It's June!

Hi gang!

Are ya all tuckered out from 2 months of A to Z? I am! LOL.

It's June. So...now what?

Well, during all the A to Z alphabet-ness, Keystone Alliance Gaylife Newsletter had their annual Readers' Choice Awards. For the third time since 2012, Vick and I were named LGBT Couple of the Year. That was very exciting, and humbling.

I figure that if we won that (and now have won that a few times), I must know what I'm writing about. Maybe my stories of love without boundaries have some merit after all! ;)

Maybe you should find out for yourself, and then you could let me know for certain. ;)

Happy reading!!!

All of my titles

As a new year is about to dawn, let's review all of my books, so you know what you have to look forward to reading in 2016.

Listed in Alphabetical Order:

Amnesie

What happens to love when life changes? Two women in love, one debilitating change...
http://www.amazon.com/Amnesie-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B007NJQZZA/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8



First Christmas

A heartwarming holiday short story - Corrine and Darryl haven't spent much time together, with Darryl away in the military. Now, Darryl is coming home. Corrine has changed... grown... become a woman he barely knows... a woman who amazes him at every turn. He's coming home to their first home for their first Christmas... together, at last.
http://www.amazon.com/First-Christmas-Holiday-Short-Story-ebook/dp/B00PPOZD2G/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8



Imperfect/Impeccable

                                                                                

Carol Mathers: born a sickly child, in a home fraught with undercurrents that threaten to sweep away any chance she might have for a normal life. Now in her mid-thirties, she's a highly sought-after IT guru in St. Louis. She has built a great life for herself with her partner, Alexandria, even though the two face prejudice as lesbians, and as an interracial couple -fighting tragedy and sometimes, finding triumph. During her tumultuous life, Carol discovers that she has acquired AIDS as a result of a childhood transfusion from the dark period of time before AIDS was widely known... or understood, not even by the medical profession. Now, the two women face even more obstacles, prejudice, and a strange, new life as AIDS patients. Carol learns just how much her chaotic past has affected her, and how she can never really escape it, even as she tries to move on with her life. An unexpected event creates even more pain and tragedy in Carol's life, and causes her to wonder about the meaning of and purpose of her own life... or if there is any purpose at all... 

(Impeccable) Carol - abandoned - waiting...for what, she couldn't know. She couldn't see that there was more life waiting for her. Carol is forced to face the demons of her past as well as begin to face life without Alex. Struggling to make sense of it all, Carol experiences her new life and all of the highs and lows that come with that life.

http://www.amazon.com/Imperfect-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B00KXHUN84/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
http://www.amazon.com/Impeccable-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B00KXNR1LA/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8



Loving Her:

The Ballerina

A southern, redheaded, pickup driving lesbian ballerina? You bet! Meet Liz: a southern belle with flair. Vivacious, eclectic and graceful, she is unique to say the least. The first in the series of Loving Her stories, Liz’s story is the kind that stays with you long after you’ve closed the book.
http://www.amazon.com/Ballerina-Loving-Her-Book-ebook/dp/B00EP01SP2/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8


The Cop

Donna White is one tough cop. Behind the badge, though, is a very sweet, sad, sensitive soul. Truly a woman alone, Donna is simply trying to navigate her way through life. Who is Donna? She is dedicated, determined, distinctive and deep. Donna’s rich and touching story is second in the Loving Her series.
http://www.amazon.com/Cop-Loving-Her-Book-ebook/dp/B00FW3VWF2/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

The Mechanic

Linda - her name means beautiful... After facing rejection from her parents because she is a lesbian, Linda didn’t feel beautiful... she felt lost and alone.
As a skilled mechanic, Linda built her business... Her love life was a different matter. Until Katie...
http://www.amazon.com/Mechanic-Loving-Her-Book-ebook/dp/B00GMPBKS8/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8


The Model

She's exotic. She's beautiful. She's talented. She's unique. She's Stephania. A young successful model who started from nothing, she has experienced all the ups and downs of life. Never one to be kept down, she persists through life's trials and reaches for the fairytale ending she has always hoped for. Stephania's emotional journey is the fourth story in the Loving Her series.
http://www.amazon.com/Model-Loving-Her-Book-ebook/dp/B00GVLL3NA/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8


The Peace Officer

Brynn Racanelli is a daughter, a sister, a friend, a partner, a police officer, and so much more. Devoted to serving others through her police work, and to helping her sister who battles chronic Lyme Disease, she is the the poster child of selflessness. But she does have wants, needs, hopes, and dreams. After the sad ending of a long term relationship, she wonders if she will ever be able to get what she wants. Will fate finally bring her the life and love she’s always dreamed of?
http://www.amazon.com/Peace-Officer-Loving-Her-Book-ebook/dp/B00ICQWXCW/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8


The Shelter Director

Shy, quiet, humble – Jen is the kind of person that would give you the shirt off her back and then ask you what else you need. She may not be a movie star, but she’ll treat you like one. She works diligently to help save cats. She sacrifices her life and stability to accommodate her partner. She gives until it hurts, and her reward is a devastating diagnosis. What will her life become?
http://www.amazon.com/Shelter-Director-Loving-Her-Book-ebook/dp/B00JCI6CXA/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8


The Vet Student

One night changed everything for Katie. From that moment on, her life was propelled forward like a rocket. Determined to escape the small town and her religious, stifling parents, Katie works hard to get into veterinary school... in Philadelphia.

Katie refused to let anything – or anyone – destroy her dream. Not even her own parents. Even in the face of danger, Katie held true to herself and her beliefs. She suffered many losses along the way, but she gained so much more. Tumultuous and tender, Katie’s story closes the Loving Her series... for now.
http://www.amazon.com/Vet-Student-Loving-Her-Book-ebook/dp/B00L5WJXCS/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8


The Writer

Everyone has that one friend; the mother of the group. Maria is that one friend; nurturing, wise, and with a spicy streak, Maria is the matriarch of the clan. An emotionally challenging family relationship that threatens to interfere with the love she'd given up ever finding again...with Stephania. Cerebral, emotional, and even sometimes comical, Maria’s story is the seventh in the Loving Her series.
http://www.amazon.com/Writer-Loving-Her-Book-ebook/dp/B00K6ZEAAU/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8



Pianissimo

Darryl and Corinne Richards purchase their first house. With Darryl’s army career coming to a close, they feel ready to settle down in Louisville, Kentucky. With impeccable timing, Darryl is sent on one final tour, leaving Corinne to live in this new house and new city alone. Overwhelmed, Corinne becomes reclusive, living a quiet, boring life with her cats as she adjusts to her new surroundings. The problem is: someone or some thing does not want her life to be either quiet or boring. And then there’s the creepy piano in the basement… There is more to that creepy, dilapidated piano and her new home than Corinne could ever imagine. Through highs and lows, twists and turns, she begins to understand that even the most softly played music is powerful – and that even soft realizations and quietly subtle changes can have a profound effect.
http://www.amazon.com/Pianissimo-Lauren-Shiro/dp/0692310819/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8



Trajectory

Joe Davis has spent the last four years of his life behind a turrent scope as a sniper for the Detroit PD's SWAT Team. A fateful call sends Joe and his team deep into the Detroit ghetto; and reminds him that there is more to life than what's on the other end of his gun.

Albeit short, this story is chock full of details and insights
into the life of a police SWAT officer.
http://www.amazon.com/Trajectory-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B004VS2GP4/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8



Unbreakable Hostage

Lareina Oliveira; she wants to share her passion for math. So it is back to school for Lareina… a tough Ph.D. program. A classmate is captivated by Lareina’s beauty and intelligence, and despite her repeated refusals to his attentions, he kidnaps her! Only her determination and wits can save her…
http://www.amazon.com/Unbreakable-Hostage-Lauren-Shiro/dp/0615902456/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Happy reading and happy new year!

Imperfect and Impeccable for the holidays

I cannot believe it's December 17th!

It's crazy to think we're at the end of 2015 already, isn't it?! Time goes by WAY too quickly!

Since the holidays are officially upon us, I thought it might be a good idea to look at my books as gifts for the readers on your list...or even yourself! ;)

This week, we'll look at my powerhouse duo: Imperfect and Impeccable.

These two books tell the life story of a woman named Carol Mathers. We meet Carol on her twenty first birthday, when she's in college. We watch her grow, and blossom. We learn about her past, and walk with her through the present and future.

These books tell not only her story, but the story of her relationships. The severed relationship she has with her mother. The close relationship she shared with her father before he died suddenly and tragically. The relationship she forges with her partner, Alex. Her relationships with all of Alex's family members. We see everyone's humanness, and how that affects their relationships with each other.

Imperfect is Carol's perception of herself. Impeccable is her as her own final masterpiece.

Through ups and downs, thick and thin, we are with Carol every step of the way. It's like being with your best friend on a daily basis.

Imperfect and Impeccable are a set of powerful, life-changing books for readers looking for a story to touch their heart and change their mind.

Get your copies here

5 Stars

"I read this book from beginning to end in one sitting. It the sequel to 'Imperfect.' This book had many turns and surprises. I watched the characters grown and lived each page. I kept hoping for a positive ending for Carol in the book. I received a surprise ending that gave the book an added sense that life was moving on. I highly recommend the first book 'Imperfect,' and the book 'Impeccable,' by L E. Harvey. All books are autobiographical because you are present in your the words you write. Thank you Lauren for a very compelling and sad story that showed that life can go on in other ways and down new roads. I recommend both 'Imperfect and Impeccable.'" 

- L. Boritz

The Hardest Thing I've Ever Written

As I reflect back on these last few months, delving deeply into the souls of my characters, I am exhausted.

Though it may sound odd, these Character of the Week posts are arguably the hardest thing I have ever written.

I know these people inside and out, and yet there was more to them than even I knew. I had to unearth old pain, old stories. I had to make sense of their neuroses. I had to give you more. I had to give them more.

The process was lengthy. Describing the soul of someone is no easy task. I also had to learn more about each and every one of them. There was a lot of time, thought, and energy that went into each of these characters, and each of these posts.

There were times I was shocked. There were times I was scared. There were times I was sad. These back stories often took unusual and unexpected twists and turns. I learned so much more about them.

I'll admit that there were times I felt incredibly vulnerable writing these. I experienced their pain, shame, and vulnerability. It was a very deep and emotional process.

Now that it's all said and done, I hope that you not only know and better understand my characters, but that you now have a greater connection to them and their stories. I hope you have come to love them the way I do. I hope their personalities and quirks make more sense to you. I hope you appreciate them for all that they are.
                                                 


I thank you for joining me in this journey. I hope that you enjoyed the opportunity to better know and understand my characters. I hope that this was as great an experience for you as it was for me.

Thank you again, and happy reading!

Character Review

Now that you have been inundated with all of my characters, here's a quick review with buy links for their stories.

                                                                           Amnesie                                                                                             

http://www.amazon.com/Amnesie-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B007NJQZZA/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1428251463&sr=8-16&keywords=lauren+shiro

Elfie

Maryanne

Imperfect/Impeccable

http://www.amazon.com/Imperfect-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B00KXHUN84/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1428251463&sr=8-4&keywords=lauren+shiro

http://www.amazon.com/Impeccable-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B00KXNR1LA/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1428251463&sr=8-6&keywords=lauren+shiro

Alex

Byron

Candace

Carol

Loving Her Series

The Ballerina

http://www.amazon.com/Ballerina-Loving-Her-Book-ebook/dp/B00EP01SP2/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1428251463&sr=8-7&keywords=lauren+shiro

Liz

The Cop

http://www.amazon.com/Cop-Loving-Her-Book-ebook/dp/B00FW3VWF2/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1428251463&sr=8-13&keywords=lauren+shiro

Donna

The Mechanic

http://www.amazon.com/Mechanic-Loving-Her-Book-ebook/dp/B00GMPBKS8/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1428251463&sr=8-9&keywords=lauren+shiro

Linda

 

The Model

http://www.amazon.com/Model-Loving-Her-Book-ebook/dp/B00GVLL3NA/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1428251463&sr=8-12&keywords=lauren+shiro

Stephania

The Peace Officer

http://www.amazon.com/Peace-Officer-Loving-Her-Book-ebook/dp/B00ICQWXCW/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1428251463&sr=8-14&keywords=lauren+shiro

Brynn

The Shelter Director

http://www.amazon.com/Shelter-Director-Loving-Her-Book-ebook/dp/B00JCI6CXA/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1428251463&sr=8-11&keywords=lauren+shiro

Jen

The Vet Student

http://www.amazon.com/Vet-Student-Loving-Her-Book-ebook/dp/B00L5WJXCS/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Katie

The Writer

http://www.amazon.com/Writer-Loving-Her-Book-ebook/dp/B00K6ZEAAU/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Maria

Pianissimo

http://www.amazon.com/Pianissimo-Lauren-Shiro/dp/0692310819/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Agnes

Corinne

Margaret

Trajectory

http://www.amazon.com/Trajectory-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B004VS2GP4/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Claudette

Joe

Unbreakable Hostage

http://www.amazon.com/Unbreakable-Hostage-Lauren-Shiro/dp/0615902456/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Lareina

Marc

Tony

Thanks for taking the time to get to know them all. Happy reading!