, or Crystal Creek, the newest book in the series, there's no better time to fall in love with this tiny town with a big heart.

There’s something about June that makes my heart beat a little faster—maybe it’s the long days, the scent of honeysuckle in the air, or the whisper of possibility in every warm breeze. Summer is the season of stories, and if you’re anything like me, you’re craving romance that sizzles, soothes, and sweeps you off your feet.

To celebrate the season, I thought I’d share a few romance tropes that just feel extra magical in the summertime!

The Summer Fling (…That Becomes So Much More)

Shorts, sandals, and sizzling chemistry—this trope is sunshine in book form. A chance meeting at a beachside bar, a spontaneous road trip, or a vacation romance that’s supposed to end in heartbreak—but doesn’t. I love the delicious tension of two people pretending it’s just fun and games…until one of them falls first.

Second Chance at Love

Something about summer lends itself to reflection—and reconnection. Maybe it’s running into your high school crush at the Fourth of July parade or returning to your hometown for a wedding and finding out he’s still single… and still smoldering. June gives second-chance stories a golden glow of nostalgia and hope. Looking for a second-chance love story? You won’t want to miss Brie’s story of returning home to her family resort in The Second Time Around and coming face-to-face with Carter, the boy who left her at the altar years ago…

Small-Town Romance

Is there anything better than a town where everyone knows your name and the diner serves pie that tastes like home? Summer brings out the best in small towns: fairs, fireworks, front porch flirting. I never get tired of writing these stories—because sometimes, the person you’ve been looking for is just around the corner. Want a fish-out-of-water, single dad small town love story? Check out Timber Ridge, the first book in my Port Promise series. (And stay tuned for the next book in the series, Crystal Creek, coming soon!)

Enemies to Lovers (with a Heat Wave Twist)

When the temperature rises, so does the tension. Picture two rivals forced to share a cabin during a heatwave. Or wedding planners with clashing styles who can't stop stealing glances over sparklers. I love the slow burn, the banter, and the moment one of them finally gives in.

Strangers on Vacation

There’s something wildly romantic about two people escaping their lives and meeting where no one knows them. Maybe it’s a solo traveler who meets a broody local guide. Maybe it’s a mistaken Airbnb booking. Either way, it’s the perfect mix of mystery and momentum—and the thrill of not knowing what’s next.

Let’s Talk Tropes!

I’d love to hear from you. What are your favorite romance tropes for summer? Do you lean toward the flirty, the heartfelt, or the flat-out steamy? Leave a comment and let’s swoon together.

There’s something truly special about mothers in small towns. Whether they’re baking pies for the church fundraiser, cheering from the sidelines at a little league game, getting into everyone’s business, or offering life advice over a cup of sweet tea, small-town moms are the heart of the community—and often, the soul of a good romance story.

In my books, you’ll meet mothers of all kinds: single moms balancing love and responsibility like Kinsley in A Cup of Compassion, nosy mamas who secretly play matchmaker and find love of their own along the way like Elsa in One Hundred Reflections, happily-married moms who add heart and character (and a basketball team-worth of children) to their small town, like Louise of Aspen Cove, and small-town grandmothers (and grandmother figures) with hearts of gold. These women aren’t always perfect, but they’re fiercely loving, endlessly supportive, and sometimes just the nudge a hesitant hero or heroine needs to believe in love again (or in need of a nudge themselves).

Why Moms Belong in Romance

Moms often bring depth, warmth, and wisdom to romance stories. They remind us that love isn’t just flowers and kisses—it’s comfort in hard times, showing up without being asked, and believing in someone even when they don’t believe in themselves. They work hard and do their best to give their children what they need, and think twice when they unexpectedly find love in the process.

This Mother’s Day, I’m celebrating the mothers who inspire my characters—and the readers who carry a little small-town heart with them every day. Whether you’re a mom, missing your mom, or simply thankful for the maternal figures in your life, I hope you feel the love today.

Tell me, who’s your favorite fictional mom (from books, movies, or TV)? And what’s one lesson from your own mom—or a mother figure—that you carry with you?

Happy Mother’s Day, with love from my small-town heart to yours. 💗

Spring is the season of fresh starts, where nature shakes off the cold grip of winter and bursts into life with vibrant colors, fragrant blossoms, and the sweet promise of new beginnings. It’s no wonder that spring is often seen as the perfect backdrop for romance. Just as flowers bloom and the world feels renewed, love can flourish in unexpected and beautiful ways. Whether in books, movies, or real life, the themes of renewal, growth, and fresh starts in spring mirror the magic of falling in love.

Many romance novels embrace the magic of spring, using the season’s beauty as a metaphor for the characters’ emotional journeys. The sight of cherry blossoms drifting through the air, the scent of fresh rain, or the warmth of the sun after months of cold all contribute to an atmosphere that feels ripe for falling in love. Whether it’s a historical romance set in the English countryside or a contemporary love story featuring a spring wedding, the season adds an undeniable charm.

Whether you’re happily single, dating, or in a long-term relationship, spring is a wonderful time to embrace the season’s spirit of renewal. Take a spontaneous day trip, start a new hobby with your partner, or simply spend more time outdoors, appreciating the beauty around you. Just like in the most romantic stories, love often finds us when we least expect it—especially when we’re open to new possibilities.

As the world around us begins to bloom, so too can love. Spring teaches us that fresh starts are always possible, that growth is essential, and that sometimes, love is just waiting for the right season to unfold.

What’s your favorite springtime love story?

Valentine’s Day may be widely known as a celebration of love and romance, but not every country observes it in the same way. While flowers, chocolates, and candlelit dinners dominate in the U.S. and many Western countries, other cultures have their own unique traditions that make the day even more special. From poetic love notes to celebrations that honor friendship and self-love, Valentine’s Day around the world is as diverse as love itself.

In Denmark, Valentine’s Day has a charming literary twist. Instead of the traditional red roses, people exchange “gaekkebrev,” which are playful, anonymous love letters written in rhyme. The sender includes dots instead of their name, and if the recipient correctly guesses who wrote it, they earn a small Easter egg later in the year.

In Japan, Valentine’s traditions span two holidays—on February 14, women gift chocolates to men, and on March 14 (White Day), men return the favor. Interestingly, there are different types of chocolates: "giri-choco" for colleagues and friends and "honmei-choco" for true love.

Meanwhile, in South Korea, the Valentine’s celebrations extend even further. In addition to Valentine’s Day and White Day, South Koreans recognize Black Day on April 14—a day when singles gather to commiserate over bowls of black bean noodles (jajangmyeon) and embrace their independence.

In the Philippines, love takes on a grand scale with mass wedding ceremonies, where hundreds, sometimes thousands, of couples say "I do" in a collective celebration of love. And in Brazil, Valentine’s Day isn’t in February at all! Instead, Dia dos Namorados (Lovers’ Day) is celebrated on June 12, honoring Saint Anthony, the patron saint of marriage, with music festivals, feasts, and elaborate gift-giving.

These traditions highlight the many ways people around the world express love, whether through poetry, sweets, grand celebrations, or even embracing singlehood. No matter where or how it’s celebrated, Valentine’s Day serves as a beautiful reminder that love comes in many forms—and deserves to be cherished in every culture. 💕

Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? How do you usually celebrate? And how do you think your favorite Aspen Cove couples are celebrating the holiday? I would love to hear from you!

January is all about new beginnings—a chance to get a fresh start, a time for second chances. And what perfect romance trope to dive into in January than a great second-chance romance?

There’s something magical about a second-chance romance. The idea that love can find its way back after mistakes, heartbreak, or time apart feels so hopeful and real. Maybe it’s the longing glances across the room or the vulnerability of admitting you never stopped caring. Whatever the reason, it pulls at our heartstrings every time.

Readers love watching characters grow, learn, and fight for love. It’s messy, it’s beautiful, and it reminds us that sometimes, love deserves a do-over. Whether it’s in books, movies, or real life, second chances show us that love doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be worth it.

What’s your favorite second-chance romance moment in one of my books? Let me know!

Looking for a great second chance romance in which to lose yourself? You won’t want to miss Broken Hart, the first book in my Cross Creek series. Aspen Cove fans, you’re in luck—you’ll recognize the Lockhart boys from your favorite small-town romance destination. Cross Creek is an Aspen Cove spin-off series with the same heart and swoony soul. Find Broken Hart here.

You know the moment in your favorite holiday romances—the couple finds themselves under the mistletoe, and they realize that, under mistletoe code, they are basically obligated to lean in for that kiss. And magic ensues when their lips lock. But how did the tradition of the mistletoe kiss start?

Well, there are conflicting reports about how it began. Some trace the origins to Norse mythology and the story of the god Baldur. Baldur’s mother, Frigg, wanted to protect her son, as all of us parents want to protect our children. However, instead of padding furniture corners and telling him to make good choices, she cast a spell to ensure that no plant grown on earth could be used to harm her son. The spell wasn’t foolproof, however, as it didn’t reach mistletoe, which grows out of a tree's branches instead of growing out of the earth. The mischievous Loki took advantage of this loophole and created a spear made from mistletoe, which he used to kill Baldur. Some say that Frigg, after her son’s death, declared mistletoe to be a symbol of love and promised to kiss anyone who passed beneath it.

Others say that the tradition is not connected to the story of Baldur, that the tradition has unknown origins but began in England in the 1700s. The phenomenon is thought to have started with the servants of the time. According to A Christmas Cornucopia: The Hidden Stories Behind Our Yuletide Traditions, “I can take a pretty shrewd guess that it involved a particularly lusty and inventive boy and a particularly gullible girl.” The popularity of kissing under the mistletoe grew, extending to all social classes. In the Victorian era, some considered it bad luck to refuse a kiss under the mistletoe. Charles Dickens wrote in The Pickwick Papers about girls running away and screaming and resisting boys with mistletoe until they finally accepted their kiss with “good graces.” (Obviously, this was a different time.)

However the tradition originated, kissing under the mistletoe is now a well-known practice, and everyone knows what you’re supposed to do when you find yourself under that sprig of green with white berries. But is it a fun kiss, a quick diversion? Or is it one of deep connection, of swoon-worthy intent? I guess that’s up to the kissers!

Have you ever shared a kiss under the mistletoe? Are you one who must stop with your loved one when you see mistletoe hanging from above? What was your most memorable kiss under the mistletoe?

I favor the Norse mythological origins of mistletoe as a symbol of love, so much so that I named the town in one of my small-town romances, Mistletoe! Memories & Mistletoe, an opposites-attract, fighting-to-save-the-town-from-developers holiday romance, is available on Amazon. You can read it, along with all of my holiday books, in Kindle Unlimited. Grab your copy here.

Can you believe that it’s November? For some, it means pushing full-force into Christmas, but I love Thanksgiving. A holiday that celebrates being thankful and encourages togetherness is a perfect stop before the Christmas madness begins!

If you’re going to be gathering with friends or family (or both!), you can have a taste of Willow Bay on your table, with Cricket’s Sweet Potato Pie. Here’s the recipe:

Cricket’s Sweet Potato Pie

For the Sweet Potato Filling:

1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (from about 1 large or 2 medium sweet potatoes)

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Pinch of salt

1 egg, beaten

1/4 cup evaporated milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pecan Topping:

1 cup pecan halves

2/3 cup corn syrup (light or dark)

2/3 cup brown sugar, packed

2 eggs

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crust:

1 store-bought or homemade pie crust (9-inch)

Instructions:

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:

Boil or bake the sweet potatoes until soft. Peel, mash, and measure out 1 cup of mashed sweet potato.

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Pie Crust:

Roll out your pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie plate. Crimp the edges as desired.

Make the Sweet Potato Filling:

In a medium bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.

Add the beaten egg, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Pour the filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.

Make the Pecan Topping:

In a separate bowl, combine the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir in the pecan halves.

Carefully pour the pecan mixture over the sweet potato filling.

Bake the Pie:

Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pecan topping is nicely browned and the filling is set.

If the edges of the crust begin to brown too quickly, cover them with foil or a pie shield.

Cool and Serve:

Allow the pie to cool completely before serving. This will give the fillings time to set properly.

Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed. For an extra indulgent treat, top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

This Sweet Potato Pecan Pie is a wonderful twist on classic Thanksgiving flavors, offering a rich, layered dessert that's sure to please. The combination of creamy sweet potato and crunchy pecans makes every bite a delightful celebration of autumn. Enjoy your baking and your Thanksgiving feast!

Have you had the chance to visit Willow Bay? If not, you don’t want to miss The Second Time Around, the first book in my Willow Bay series. You can meet Cricket, get some more of her recipes, and, of course, read a second-chance romance that will have you swooning and clamoring for more Willow Bay. Find The Second Time Around here.

While you’re spending your August by the pool, taking your summer vacations, or sending your kids back to school, don’t forget to celebrate the most important aspect of August—Romance Awareness Month!

As a romance author, every month for me is romance awareness month, but I embrace any chance to spread the love.

Romance Awareness Month surrounds Romance Awareness Day, which is August 14. Why August 14? Because it’s exactly six months away from Valentine’s Day. Created by Eileen Buchheim, the day was created to reignite relationship passion and to encourage couples to work on their relationships all year long.

There are so many ways for couples to celebrate, whether it be going out for a special dinner, writing each other love letters, taking a little getaway trip, or even a simple walk while holding hands. 

Couples aren’t the only ones who celebrate Romance Awareness Month. Libraries also observe the occasion! It’s the perfect non-Valentine’s Day time to spotlight their romance shelves and get more books in the hands of romance lovers.

Will you be celebrating this month? I would love to know how you are observing this special occasion.

Speaking of romance, don’t forget that my new small-town, fish-out-of-water, single dad, neighbors-to-lovers romance, Timber Ridge, releases on Thursday, August 15. And how appropriate that I’m releasing it in Romance Awareness Month! You can pre-order it here.

👻 It’s officially spooky season! 👻 Halloween might not scream “romantic” to some, but it’s the perfect opportunity for some couple fun. Halloween offers a chance for couples to bond over costume planning and attend parties together. It’s a time for creativity, playfulness, and sharing in the festive spirit. 🎭💕

Looking for ideas to help you stand out and keep the romance alive? 🥰 Here are some couple costumes that will turn heads among your friends (and might even get your heart racing):

Love Bridgerton? Why not go as one of the romantic couples from the show? Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington, anyone? A waistcoat and puffy shirt for him, a gown and gloves for her. Bonus points if you have a chaise lounge at home...

Are you a Grey’s Anatomy fan? What about a Meredith Grey/Derek Shepherd pairing? A couple of white coats, stethoscopes, and name tags. Hopefully, there’s an elevator where you’re going, so you can really get into character...

Even an action movie can have a costume-worthy couple! Jurassic Park had Drs. Alan Grant and Ellie Sattler. Get some khaki shorts, button-down shirts, bandanas, and maybe hats, and you're set. You can cling to each other like you're facing some man-eating dinosaurs...

Into hair buns and hunky space pilots? How about a little warp-speed romance with Star Wars couple Princess Leia and Han Solo? A white gown and hair buns for her, a leather coat for him. Maybe a little Millennium Falcon kissing?

I’ve got chills, they’re multiplying... about dressing up as iconic couple Sandy and Danny from Grease. She can either go as pre-transformation Sandy with a poodle skirt and ponytail or post-transformation Sandy with leather pants and heels. Singing is optional.

Are you going out this Halloween? 🎃 I’d love to hear what you’ll be going as! Do you have a favorite all-time costume? Let me know!