Sara Wilkinson
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swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
Sara Wilkinson
@swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
410 followers 360 following 210 posts
Contemporary romance writer, baker, lover of rugby and all things chocolate.
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swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Belong' from 'Love on the Vine'
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Was that such a bad idea? Did Becca truly belong here? The winery, the house, this city for f*’s sake, was Sammy’s world. Not hers. Yes, her mom and father started the winery and bought the house, but it stopped being Linda’s winery, and thus Becca’s, when her father pushed Becca’s barely one-month-old self into the arms of her aunt and uncle. The possibility he regretted that decision months, years, decades later made no difference. The winery thrived without Becca and would continue whether she remained an owner or not.
December 1, 2025 at 5:50 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Hinder' for 'impede'.
Matt grappling with the million dollar question of whether to stay with his GF or wait for his true love.
From 'Stubborn Dreams...'
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Matt rubbed the image from his eyes and spoke through his fingers, “Why is she doing this?” “Because she wants you to be happy and recognizes she’s hindering that.” “But I’m not. Not now.” Matt snatched the letter and waved it like a white flag. “Do you love Leslie, love?” Matt puffed his cheeks at the million-dollar question.
November 26, 2025 at 3:39 PM
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'System'
- From 'Stubborn Dreams...'
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From listening between the answers, Nat gathered Ashley, much like her, played soccer as a coping mechanism after her mom died. But, unlike Nat with her strong support system and cheerleader mom, Ashley’s sister and dad had little faith in her soccer abilities and discouraged her from aiming higher than playing college level soccer for the first two years before focusing solely on a major. “’Study law’, Leslie always says. Do something important.” Ashley’s huffed breath briefly fogged Nat’s passenger side window. Ouch. Devastating enough for Ashley, it also let Nat know where she and her career stood in Leslie’s hierarchy of needs.
November 25, 2025 at 5:19 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Opening' for 'debut'. Nat's 'opening' game going pro.

-From 'Stubborn Dreams...'
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And friends, good friends, close friends, in more ways than one, attended the other’s opening home game. Especially after the fear and stress Nat suffered during training camp. At one point, she questioned what she was doing there. And Matt, ignoring the deep, devilish voice instructing him otherwise, talked her off the ledge. Luckily, her opener fell on a Saturday. “Who’s up for attending Nat’s first game?” Matt asked everyone, his and Nat’s friends, Phyllis, his immediate family, Chelsea too. Two hours later, Matt ordered thirteen tickets, stopping short of ordering special shirts with Nat’s name and picture despite Georgie and Devin’s cajoling. Thanks to Chelsea and Kyra getting their respective men in order.
November 24, 2025 at 4:43 PM
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'Direction' from Love on the Vine
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Ten minutes later they pulled up. Twenty minutes later he followed the directions to the highway and Becca’s condo. Four hours later he arrived hungry and exhausted with waning hope for a warm reception. At least the storm held off. A good sign. Or not given the darkness of her condo and her missing Jeep. He knocked anyway. Glancing through the small window before slumping on the steps. Ready and willing to wait until he remembered Becca mentioning a friend and neighbor. He rose and knocked on the adjoining door.
November 21, 2025 at 5:23 PM
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'Special'-Love on the Vine
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“Anyone special in your life you’d like to share with us?” Ian flashed his signature smile. “Not yet, I’m afraid. Though I’ve considered adopting a puppy. The animal shelters are overflowing, and I hope your viewers will consider adopting a rescue animal this holiday season.” The host’s smile froze, and Ian choked back a laugh. Clearly not the answer she hoped for. Score one for him and the sheltered pets. But, damn, she recovered quickly.
November 20, 2025 at 7:07 PM
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Becca preparing to get the 'third' degree from Ian's BFF.
-Love on the Vine
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“Are you sure this dress is okay?” Becca asked for the third time as she fidgeted in the freshly laundered green wrap dress. “Heidi will love you whether you’re in a potato sack or a full-length evening gown.” Ian kissed the top of her head as he stood behind her in the full-length mirror. “Don’t you dare say trust me.” Ian smiled at her reflection. The full moon indents winked along with his left eye. He dipped his head and whispered the two words anyway. “Trust me. I’ve told her all about you and she’s half in love with you already. As am I.” Ian said against her neck. Even the shiver of those lips couldn’t shake loose the words he spoke so casually. Time enough for pondering them later. Right now, Becca needed to focus on impressing Ian’s best friend. A nearly impossible task since best friends and moms controlled the eject button of any relationship. Becca fully expected Molly to give Ian the third degree regardless of her fangirl tendencies, therefore she expected nothing less from Heidi.
November 19, 2025 at 5:33 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
Alas, as much as I like the word 'retrograde', it doesn't appear in either of my current WIPs so I too used 'reversed'.
-Love on the Vine- #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
Who the f*** was he kidding? If he stood in her shoes, if the roles reversed, would he seek her out? Hell, he forgot his lines the first day of his first movie because he was so star struck by Heidi. Forget that she looked like a goddess, Heidi already had a successful TV show under her belt and the top spot on the call sheet. Could he expect anything less from Becca?
November 18, 2025 at 10:08 PM
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'Spend' from 'Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love'
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Oh, but she enjoyed the green overtaking Leslie’s hazel eyes. Had the new girlfriend not met Matt’s family? Score one for Nat. A shallow victory that meant Matt wanted Nat’s approval first or wanted her help or both. And damn it all if she wouldn’t give it to him. Damn it all if she wouldn’t try being a little nicer regardless of her newly acknowledged feelings. If Leslie made him happy, if he loved her and wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, then Nat must accept that. No matter how long it took. No matter how much it felt like a cleat to the heart.
November 17, 2025 at 3:51 PM
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'Week' from Love on the Vine
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The next week passed in a blur. Her father’s cryptic comment haunted her waking moments as well as her half-asleep ones. If she actually slept, she couldn’t remember when or for how long. Somewhere in the middle they held a funeral. Soon after, they attended the will reading, who knew such things still existed, where Becca learned she now jointly owned her father’s winery and house with Sammy.
November 14, 2025 at 4:54 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
Had to flit back to my other WIP (Love on the Vine) for 'build' today
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Regret held her back. Regret she hadn’t given her father more of a chance until it was too late. Regret she might not learn anything about the woman who breathed her last breath as Becca breathed her first. Or discover more about her father. Or build a relationship with her half-brother and his kids. That fear outweighed saving face with a woman like Charlotte. For now, permanently departing was out of the question. But leaving for an hour or two or three… It would give Charlotte’s anger a chance to cool and Becca an opportunity to eat a late lunch before meeting Sammy for an update on the day’s sales.
November 13, 2025 at 8:51 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
When playing goalkeeper as an apology ends with a bloody nose
'Shirt' -Stubborn Dreams...
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“It’s my fault for putting my face between the ball and the net.” “No, I shouldn’t have kicked it at full force.” Nat slipped out of her long-sleeved shirt and used it to stop any new blood before wiping away the drying blood on his upper lip. “You made me so angry with that jab.” Matt stopped her hand, pushing it and the bloody shirt away before gripping her chin until she met his gaze. “Not a jab. A joke. I thought we were back on an even keel.” Matt hitched his lips into a smile despite the pain it caused. “I’ve missed you, Nat.”
November 12, 2025 at 3:34 PM
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Nat really loves her 'burger's so I'm surprised I didn't have more instances in my WIP Stubborn Dreams... This snip is the exception
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“It’s not our fault your last one-night stand ballooned into him wanting to bring you home to mother after two weeks.” Nat dropped her head against the freezer door and groaned. Her appetite shifted from something healthy to something not. A juicy cheeseburger with onion rings. Crispy, giant, greasy rings like she and her mom always ordered at that old-fashioned place her mom frequented as a teenager. Burger something or something Burger. They hadn’t been in years. Note to self, eat at Burger Whatever during winter break. No. It wouldn’t be winter break for Nat. More like her first taste of scary real life. It put her off burgers and onion rings as quickly as talking about the creepy, wannabe Norman Bates put her off healthy food.
November 11, 2025 at 5:20 PM
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Yesterdays snip showed Nat's dreams, why not show her love interest Matt's today.
'Local' -Stubborn Dreams...
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Even after two weeks of classes, he couldn’t arrive with more than a minute to spare. He blamed his disinterest. The class was a basic graduation requirement that most students completed freshman year, but Matt put off in favor of harder requirements. A strategic plan. Fill his schedule with hard, major requirements upfront for a somewhat lighter load as he focused on med school apps. Unlike others, Matt had known his major since his best friend and neighbor Noah died when they were ten after his cancer relapse went unnoticed by the local pediatrician. A man more concerned with tee times and capitalizing on fitting as many patients into narrow time windows as possible. A fact Matt learned later, but which only increased his already strong desire to study medicine and provide his hometown with another, better pediatrician.
November 10, 2025 at 3:22 PM
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'Picture' - Stubborn Dreams...
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Part of Nat, the part she kept hidden under her mental bed from her mom’s prying eyes, much like a picture of her dad under her childhood bed, wanted to show him what he lost by leaving. That she could now outplay his other children, if he had them, unlike when he originally bought her that first ball. That even though she hadn’t been worthy of his love then, she was now worthy of his attention and a position on a pro team, on the national team. She spent the last three years flourishing on the field, helping her college team make the NCAA tournament in the hopes of doing just that without slacking on her education as evidenced by her near perfect GPA and expected early graduation with a kinesiology and sports nutrition and management degrees.
November 9, 2025 at 4:16 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
Nat is bound for a pro soccer career thinking it will bring her dad back into her life, Matt is bound for med school in honor of his late childhood friend, but after Matt rescues Nat from a sticky situation, deep feelings threaten to disrupt their long pursued dreams.
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Stubborn Dreams and Bottled Love Agents Guide Details: *87,000 Word Dual POV Contemporary Romance * After Matt rescues Nat from a sticky situation a friendship develops that neither sought nor particularly desired. Both are on paths shaped by childhood experiences and are loathe to change course even when their friendship deepens and threatens to turn romantic. Nat has dreams of being a professional soccer player in the hopes it will make her dad proud and entice him back into her life. Matt wants to honor his childhood best friend’s death by practicing as a pediatrician in their hometown. As they advance down their respective, solitary roads, they must decide if success is enough to make them complete if it means being without the other. Tropes Friends-to-Lovers-to Friends-to Lovers Slow Burn Sworn off love Inspired by: "KIds in Love" - Pink feat. First Aid Kit Comps: "People We Meet on Vacation" by Emily Henry "When Harry Met Sally" "Slow Dance" by Rainbow Rowell "Every Summer After" by Carley Fortune EXCERPT: “I’m not ready for this to end.” Nat searched his eyes with eyes full of understanding. Too much understanding. As if she too knew this, whatever this was, had to end. Every time he held her, every time she shuddered in his arms, he wanted more from her. Something Nat couldn’t, wouldn’t give. Not yet. Maybe someday. An improbable idea, not an impossible one. Where’s there’s life, there’s hope. But it dwindled with each passing semester, each passing season. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could or should wait. With his all-encompassing residency starting in a few weeks and with Nat playing in the Olympics later this year on top of her already grinding schedule, such hope died a slow death.
November 7, 2025 at 4:47 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
A longer snip today but it made me smile and who doesn't like a little chuckle on a Friday

'Movement's from Stubborn Dreams...
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“I believe I’ve already thanked you for that. With breakfast no less. But, fine, if this is how you want to play it, I’ll admit, again, that I was more than a little afraid in that situation and wasn’t sure how to escape when you came along. So, thank you, kind sir, for your gallant rescue.” Nat swept her arm in front of her as she dipped into a mock curtsey. “Please accept this…” Nat patted her pockets while still bent over until she pulled out a folded white square. “Bar napkin as a token of my appreciation. What else can thou doest to repay your kindness?” “For starters, you can stop making a scene.” Matt glanced around at the curious looks her exaggerated movements garnered. Torn between laughter and bowing his head in shame. Or both. “Non, kind sir. Tis too much fun watching your face ripen into a bright rouge like an innocent lass.”
November 7, 2025 at 4:26 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
May have already posted this snip but its my only instance of 'trail' in Love on the Vine or my other WIP.
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Ian stayed close, but a breath of space remained between their shoulders unlike earlier. Becca couldn’t decide if the cold hastened his steps or the cameras. Either way, he hurried along with a lowered head and hands clenched in his pockets, slicing through the wind like an icebreaker ship. Becca practically powerwalked to keep up. Three strides, in heels, barely equaled one of his. He stopped every few feet when he realized she trailed behind before hurrying ahead once more.
November 5, 2025 at 3:18 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Steel' from Love on the Vine
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“Where’d you learn to cook so well?” “I should be offended. Again. First my body and now—” “I just figured you’re too busy or have…people,” Becca hurriedly added. “Becca, you can’t offend me that easily. Emphasis on you. Others might not be so lucky.” A hint of steel tinged his voice and melted just as quickly. “I know what you mean. Just like I know you see me as more than…what did you say last night?” Becca’s face burned. The exact words escaped her, but not, unfortunately, the gist. She refrained from calling him god’s gift to women. Just.
November 4, 2025 at 3:05 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Nice'
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“Nice hat,” Heidi said as Ian joined their usual table in the far corner. Great for watching passersby and the weather with a semblance of privacy. “I thought so.” Ian set the fur lined hat beside them on the table with a twinge of guilt. He hadn’t realized he was still wearing it until a particularly strong breeze froze the tip of his nose, but not his ears as he walked back to Liam’s house. “New hat. New bracelet. Who is she?” Ian shrugged nonchalantly. “Haven’t a clue what you mean.” His twitching lips and tensing torso betrayed him.
November 3, 2025 at 3:25 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Cobweb's - Love on the Vine
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By the time she made a path through the stacked boxes, she heard Sammy’s echoing footsteps. “Started without me, I see.” “Merely clearing away dust and cobwebs and making room.” “Lunch break?” Sammy held up a bag from Sally’s café. Becca’s laugh turned into a cough from the disturbed dust. “We barely started.” “And already you need a break. Let the remaining dust resettle as we properly prepare.” Sammy raised a bottle of wine with his other hand.
November 2, 2025 at 7:57 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
Had to switch back to previous WIP (Stubborn Dreams...) for today's word 'monster'

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The food’s arrival calmed the charged atmosphere and the conversation shifted to a shared interest in Blumhouse horror movies. Something Jordan introduced Nat to during long flights. “But I can’t watch them at home or else I won’t sleep.” “Makes sense.” “It does?” Nat set her fork down and stared. Dwayne set his elbows on the table and leaned forward. “You can leave the monsters behind.” “Damn, that’s brilliant.”
October 31, 2025 at 2:17 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
"Spell" -Love on the Vine
Becca being interrogated by her new boyfriends best friend

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But that would defeat the purpose of his departure. Best to get the anticipated interrogation over with sooner rather than later. Disappoint Heidi now before Becca completely fell under Heidi’s spell, thus decreasing the sting of rejection when it came. “You’re nervous. Don’t be. I don’t bite. Much. I just—” “Want to make sure I’m not using your friend. That I’m not some succubus out to drain his lifeforce.”
October 30, 2025 at 2:59 PM
swilkinsonwrites.bsky.social
'Screamed' for 'blood-curdling' and the fearful vibe of not knowing what to do when someone falls through ice covering a pond.
-Love on the Vine
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Becca rose onto her knees and crawled toward the water’s edge. Forgetting the pain in her wrist and shoulder. She placed her palms on the ice, ready to crawl toward him when it shifted under her weight. “Shit. Ian,” Becca screamed. “Ian, hold on.” She flopped onto her belly and slithered onto the ice. Another crack stopped her a few inches in.
October 27, 2025 at 3:07 PM
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'Hat' -Love on the Vine
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The man’s laugh boomeranged around the little hut. Apparently, he saw through Becca’s bullshit better than she dished it. “I liked the hat,” he said. “It’s one of the reasons I wandered over. Besides the obvious.” His eyes held Becca’s before glancing down. “Right,” Becca croaked with face and hands warming at her stupidity. Mind out of gutter, Becca. Why would a guy, this guy, come over for anything other than wine? Even if he liked the overly large, silly, warm furry hat.
October 26, 2025 at 7:00 PM