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!!!

Valentine WeWriWa: Maria and Stephania

It's Saturday night, which can mean only one thing: WeWriWa! This month, to celebrate the Valentine's Day and love, we will be reading excerpts from my group of interwoven short stories, the Loving Her series. Each weekend, we will get a sneak peek into the love and lives of the four couples. So, without further ado, let's WeWriWa!

Click www.wewriwa.com for more information and to see other 8 Sentence Sunday posts.

This post is part of an ongoing blog hop hosted by Weekend Writing Warriors. Every Sunday, participating authors post eight to ten sentences from a published work or even a WIP (work in progress). Then we hop to our fellow warriors’ blogs and check out all the fabulous fiction that’s happening! It's a great way to meet readers, writers, and your next favorite book!  :)

Background on the excerpt: It's Maria and Stephania's first weekend away together as a couple. Maria is confused - struggling between the love of her deceased partner, and her new love with Steph.
Stephania has just come out of the bathroom of the hotel room wearing a beautiful nightgown. Maria is overcome, to say the least. Snippet in 10 sentences.

Maria’s jaw dropped and she lost her grip on the book. The air rushed out of her lungs.
Words – thoughts – escaped her. She was overwhelmed with emotion, and yet could not
understand what it was she was feeling. She was intrigued, she was afraid. She was exhilarated,
she was paralyzed. Her vision was blurred…from tears.
“Come here,” Stephania softly beckoned her.
Maria’s body felt heavier than lead. She could hardly breathe let alone move.

Loving Her Valentines: Maria and Stephania

Happy February, gang!

For this month, what I am doing is going to be discussing romances from the Loving Her series on my usual Thursday posts, and then treating you to a romantic excerpt from the story.

Who doesn't love love?

This week's couple is Maria and Stephania!

This is a rather unusual pair. If not for Stephania's persistence, they never would have gotten together.

They met at Linda's Super Bowl party, as Steph was friends with Linda, and Maria knew Liz and Jen, who invited her along with them.

Stephania was immediately taken with Maria. She was a writer. She was older. She was calm, serene, and wise. She was everything Stephania wasn't, and everything she needed. During the party Stephania hounded Maria. In order to gain some peace, Maria finally acquiesced, and they set up their first date.

Maria felt that she would just be playing along. She went out on the date because she had given Steph her word, but she didn't see anything coming of it. After a brief monologue by Stephania at the beginning of the first date, Maria's mind had changed. There was more to this young woman than she had given her credit for. Thus, the relationship blossomed.

There was one problem, though. Maria's first wife: Addy. Addy had passed away some years before, but Maria hadn't really moved on. She was still very much in love with her. As her relationship with Stephania developed, Maria found herself very confused. She loved Addy, but she was also falling in love with Stephania. Maria struggled greatly in finding a balance between her past and her present. Interestingly enough, Steph embraces Maria's past, and that all becomes a part of their present life.

Not everyone was happy for Maria's new found love. Her sister, Marisol, brought her the bad news that her family did not approve of their relationship. Maria was told that until she and Steph broke up and Maria was no longer gay, she needed to stay away from the family. That was until Maria's mother passed away.

While out in California spending time with her family during her mother's services, it comes to light that the only family member who had a problem with Stephania was Marisol. A heated confrontation arose, and Maria was welcomed back into the family, along with Steph.

Despite their age difference and personality differences, Maria and Stephania really make a wonderful pair. They loved and supported each other both through good times and bad. They remind us that love knows no boundaries with age, personality, background, etc. Love truly is blind, an that is a wonderful thing.

Valentine WeWriWa: Donna and Brynn

It's Saturday night, which can mean only one thing: WeWriWa! This month, to celebrate the Valentine's Day and love, we will be reading excerpts from my group of interwoven short stories, the Loving Her series. Each weekend, we will get a sneak peek into the love and lives of the four couples. So, without further ado, let's WeWriWa!

Click www.wewriwa.com for more information and to see other 8 Sentence Sunday posts.

This post is part of an ongoing blog hop hosted by Weekend Writing Warriors. Every Sunday, participating authors post eight to ten sentences from a published work or even a WIP (work in progress). Then we hop to our fellow warriors’ blogs and check out all the fabulous fiction that’s happening! It's a great way to meet readers, writers, and your next favorite book!  :)

Background on the excerpt: Donna and Brynn met earlier, arresting a perpetrator together. Things had pretty much been wrapped up, so Donna begins to leave Brynn's precinct, when Brynn races to catch up with her. The dialogue starts with Brynn speaking first. This snippet has been edited to fit 10 sentences.

“I was just wondering if you were doing anything tonight.”
“Tonight? Oh, well one of my friends is premiering as the prima ballerina at the PA Ballet, but maybe…”
“Can I join you?”
“If you want, sure.” She paused; she didn’t expect this. She wanted Brynn to come, but she hadn’t planned on making a date of it; she wracked her brain for ideas. “The show starts at eight; can I pick up you up at…six?”
“Sounds like a date!”
Donna left the precinct with a huge smile on her face.

Loving Her Valentines: Donna and Brynn

Happy February, gang!

For this month, what I am doing is going to be discussing romances from the Loving Her series on my usual Thursday posts, and then treating you to a romantic excerpt from the story.

Who doesn't love love?

This week's couple is Donna and Brynn!

Donna and Brynn are very much the unlikely couple. If not for John, Donna's partner, getting shot by a man in Brynn's jurisdiction, the two may never have connected (though John and his wife wanted to set them up early on).

John was Donna's partner. John and his wife, and Brynn's family were very close. So when John was shot during a sting, both women were deeply affected...and thus brought together.

Because of the nature and severity of the situation with John, Brynn and Donna's relationship started out strictly as a working one. Two cops working on the same case; however, they were both closely tied to John, so the emotions ran deeply. They remained focused and professional. They both had one goal - the same goal - in mind: to catch John's shooter.

The culprit remains somewhat elusive, making both women work diligently. Neither of them understands the word 'quit.' Instead, they investigate and push. Unknowingly, the other's dedication is what keeps each other going.

Throughout all of this, Brynn continues to balance being her sister's care-giver, and her family with this work. While Donna continues to be the knight in shining armor for all of her friends, rescuing, helping, guiding, and caring for them as the family she never had.

Finally, Brynn catches a break. They get the name and address of the drug dealer who shot John. It's go time.

Donna meets up with Brynn and joins her the day they raid the dealer's house. Donna tries not to be distracted by Brynn. Brynn realizes she had seen Donna once before, passing down the streets of Philly; she thought she was hot then - she still held that belief. 

They put attraction aside, though, so that they could get their man. And they did just that.

Brynn wasted no time, however, in pursuing Donna. She asked her out that afternoon; when she found out that Donna was going to Liz's premier with the PA Ballet, Brynn asked if she could go. It was a date with destiny.

What unfolds is a real relation, real love. With Brynn reminding Donna that life isn't perfect, that fairy tales don't exist, but true love and devotion do. Donna reciprocates by giving Brynn something that she would love more than a diamond ring: a horse! 

Proof that love comes in all forms, and in the end love and the connection between two people in love is undeniable.

Happy reading!

Valentine WeWriWa: Linda and Katie

It's Saturday night, which can mean only one thing: WeWriWa! This month, to celebrate the Valentine's Day and love, we will be reading excerpts from my group of interwoven short stories, the Loving Her series. Each weekend, we will get a sneak peek into the love and lives of the four couples. So, without further ado, let's WeWriWa!

Click www.wewriwa.com for more information and to see other 8 Sentence Sunday posts.

This post is part of an ongoing blog hop hosted by Weekend Writing Warriors. Every Sunday, participating authors post eight to ten sentences from a published work or even a WIP (work in progress). Then we hop to our fellow warriors’ blogs and check out all the fabulous fiction that’s happening! It's a great way to meet readers, writers, and your next favorite book!  :)

Background on the excerpt: Linda and Katie are on their first date. They are both flying high with excitement, and riddled with anxiety. This excerpt has been edited to fit 10 sentences.

Katie could not believe that Linda was finally sitting across the table from her; it took every ounce of will power to not break out into giddy excitement.  Her chest was tight and she could feel her heart beating, but this she also felt as though she was flying; this was the greatest feeling in the world.

The waitress came over with their fajitas.

Linda looked down at her plate;  she began shaking her head.

“What?”

Linda chortled,  “This is not good first date food.”

“What do you mean?”  Katie asked, as she did, she looked up and saw a clump of lettuce and sour cream fall out the back of Linda’s fajita;  Katie laughed.

Linda said as she crunched down, “See?!”

            “Well, I don’t mind;  I think you still look sexy,”  Katie winked. 

Loving Her Valenties: Linda and Katie

Happy February, gang!

For this month, what I am doing is going to be discussing romances from the Loving Her series on my usual Thursday posts, and then treating you to a romantic excerpt from the story.

Who doesn't love love?

This week's couple is Linda and Katie!

Linda and Katie were absolutely destined for each other. They met at the pizza parlor where Katie worked one busy Friday night, and there was an immediate spark.

Linda hadn't dated in a while; not since her last relationship went horrifically sour.

Katie was a vet student, focused on her studies, not relationships. Linda, though, was irresistible.

Even on their first date, as nervous as they both were, there was an undeniable connection. Their relationship blossomed beautifully, except for one issue: Katie's parents.

Katie's father was a fanatical pastor. He could hardly stomach the fact that his daughter was in college studying for a career, let alone gay. Katie was very cautious in dealing with her parents. When she moved in with Linda, she fabricated a story about a housing mistake made by the college and that Linda was the sister of a friend. Her parents were leery at best.

                                      

Linda and Katie faced their greatest  obstacle when summer came. Katie had to return home to Iowa, and could not maintain any real correspondence with Linda. Linda, however, sent her letters daily. Unfortunately, the last one came after Katie returned to Philadelphia.

That mistake nearly caused Linda and Katie their lives. Katie's parents hunted them down and brutally attacked them both.

Love is stronger than hate, though. Linda and Katie persevered. They survived their attacks, and their love only got stronger. Leading them to the greatest day of their lives: their wedding day.

Love does conquer all!

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!