Romance in a Flash

This is a collection of mini romances. Each story is approximately 1000-1600 words and can be read in as little as ten to fifteen minutes, ideal for readers on coffee breaks and for those who love romance but have little time to read.

Some of them are quirky; some have serious elements (stories centered around: a congenital eye disorder; Asperger's; Thalidomide birth defects and war injuries; and an endangered animal). One includes an atypical pet. Some have children in them, and some do not. Most characters are youthful, a few of them are in their late thirties, and one couple is retirement age. Also included are stories about the usual holidays and a one that's a bit unusual.

Sample story descriptions:
To Kiss a Stranger
Rikki's friend Leah bets her $50 that she can't walk up to a total stranger and kiss him as the New Year rings in.
Fool Me, April
Randy, who has loved April since they were kids, puts up with all her pranks just to keep her in his life, so he's flabbergasted when April shows him she's serious.
The Lone Wolf
Lizzie, a wildlife conservationist, tracks an endangered Mexican gray wolf as it heads toward a ranch. Knowing it could be legally shot if it attacks the rancher's cattle, she tries to get Mr. Altaha to allow her to tranquilize it and move it out of the area. When he refuses, Lizzie has no choice but to try to get to the wolf first.
Walleyes
Rod, a man afflicted with congenital monocular exotropia in his left eye, meets Hallie, who also has the condition in her right eye, when he accidentally steps on her foot. Then the couple discover a unique solution to their problem.
Desert Dreams
An anonymous man comes up behind Isla at a dance and says, "Hello, beautiful." He turns her around, takes her in his arms, dances and sings along to Fleetwood Mac with her, embraces and kisses her, tells her, "I love you," then disappears out of her life.