John Dominico is a character I’ve known well for years! But I’ve known him as Louisa’s dad, an older and wiser version of the person you’ll be meeting in Love at First Sight. He’s intense, kind, and committed to family. But, you know that already if you’ve read Louisa’s Passion, Book 1, in the Louisa’s Vineyard Series.
He has a quirky sense of humor, but hides that in his “responsible” persona that the world sees. When he meets Shannon, it shakes him up from his usual approach to life─driven and focused.
I’ll let John speak for himself now.
Ms. Sommers asked me to introduce myself to her readers. I appreciate the opportunity to speak to you!
I’m John Dominico, a sophomore at UCSD majoring in Structural Engineering, which will allow me to design and build structures good for our planet and the people who use and live in the buildings. Since I was young and played with Lego blocks, I knew I wanted to create strong, environmentally friendly places to live, work, and play. I can’t wait to get going in my career.
This school year started without any fanfare until my last class of the first day, when I met Shannon Bell. When I entered the classroom, it was like lightning bolts zapped me. As I looked at Shannon, I tingled. Struggling to look away so I didn’t seem like a stalker, I saw her staring at me. Besides being gorgeous, there was just something about her!
In my bravest move, I pointed to both of us and mouthed “Later?” She nodded agreement, and then the class started.
We spent the entire evening together until the café staff made it plain they needed to close. Sharing everything that seemed important with each other, Shannon and I just “clicked.” I asked her if I could walk her to her dorm, and later, I asked to kiss her. She enthusiastically agreed. The kiss was the clincher. She laughingly said that would decide whether we could plan a life together. We were already speculating about getting married!
The funny thing about it all was that I hadn’t dated anyone since the one date I had at sixteen, which was a fiasco. After that, I figured I should just concentrate on my studies and working at my parent’s deli. Actually, it’s a chain of delis in the LA area. My parents are important to me, so I just focused. I know, I was a grind, but I enjoyed working backstage at our high school drama and musical productions.
Although I took band for several years, I admit I’m not meant to be a musician. I found the mechanics of music fascinating and the results admirable, but I couldn’t justify spending all of those hours practicing. I kept time all right, but the sounds that came out of the keyboards and clarinet were just not excellent. And I always strive for excellence.
Back to Shannon … I don’t want to sound sappy, but I am already in love with her. Everything she says, everything she does, her artistic talent, the way she acts toward other people … I’m in awe of her. I can’t wait to spend my life with her! Before we got together, I dreamed of her every night. She’s distracting, but I love the distraction!
We’re so in tune, there I go talking about music again, that we often say the same things to people at the same time. I can’t wait to meet her family, get their approval, and get married. I know my parents will love her, just because she always looks for the best in everyone. She’s kind, caring, and she loves ME! Oh, and she’s brilliant and talented. Her artwork is extraordinary. Although I ace all of my classes, I can see she’s a level above me in brainpower and her ability to make everyone love her.
Whatever threw us together, fate, luck, or a universal master plan, I’m the luckiest and happiest guy in the universe! She loves me! And I love her more than I ever thought I could love someone. All I need to do is get my schoolwork done and fend off all the other males who look at me with envy as I walk around campus with Shannon.
Oh, and you’re invited to the wedding!
I hope you enjoyed getting to know John. He’s an artist in his field. Although he is driven to achieve and succeed, the compelling thing about him is he cares about the people and projects in his life. Once committed to Shannon, he will go through any obstacles to make life work and fend off any challenges.
Love at First Sight allows you to know these characters as if you’re in the room with them. (A quote from one of my reviewers.) I hope that gives you a richer reading experience. And with the additional books already published in the Louisa’s Vineyard Series, you can learn what happens to John and Shannon.
If you enjoyed this and would like to read a free, exclusive bonus epilogue about Shannon and John, please click this link to take you to this exclusive epilogue.
Please contact me if you have questions: Shelley@ShelleySommers.com
Note: Love at First Sight will be available on August 29 from Amazon, Draft2Digital and other booksellers.