Conditional Love follows a woman suffering guilt and regret from the trauma and poor choices she made raising her children, who tries to stop them from repeating her mistakes. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

The spark for Conditional Love came from a chat with my husband about what we’d do if we won the lottery. When I half-jokingly said I’d put “conditions” on giving money to one of my siblings, it kicked off a deep, juicy conversation that became the heart of the story. I started thinking about a bold, flawed mom who’s desperate to fix her family’s messy lives. It’s all about that universal question: If you had the power to push someone you love toward a better path, would you have the guts to do it? And what kind of blow-back might happen if you did? That idea fueled Conditional Love’s mix of family drama, tough love, and sardonic humor.

What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?

The human condition is a treasure trove for fiction because it’s so gloriously messy. I’m fascinated by how people often choose paths that hold them back instead of ones that could lead to a fuller, richer life—like sticking with damaging habits or relationships that no longer serve them. In Conditional Love, I explore how past experiences shape the choices we make, often without us realizing it, and how those decisions ripple through families. It’s compelling because it’s so relatable. Everyone has that one choice they wish they could go back and change. Great fiction comes from digging into those choices and struggles, showing how characters wrestle with their flaws, and finding humor and hope in the chaos.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

In Conditional Love, I wanted to explore how a family can face a traumatic event together yet process it in their own unique ways, often unaware of its lasting impact on their behaviors. Another key theme is the constant tug-of-war of motherhood, with its doubts, regrets, and love that linger long after kids grow up, and a mother’s relentless drive to ensure her children are ok, no matter how old they get. These themes of awareness, healing, family dynamics, and love make Conditional Love a heartfelt, relatable journey for readers who’ve navigated their own family ups and downs.

What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?

I’m deep into writing Highly Leveraged, a women’s fiction romance that follows L.A. Wyatt, a fierce movie producer, as she navigates loss, empowerment, and an unexpected romance with Cole Grayson, a Clooney-esque Hollywood star. It’s a story of balancing love, motherhood, and ambition against the cutthroat world of Hollywood. It’s packed with high stakes, sharp wit, and plenty of swoon. I’m aiming to have it in your hands by late 2025. Fans can join my Inner Circle at LAarbuckle.com for exclusive sneak peeks, updates, and maybe a few behind-the-scenes tidbits about L.A. and Cole’s journey. Until then, grab Conditional Love for a wild, emotional ride!

Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website