What makes a story romantic? Do you like a good bodice ripper with a dashing woman sweeping a damsel off her feet? Or maybe you prefer just a simple tale of destiny that leads to intimacy and commitment. Those things certainly fit my definition, but the most romantic tale to me is the one where love conquers all. Aftershock is such a tale.

Here's a news flash: Romance fans revel in reading about sweet, enduring love. They beg for more at the end of a story, for sequels and series that let them see the happy lovers in their new life together. The second book in the Shaken Series finds Anna & Lily settled in their new home, relishing the wonderful love they have found with each other. But all of that is about to change.

So I ask you: Is it still romance when lovers begin to struggle? I believe it is, and that it is, in fact, the ultimate test of love. I've heard some readers say they don't enjoy stories with angst, that real life deals enough sorrow their way, and they look toward fiction to escape. I know many of you will find it difficult to read about the challenges that threaten to tear Anna & Lily apart, but I encourage you to follow them on their journey.

Indeed, Aftershock lives up to its name. Rest assured it is a story of triumph, of love without limits. Please visit the Book page for more information and Chapter 1. 

There's a wonderful newspaper targeting the LGBT community in New England called The Rainbow Times, and they've launched a companion version online, presently in beta. Secrets So Deep is reviewed in the June 2008 issue by fellow Bella author Terri Breneman.

I'm also debuting an ad (just below the review), which may appear in other publications. Many thanks to Karen C. for her creative juices.  

Check back soon for new information on Aftershock. I hope to have Chapter 1 up by Sunday, along with Behind the Book. For those of you who already know the story of Book Two in the Shaken Series, I think you're going to be quite surprised at how I characterize this revision.

I returned today from my vacation to find a jury summons. There are a couple of ironies here. One is that I moved my legal residence from Miami to NC in May of 2007 just in time to escape the jury summons that arrived there a month later. The other is that my partner kept her legal residence in FL, and has to return to Miami because she has jury duty there the same week I have it here. They *always* choose me, but this is civil court instead of the usual criminal trial, so I'll have a chance to learn some new things. Good book fodder. 

I'd like to give a shout out to all the nice folks I met in Tennessee over the past couple of weeks. One of the great things about playing golf at a busy public course is that I have the chance to meet lots of interesting people, many of whom find their way here to check out my books. I appreciate their interest, and while I know lesbian fiction isn't everyone's cup of tea, it's very nice to get their well wishes for success.

So I'm back at work on Small Packages, the third in the Shaken Series, awaiting edits for Worth Every Step. I'll be kicking off the promo for Aftershock soon, so watch for this front page to get a facelift.