Themes: spies, foreign terrorists, government corruption, undercover intelligence agencies, national security, women loving women, sapphic relationships, love,reconciliation, getting back together after a breakup
The blurb from the publisher…
Intelligence analyst Lexie Martin is important. At least that’s what she’s been told by the director of Halcyon Division, the secret organization she works for. Problem is—Lexie doesn’t feel important. She feels…devastated. Struggling to equilibrate after the unexpected implosion of her personal life, and reeling from her failed assignment overseas, Lexie’s barely treading water.
When Halcyon tells Lexie she’s the only person on Earth who can figure out the password to an important file, she realizes the new task is exactly what she needs. And after reconnecting with her girlfriend, Sophia, Lexie thinks she’s finally back on track. But as she tries to unlock Halcyon’s file, Lexie realizes things aren’t what they seem. And when secrets and betrayals are finally exposed, she’s stunned to realize who the enemy really is.
Loyaltyis the exhilarating third installment of E. J. Noyes’s best-selling Halcyon Division Series.
My thoughts…
The allure of a romantic thriller series lies in its ability to seamlessly blend heart-pounding, thrilling suspense with a captivating love story. E. J. Noyes has easily proven she knows how to do this; her Halcyon Division Series has shown itself to be a solid-gold winner. Books one and two were met with high praise, leaving readers wanting more each time. Book three, Loyalty, with its well-mapped, intricate storyline and heart-stopping, high-stakes action, looks destined to be a home-run hit too.
Noyes is a master storyteller. She understands that the core of a successful romantic thriller must encompass a gripping and charged plot, one filled with surprising twists and turns. While every book in the Halcyon Division Series offers readers suspense and thrills, Loyalty is unexpected and top-shelf in every way. It never lets off the accelerator. As readers eagerly turn the pages to uncover clues and insights, they are led to some very surprising and jaw-dropping revelations. With her talent shining brightly on every page, Noyes gives her readers some A+ dramatic and tense moments, all leading to the ultimate climax. This is Tom Clancy-James Bond stuff and should not be missed.
This series is all about complex relationships. Noyes’ exploration of these relationships is layered, dynamic, and sometimes unsettling, but it adds an overall depth that’s beyond compelling. This, combined with the romance between Lexie and Sophia, provides the storytelling with a sense of danger, creating a real emotional rollercoaster for readers. Furthermore, the dynamics between all of Noyes’ characters are multifaceted, making the narrative ripe for character growth. As readers follow their journey—especially Lexie and Sophia’s—they develop a sense of attachment and connection to them. And because Noyes’ character arcs are so well-developed, readers cannot help but become emotionally invested. They root for their success, even amidst the challenge and chaos.
Even though this story is fast-paced, it’s well-balanced. That’s essential for any romantic thriller. Noyes understands this and offers readers a mix of fast-paced action with slower, more intimate moments. It works to achieve two things: 1) It gives readers a moment to digest everything that is happening in the story, and 2) It helps to deepen the romance between Lexie and Sophia. However, these slower scenes never disrupt the story’s underlying tension. Noyes is careful to craft the pacing in such a way that it ensures reader engagement. She strikes the right balance between heart-pumping action and steamy romance, tightly hooking readers into a vibrant story world.
Final remarks…
Loyalty, the latest installment in the Halcyon Division Series, is just another shining example of Noyes’ storytelling prowess. Her exhilarating narrative simply solidifies her place as a master writer and queen of sapphic romantic thrillers. However, to fully appreciate Loyalty, one must read the whole series; there is no way around it. Each book contributes to the overall narrative arc and works to build Loyalty’s climactic moment. With its intricate, surprising plot twists and well-developed, complex characters, this book is guaranteed to blow readers’ minds. They will eagerly devour each page as the rollercoaster ride of danger and romance culminates in a big finish.
E. J. Noyes is an Australian transplanted to New Zealand which may be one of the best things that’s happened to her. She lives with her wife and the best cat in the world.
She started writing because she was bored and had “ideas” and thought writing might free up some brain space. It didn’t. Now she’s addicted and spends much of her free time bashing out words while more new words jostle for attention.
In her scant free time, E. J. scream-swears at computer games, tries to sleep past dawn, coos at her cat and works the fact she’s a best-selling and award-winning author into conversation.
E. J. loves to procrastinate, so feel free to get in contact so she can read that instead of doing work. Here’s her links:
Prima ballet dancer Lillian Jackson is all about control—on stage and in bed. Which is precisely why she keeps her hook-ups to one night, and one night only. No strings. No phone numbers. No scones in the morning. There’s no room for mistakes, especially now that her dance company’s survival depends entirely on winning a million-dollar cash prize in one of America’s biggest reality competitions. That is, until one night with a certain curvy, blue-haired siren changes everything . . .
As burlesque dancer “Blue Lenox,” Izzy Wells is the queen of on-stage seduction. Almost no one knows that she’s close to losing everything—her theater, her home, and her troupe—unless she wins this competition. Now she’s going toe-to-toe with a gorgeous ballerina in front of the world. The chemistry between them is hot, but even more distracting are the feelings they’re starting to develop. There’s no way Lillian can fit Izzy into her life, and Izzy knows better than to fall for someone who can’t put her first. But if they can make it through the show with their hearts and dreams intact, they just might win the biggest prize of all.
My thoughts…
Second Night Stand is a captivating novel written by best-selling author Karelia Stetz-Waters and her spouse, Fay. Though Karelia individually has nine novels to her name, she maintains that many of the best ideas came from Fay. Since Fay has been a big part of Karelia’s brainstorming for years, co-authoring a book seemed inevitable. In fact, it was something they had been talking about for quite some time. However, it was paramount to them that their story included things that are important in strong relationships, like healthy communication, especially during sex. They believe it’s sexy to see this kind of communication in sapphic fiction. I agree; I’m glad they made sure to weave it into Second Night Stand’s narrative. It’s what makes it so much fun to read.
Though this is their first collaboration, it doesn’t feel that way at all. I’m sure much of that stems from their familiarity with one another. Together, they have a fresh and unique writing style, one that’s filled with wit and wisdom. Scenes include a charming sense of humor and keen insight. This enables readers to gain a relevant perspective on the complexities of Blue and Lillian’s relationship. In addition to that, their script flows nicely and allows for emotions to play out organically. This provides the narrative with believability, making the storytelling relatable and reliable.
What stands out most about Karelia and Fay’s style, however, is their vivid and immersive descriptions. Their word smithing makes the story world appear three dimensional. Events and places, especially those that involve the reality show competition, are not only interesting but exciting. As Blue and Lillian navigate the talent show, the Stetz-Waters duo knows just how to use imagery to increase the tension and keep readers invested. Readers can not help but cheer for these two women, making the ride to HEA a roller coaster of fun.
This is a character driven story, and Karelia and Fay do their work here, too. These are strong, independent women, but Karelia and Fay give them relatable flaws and vulnerabilities. These are likable, appealing women that readers enjoy getting to know. However, the writers are cognizant of the fundamentals of character development; they make sure to provide measurable depth and growth while constructing the arcs of these women. Blue and Lillian’s complex portrayal comes off as genuine and authentic, allowing readers to form a connection with them. It doesn’t hurt that their chemistry is off the charts either. Theirs is an unexpected love filled with possibility and passion. Quite simply, their romance resonates, making the journey wholeheartedly worthwhile.
Final remarks…
Second Night Stand gives readers much to appreciate. The storytelling is layered and nuanced, making for a reflective, yet compelling reading journey. The smooth pacing ensures balance between the slower, introspective moments and the faster, exciting scenes. The well-written dialogue is infused with humor. It facilitates a certain degree of levity, making the heavier, emotional moments lighter yet impactive. The characters are well-designed and multi-dimensional; they more than carry their weight. Readers witness their struggles, conflicts, and triumphs, creating a depth and complexity to the storytelling that sticks. This is an excellent first book for the Stetz-Waters team. I look forward to their next collaboration.
Ambassadors of real-life happily-ever-after, Fay and Karelia Stetz-Waters have been together for twenty-three years. They live in Albany, Oregon with their pug-mix Willa Cather and a garden full of dragonflies and hummingbirds. Their writing process involves many afternoons spent at local coffee shops and brewpubs outlining scenes, going over drafts, and high fiving each other. The process works beautifully. Second-Night Stand is their first novel together but definitely not their last.
Themes: falling in love, discovering love, sapphic relationships, women loving women, friendships, family, parenting, fame, living in the spotlight, chaperones for rich and famous
The blurb from the publisher…
Tessa Connor loves everything about love, even though she’s not sure what love actually is. When she’s let go by the family of the children she’s chaperoned for years, and her girlfriend of eighteen months dumps her, Tessa’s tenuous definition of love takes a hit.
Then a phone call changes everything. Would Tessa like to work for an international celebrity in Melbourne? The only answer is “Yes, of course.”
Jayde Ferguson is not a fan of love. According to Jayde, the definition of love is heartbreak. She’d rather have a string of one-night stands and concentrate on her job as a journalist writng articles for local Melbourne papers.
When Jayde is given the opportunity to profile an international celebrity for Culture magazine, she is thrilled. Then appalled. An in-depth interview about the meaning of love? How does someone write about a topic that is impossible to define?
After a mixup at the celebrity’s front gate, Tessa and Jayde discover that they will be spending months working in the same household. So, what happens when two people, who don’t have a clue about love, accidentally discover its true meaning?
One chaperone, one journalist, one precocious teenager, one wedding, one celebrity profile, and maybe all the answers to…Love Is…?
A story that completes the Coming Home universe.
My thoughts…
K.J. Wright’s new romance is an engaging and thought-provoking narrative, one that delves into the complex and multifaceted nature of love. This is a unique read, as it almost appears as a docu-romance. Wright uses a wide array of characters’ experiences and insights as a foundation to explore the various dimensions and implications of love, ultimately creating a roadmap for the main characters’ HEA. The novel’s intricate plot is original and fresh; readers will no doubt find it immersive as well as thought-provoking.
One of the key strengths of Love is…? lies in Wright’s ability to capture the nuances and intricacies of different types of love. Using descriptive imagery, she delves into the fine textures of human emotions with grace. Through poignant stories and reflective narratives, Wright paints a vivid portrait of the joys, struggles, and transformations that love can bring into one’s life. This well-used technique enables her to script relevant and relatable human connections, creating a romance that lingers in the mind days after the last sentence has been read.
The hallmark of Wright’s storytelling prowess is her evocative writing style; it’s completely captivating. Her prose is both poised and lyrical; she draws readers in with the profound as well as the relatable. Though this romance is ultimately meant to entertain, it cannot help but challenge as well. Well-formed dialogue pushes readers to reflect on their own experiences and beliefs about love. This profound exploration of love, vulnerability, and forgiveness is beyond the norm of what readers have come to expect in the conventional romance story, making Love is…? a compelling commentary on the human condition.
Final remarks…
K.J. Wright’s Love is…? emerges as a captivating and thought-provoking novel that not only entertains but also provokes introspection and meaningful conversations about love. By blending engaging narratives with profound insights, Wright’s Tessa, Jayde, Abby, Sam, Grace, and Oliver speak to the depths of the human experience, reminding readers that love is a force that binds us together in profound and meaningful ways.
K.J. Wrights lives in Bendigo, Australia with her wife, their son, three cats and a dog. Her books are best-sellers, with all either finalists or winners in the Goldie Awards, IHeartSapphic, eLit Awards and LesFic Bard awards. K.J. writes stories because her imagination takes the wheel. Permanently anxious and fond of her cats, K.J. has been told that she’s contagiously happy and rather funny. That last one is debatable. For more information, check out KJ’slinkson linktr.ee.
Themes: falling in love, women loving women, friendships, family, parenting, motherhood, exes, divorce, acting, lawyers, self-discovery, self-identity, and personal growth, sapphic relationships
Tropes: celebrity romance, forbidden romance
The blurb from the publisher…
Olivia Sachdeva’s life is flawless. With a first from Oxford and as the youngest partner at Bentley lawyers, she expects high standards from everyone. Her only indulgences are eating iced desserts and repeat watching romcoms, especially those featuring Kate Laurence – pure escapism and cinematic perfection.
But, when the actor walks into Olivia’s office with a bag full of divorce and a messy personal life, that perfect bubble bursts. Kate seems nothing like the screen goddesses she plays, and Olivia must put aside her comfort viewing and handle the case like the true professional she is.
It requires secrecy, especially with indiscreet friends. Will best-friend Charlotte ever read the room? And will Millie, who instantly reads the room, ever stop commenting loudly?
And Kate? She doesn’t know what to think about this frosty lawyer. But she needs a quick divorce from a mistake of a marriage, which was over before it started, and Olivia Sachdeva is the best.
But little by little, Olivia and Kate glimpse behind the mask, to find someone they weren’t looking for, who may not even be perfect, but might be the right person for them.
Read as a stand-alone romance or book two of the Oxford Romance series.
My thoughts…
Clare Ashton’s Tempting Olivia is the second book in her Oxford Romance series. It is a captivating tale that artfully intertwines the intricacies of love, family, friendships, and careers against the stunning backdrop of Oxford, England—an enchanting “character” in and of itself. Its charming blend of wit and wisdom is heartfelt and romantic, making it the perfect comfort read.
The story revolves around Olivia Sachdeva, a character who seemingly has it all—from her academic and scholarly achievements to her fast track to becoming the youngest partner at Bentley, a prestigious law practice. Her world is quite ordered and structured, just the way she likes it. However, it’s not without its quirks; she escapes from reality with indulgences in coconut ice cream and movies by multi-Oscar-winning actress Kate Laurence, Olivia’s crush since high school. All marches along neatly until the actress herself walks into Olivia’s office requesting Olivia’s legal representation in a complex and messy divorce case. Olivia is thrown for a loop and her carefully constructed world immediately begins to unravel, leaving her in a hot and flustered muddle.
Though Olivia hovers at the center, the relationship between Olivia and Kate is the heart of this novel. Their connection is beautifully depicted; Ashton takes her time with it, growing their relationship slowly and delicately. Crafted with heartfelt tenderness and grace, it expresses a truth about relationships that feels genuine. As Olivia and Kate navigate the complexities of their feelings for one another, they grow and change in wonderful ways, underscoring Ashton’s ability to craft solid characters. She scripts them with gentle humor and believable sincerity, giving readers individuals they care about. It’s one of the many reasons readers turn to her time and time again when they want a well-told sapphic romance.
Though different on many fronts, both Olivia and Kate are multidimensional and memorable characters. Ashton manages to highlight their many layers, demonstrating why they are the perfect counterparts for one another. Their dynamic is constructed with the perfect combination of wit and heat. Ashton presents this compelling mix subtly, yet with an intensity that’s quite engrossing. However, it’s the novel’s portrayal of Olivia that is most striking. Ashton nails her neurodiversity by providing readers with a relevant and reliable perspective, one that includes insight into her thoughts and actions. This gives the storytelling a measurable depth. Most significantly though, it opens up readers’ lenses and makes things resonate beautifully.
Final remarks…
Tempting Olivia is a beautifully written romance that delves into the lives of two distinct women whose paths unexpectedly cross. Ashton’s nuanced writing, well-developed characters, and evocative setting mix perfectly to create a journey of discovery, acceptance, and love. Her writing style is eloquent, warm, and flows freely across the page. Her masterful use of language effortlessly transports readers into a vivid and immersive story world. Additionally, her stylistic choices not only enhance the reading experience but provide readers with a deeper understanding of the characters. All of this underlines what fans already know about her: She is a master wordsmith. Readers will not be disappointed with Tempting Olivia.
Clare Ashton is an award-winning author of sapphic romances and mysteries with German translations of her work published by Ylva Publishing and Verlag Krug und Schadenberg.
Clare grew up in Mid-Wales, one of her favourite settings for novels, with sunny romance Poppy Jenkins and fiery family drama The Goodmans set on the Welsh-English borders. The darker mystery The Tell Tale is also set in the Welsh hills.
Setting is like another character in her novels, and her new romance series is based in the beautiful city of Oxford where she adored living for more than a decade. Book 1 kicks the series off with a friends-to-lovers romance between straight, charismatic, exuberant Millie and lovely, nerdy, lesbian Charlotte.
Her books have won several awards. After Mrs Hamilton, Finding Jessica Lambert and The Tell Tale are Golden Crown Literary Society (Goldie) award winners. That Certain Something and Finding Jessica Lambert were Lambda finalists. And her most popular novel, Poppy Jenkins, won the Rainbow Award for Best Lesbian Contemporary Romance.
Clare now lives in the Midlands, slowly working her way back towards Wales, with her wife and son and daughter who are a lovely distraction from writing.
Want to know more about Clare? Check out herlinker.ee profile.
An offbeat lesbian romantic comedy starring penguins, plotting, and payback.
Muffin maker Olivia Roberts has had it with her awful exes taking advantage of her good nature. The theft of her nana’s beloved stuffed penguin is the absolute last straw.
She puts up an ad at her local crime bookstore for a henchperson to help her enact a little mild revenge. To her astonishment, Margaret Blackwood, the mysterious, icy, and annoyingly opinionated bookstore owner, applies.
For two clever, capable women, they turn out to be woeful at vengeance. But much to their dismay, they discover they’re pretty good at falling in love!
My thoughts…
This book is an absolute delight! It’s a bit unexpected too; Winter doesn’t usually write rom-coms, so this is a real treat. Sure, her narratives are always injected with her razor-sharp wit, but Vengeance Planning for Amateurs gets a little slap-stick and zany at points. This, coupled with Winter’s tone and tenor, tells me she had quite a bit of fun writingit.
The main characters are fantastically well developed. Readers delight in their personalities, especially the way they play off from each other. Though Olivia Roberts and Margaret Blackwood are opposites in nearly every way, they seem to have a chemistry that jumps off the page. Olivia is all sunshine and positive attitude, trying to send joy out in the world wherever she goes. Margaret is much like her last name suggests —black wood. She always appears dark and broody. At first, the two can barely tolerate one another, and it’s amusing to watch. However, as time passes, they discover there’s more to the other than meets the eye. When that happens, the walls begin to come down, and an unavoidable attraction begins to unfurl between them….
The secondary characters are real workhorses in this fun tale. They are the comedic spice that every good rom-com needs to be effective and entertaining. To say they pop on the page is an understatement. These colorful and dynamic individuals light up the story with their presence. Each time they enter a scene, readers know things are going to get a bit more interesting. Their uniqueness not only provides support for the plot, but it supplies a special brand of humor, pushing up the entertainment value several notches. The story would definitely feel less without them.
Final remarks…
Winter’s other books might have hinted that she’d be capable of a rollickingly good rom-com, but to actually see it is a thing of beauty. Olivia and Margaret are likable, dynamic characters, and readers cannot help but fall for them as they fall for each other. Their opposites attract/age-gap romance is a good time any way you slice it—or bake it, as the case may be. Anyone looking for a well-written, chuckle-filled read needs to pick Vengeance Planning for Amateurs up.
Lee Winter is an award-winning veteran newspaper journalist who has lived in almost every Australian state, covering courts, crime, news, features and humour writing. She is now a full-time author and part-time editor.
Since becoming a full-time writer, Lee’s accumulated an impressive array of awards:
2015 Lambda Literary Award finalist and Golden Crown Literary Society Award winner (The Red Files)
2016 Lambda Literary Award finalist (Requiem for Immortals)
2017 Golden Crown Literary Society Award-Mystery/Thriller (Requiem for Immortals)
2017 bronze winner for mainstream Independent Publisher Book Awards for E-book Mystery/Thriller (Requiem Immortals)
2018 Golden Crown Literary Society Award for sci-fi/fantasy (Shattered)
2021 Golden Crown Literary Society Award-Romantic Blend (Hotel Queens)
Currently Lee lives in Australia with her long-time girlfriend, where she spends much time ruminating on her garden, US politics, and shiny, new gadgets.
Want to know more about Lee? Check her out on her social media.
Themes : the art scene, New York City, artists, friendship, motherhood, children, abusive relationships, family, found family, love, women loving women, sapphic relationships, lgbtq relationships, bisexuality, Financial gap/Class disparity, Blue Collar families
Tropes : student-teacher romances, friends to lovers
The blurb from the publisher…
Leighton Vaughn’s prestigious fine art atelier—and her life—appear to be settling down after a messy divorce. She prioritizes her daughter, art, and, teaching—that is until gifted Casey Norford joins the close-knit New York academy.
Casey didn’t receive the artistic education she expected from her degree, but a spot at Atelier Vaughn will remedy that. Even more than the opportunity to study with the famed Leighton Vaughn, Casey wants to give her son a stable childhood that won’t resemble her own. She’s not sure of the true extent of her artistic talent, but she’s keenly aware of her attraction to her instructor, and that attraction appears mutual.
Their sticky teacher-student relationship puts the future of the atelier in jeopardy, and Leighton’s obsessive ex tracks her down. Will they sacrifice everything to be together?
My thoughts…
All Things Beautiful by Alaina Erdell is a mesmerizing novel that effortlessly combines romance and art, providing readers with a unique and impressionable tale. The book’s smartly-crafted prose and well-developed characters lend themselves to an enjoyable and captivating read, one that hooks readers from beginning to end.
The novel centers around two likable main characters. Their chemistry is strong, and readers are invested in their romance immediately. The engaging narrative follows Leighton Vaughn, a renowned artist and teacher, and Casey Norford, a talented artist and mother, as they navigate the complexities of their love amidst a complicated teacher-student relationship. Erdell’s intricate portrayal of their teacher-student relationship adds complexity and depth to the romance, immersing readers into the lives of these two women. Leighton and Casey’s struggles are emotionally involved, delving into personal aspirations and family responsibilities, making the storytelling not only relatable but engrossing.
This immersive tale offers a compelling perspective on the complicated interplay between desire and sacrifice. This, of course, is the foundation for the love these women share. Leighton and Casey’s journey to HEA traverses pain and hardship, but it ultimately leads them to a deeper understanding of themselves and the human experience. Erdell does a nice job showcasing this within her narrative; readers experience the resilience and transformative power of love, along with the true beauty that can be found within it.
Erdell’s ability to create romantic tension while capturing the inherent beauty of art is as fascinating as it is seductive. Her well-crafted descriptions of the painting process, along with all its nuances, capture the essence of art and make it come alive for the reader. However, one does not need to be an art enthusiast to appreciate the story world Erdell has created. Through a gentle introduction of technique and terminology, readers are afforded a window into the world of art. Her ability to do this is commendable. Still, those familiar with her work should not be surprised. Her debut book, Fire, Water, and Rock, achieved much of the same, making a story’s subtext inviting and accessible for all to explore.
Final remarks…
Filled with the complexities of life, the beauty of art, and the joy of finding true love, this heartwarming love story is an absorbing and enjoyable read. Leighton and Casey’s journey, though encumbered with setbacks and hardship, ultimately leads them to a deeper understanding of character, commitment, love, and family. Sapphic readers will no doubt be enchanted by this lovely, immersive tale.
Strengths…
Solidly written
Well-developed characters
Engaging romance
Intriguing story world
Compelling secondary characters
A peek inside…
“Look at that.” Casey’s voice came out a degree above a whisper. She couldn’t have torn her gaze from the canvas if the building were on fire. “It’s magnificent.”
She inched closer and stared at the captivating nude lying half on her side, half on her stomach, her breasts pressed into the bed. Sunlight streamed in from an unseen window, illuminating her curves and the folds of the sheet.
Casey’s breath quickened, and a strong temptation to reach out and run her hand along the woman’s body, to explore each hill and valley, almost overcame her.
The painting drew her to it with a magnetism she’d never experienced from a work of art. She wanted to feel the thickness of the sheets between her fingers and touch the draped creases of the fabric. The material looked smooth like percale and translucent where the sunlight hit it. Despite the warm invitation of the painted room, the tableau portrayed a solemn mood, as if she’d intruded on a private moment. Her heart pounded.
Beside her, Mark leaned in. “God, that’s beautiful.” He gestured to the placard. “It’s Leighton’s.”
“Leighton’s.” Casey’s tone sounded reverent, even to her. Tears stung her eyes, and she tried to blink them away.
Mark turned in a circle, scanning the room. “Oh, I just realized. Our instructors painted all the art in this gallery. The pieces on this wall are Leighton’s, and those over there are Stefan’s.” When she didn’t answer, he studied her. “You’re pale. Are you all right? You should’ve eaten more for breakfast.”
She continued to stare at the painting.
“You’re not going all Stendhal on me, are you?”
More people entered the room as he poked fun at her. His quip broke her trance. She laughed and took a step back. “Of course not. I don’t believe in that sort of thing. I just like it.”
Mark exhaled a low, even breath. “I’d give my non-brush hand to paint like that.” He glanced at his phone. “I wonder how much longer we have. I’m going to find a bathroom.” He headed toward the front.
A ding sounded. Someone else arriving? No, it wasn’t the buzzer at the front door. But neither the thought nor the noise distracted her from admiring the stunning image in front of her some more.
She leaned closer to view the brushwork. At this distance, her nose inches away, she often found herself in trouble in museums by either setting off alarms or receiving verbal warnings from the gallery attendants. However, she couldn’t become the artist she yearned to be if she couldn’t examine the brush strokes. The accent light mounted on the ceiling highlighted the exquisite, intricate details of the work, but when Casey tilted her head for an even better look, instead of finding the individual strands of the woman’s hair depicted, as she’d expected, masses of tone comprised it. What appeared as blocks of light and dark up close became lustrous waves when Casey stepped back.
And when she did, she smacked into someone.
“Oh! I’m so sorry.” She tried to regain her balance, and the firm hands on her shoulders helped. “I didn’t know anyone was behind me.”
Those same hands, strong and steadying, turned her.
Casey stood face-to-face with Leighton Vaughn. If the painting had captivated her, the woman who’d painted it put her awe into perspective.
When she’d imagined this day, she’d envisioned Leighton in artist’s garb, like paint-splattered coveralls and a bandana, but she wore an impeccable gray skirt and matching jacket, crisp white shirt, and knee-high black boots that hugged her calves. Her glossy, light brown hair brushed her shoulders. More than all that, though, she had a regal presence with her straight back and confident air.
One single thought occupied Casey’s mind. Damn. Leighton’s Wikipedia photos hadn’t affected her like this. Nor had her reputation or the acceptance letter to Atelier Vaughn she’d received. Or even the full-ride scholarship. What was this?
Leighton’s intense brown eyes enthralled her the most. Like a shot of espresso, they possessed a richness and depth. Casey had a sense she knew her, although she was certain they hadn’t met before. She’d have remembered. They stared at one another a beat before Leighton squeezed Casey’s shoulders, then released her.
“Steady now?”
Casey’s mouth went dry. “I am, thanks. And sorry, I didn’t know you were there.”
“You mentioned that.” A gleam of amusement flashed in Leighton’s eyes.
What a lousy first impression. Maybe if Casey didn’t mention her name, Leighton might forget who almost bowled her over. But what could she say? “Did I hurt you?” It was the only thing that came to her.
Leighton executed a graceful wave down the length of her torso as though advertising a Murano glass vase on the Home Shopping Network. “Do I appear injured, Casey?”
So much for going incognito.
“No. You look great.” Oh, no. Had her voice lowered? Had her eyes lingered anywhere too long? Heat climbed up her neck and face, all the way to the tips of her ears. “I mean—” She cleared her throat. “No, you don’t look injured.” She swallowed and motioned like Leighton had done, but her movement looked clumsy, like she had a broken wrist. “You look…normal.” She wanted to bolt outside and throw herself into traffic. It’d be less painful than this conversation.
“Normal?” Leighton arched her eyebrow. “No one’s ever given me a compliment quite like that before.”
Casey winced. Kill me now. She rubbed her eyes. “Can I start again?” She indicated the painting. “This did something to me, so I blame you. From the moment I saw it, I’ve been a bumbling, babbling mess.”
“You blame me?” Leighton appeared to be holding back a smile.
The tiny lines near the corners of her mouth that Casey hadn’t noticed before now captured her attention. Staring. She was staring. She spun around, fixating on the painting. Its allure bewitched her again. “This is one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen in my entire life.”
Leighton remained silent until Casey faced her again. Then she smiled.
“Now that’s a compliment,” she said, her voice low and melodic. She squeezed Casey’s elbow. “Come. It’s time.”
At Leighton’s touch, Casey warmed all over. She inhaled, then exhaled, and didn’t choke. No stumbling or tripping, either. Whatever effect Leighton’s painting had on her seemed to have passed, and she relaxed. Maybe she’d survive her first day after all.
Apart from her stunning looks, what impressed Casey most about Leighton was the magnetic effect she had on everyone. By the time she’d called for the other students to join her in front of the elevator, they’d already drawn close, like tourists viewing The Starry Night over at MOMA.
“I’m Leighton. Welcome to Atelier Vaughn.” She did a head count. “This is a small compartment, so we’ll do this in two groups.” She held the doors open. “Second-year students, your codes and key cards are the same as last year. You’ll go first.”
Mark and Casey waited as the others filed by.
Erica tousled Mark’s hair as she passed him.
He leaned away from her touch, his cheeks reddening. “Hey. I didn’t see you come in.”
Her brown hair was a shade darker than his, but her legs were just as long, bringing her almost to his height. Where his shaggy bangs almost obscured his vision, she kept hers stylishly short.
Someone bumped into Casey. “Hey.” It was Devin.
She hadn’t seen him in months. He wore his blond hair longer now, and it looked like he’d started working out. She caught a whiff of his favorite cologne, one she’d never cared for. “Devin.” She tried to hide her annoyance in her quiet reply, but from the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of Leighton watching them, which made her uneasy.
Erica inserted a card into a slot, and the doors slid shut.
As soon as the elevator began its ascent, Leighton pressed the button on the wall to summon it again. She faced them as they waited.
Not wanting her to think she was with Devin somehow, Casey stepped away from him to stand closer to Mark. She’d stood between them many times, but now it seemed strange.
Devin and Mark had been friends their freshman year. They played on the same intramural basketball team and had a handful of art classes together. It’d been a convenient friendship, born of proximity more than anything, and it’d fizzled when Casey and Devin’s romantic relationship had come to its disappointing end. While they all remained civil, Casey and Mark no longer interacted with Devin in social settings, even though Mark still saw him at work. Devin had gotten him a job at his family’s framing store.
Through Mark, Erica had become friends with Devin and had helped him get into Atelier Vaughn, too. Kismet? Maybe he’d remember to return Casey’s precious copy of The Art of Still Life.
Casey didn’t know the fourth student in their class, a young woman with curly hair and glasses.
“So, my first years.” Leighton crossed her arms and assessed them.
Everyone gave her their attention. Heat rushed to Casey’s cheeks when Leighton’s gaze lingered on her. Self-conscious, she shrugged out of her backpack for something to do, just in case the elevator’s small compartment required it for five of them to squeeze inside when it returned.
Mark did the same.
Casey expected some formal introductions to follow, but the lack thereof hung heavy in the air. It appeared Leighton’s confidence extended into silences. No one said anything until the elevator dinged its arrival, and they filed inside.
Casey entered last and jumped at the brush of Leighton’s hand across her lower back. Her flinch had to have been apparent, but when she turned, Leighton faced the panel of buttons like nothing had happened. Maybe she’d guided her to make sure everyone fit. If only the heat in Casey’s cheeks would cool before the crowded compartment came to a stop and she had to face everyone again. Her awareness of the warmth of Leighton’s body and the millimeters separating them consumed her attention.
Then the faint scent of a sweet perfume, light yet heady, drifted over her, caressing her senses. Before she could stop herself, she closed her eyes and breathed it in. It might not even have been Leighton’s—it could’ve been wafting off the woman with curly hair—but in that moment, if for Casey only, it was Leighton’s. She allowed herself to enjoy it as she faced forward until the doors opened and freed her from the claustrophobic confines and the scent that tempted her to think things she shouldn’t.
What greeted her when she exited the elevator made her heart beat faster. If she could fall in love at first sight with a room, she had. With its gleaming maple underfoot and perfect lighting, the grand floor plan extended before her. She glanced up at the high ceilings, the exposed ductwork, and the complex grid of lights hanging above the array of easels in the airy space and grinned, knowing this was where she’d spend most of her time over the next few years.
As Leighton rounded to address the group, she smiled at Casey as if she could read her thoughts. “Now that everyone’s together, let’s do some introductions. Come.” She strode away, the heels of her boots tapping against the floor.
She walked past a small kitchenette toward a cluster of older but comfortable-looking sofas and chairs that formed a ring around a large coffee table strewn with art books and magazines. Shelving filled with more of the same occupied the wall between two windows behind the furniture grouping, creating a tiny library.
A man who’d been sitting at the kitchen table eating a doughnut joined them. He was a couple inches shorter than Leighton, and definitely didn’t have her fashion sense. His baggy jeans and threadbare T-shirt looked straight from his hamper.
“Make yourselves at home.” Leighton leaned her hip against the end of a sofa, half-sitting and half-standing as she waited for everyone to settle.
Casey sank into a gray sofa, and Mark sat next to her with the curly-haired woman on her other side. A few people lowered themselves cross-legged onto the area rug with their backs resting against the plush furniture.
After Casey’s bizarre reactions to Leighton downstairs and in the elevator, being sandwiched between Mark and the woman beside her gave her some solace. But Leighton surveyed the group until she found her, and a fresh wave of uneasiness washed over her. What was going on? Casey studied her fingernails and attempted to brush off the unnerving feeling as jitters.
“I assume you all know who I am.” Leighton flashed a smile that held a hint of amusement. “So, I’d like to introduce you to your other instructor.” She extended her hand toward the man still munching on his doughnut. “This is Stefan Jovic. He graduated from Rhode Island School of Design, and he’s taught at various colleges and universities for more time than he’d like to admit. He’ll be sharing teaching duties with me. If I’m not in your class with you, Stefan will be. Be aware, you can bribe him with sweets.”
He nodded and stuffed the last bite in his mouth in agreement.
“To his right,” Leighton pointed, “is Erica Fitzgerald, our new teaching assistant.”
Casey could tell Erica was uncomfortable beneath the bright smile she gave everyone, but even Erica’s discomfort couldn’t dampen her elation at earning the position. She’d been talking about it for months.
“Erica completed her first year at the atelier and will help run the classes this year while she also continues her own studies. I don’t recommend trying her protein bites if she offers. They’re terrible.”
Erica chuckled and gave a little wave. “Hi, everyone. They’re healthy, not terrible. Leighton’s not a fan of flaxseed.”
“Flax is fine if it’s involved in making linen or linseed oil, but I draw the line at having it in my food.”
To Casey’s delight, Leighton looked haughtier than anyone had a right.
“We’re thrilled to have her assisting us, and I think you’ll learn a lot from her, even if she’s related to you.” Leighton winked at Mark.
The football player Casey hadn’t known lived inside her wanted to leap in front of him, body sprawled out, to intercept it. She wanted to clutch it to her chest and claim it as hers. For reasons she didn’t comprehend, she wished Leighton had winked at her. The realization bothered her, almost as much as her other reactions to Leighton did.
Her pulse pounded in her ears. First-day nerves, seeing Devin again, and her uneasiness since meeting Leighton caused her insides to surge. She tried to calm herself with a few deep breaths.
“Let’s start with you.” Leighton looked at the young man sitting on the floor beside Erica. “Please introduce yourself and tell us something about you unrelated to art.”
He wore a Rage Against the Machine hoodie that looked new and a Yankees hat that looked like it might have witnessed Babe Ruth call his shot. He gave her a crooked grin. “You always make me go first. For those who don’t know me, my name is Jaiden Delgado, and I’m the fourth of five kids and the only male.”
Great. Casey increased her focus on her breathing as her apprehension rose. What was she going to share? Something else to freak out about.
“Thank you, Jaiden. I can’t imagine what having four sisters is like. I often wondered last year if that’s why you spent so many hours in the studio.” Leighton laughed softly and looked to the guy sitting beside him. She raised her eyebrows in evident expectation.
In contrast to Casey, Leighton appeared calm and self-assured. With a hand on the back of the sofa to support herself, she’d crossed one booted leg over the other and ran her fingers through her wavy hair. Meanwhile, Casey’s anxiety bloomed. She’d never had a panic attack. Was this what it felt like? But what was she panicking over?
“Phoenix Murray,” the guy said.
His gentle voice seemed incongruous with his large, athletic body.
“My pronouns are he/him or they/them.”
Casey didn’t catch all he said.
“…played lacrosse at St. John’s.”
“Remind me. What position did you play?” Leighton looked to the ceiling as if trying to recall.
“Attacker.” When Leighton furrowed her brow, he explained. “I like to score.”
Jaiden snickered and flashed the room his perfect grin. Phoenix’s jab to Jaiden’s leg told them more about Phoenix than his lacrosse tidbit ever could.
Leighton failed to hold back her smile as she looked at Devin. “And you?”
“My name’s Devin Glasco. My family owns a framing business, and three generations of us work there.”
Casey already knew this. And didn’t a framing business have to do with art? Beyond a nostalgic moment of missing his grandfather’s homemade hot chocolate, dry humor, and cigar scent, Devin’s voice swept past as she battled her nerves.
“That’s wonderful, Devin. I’m sure you can enlighten us when it comes time to frame our works.” Leighton turned toward the woman with curly hair sitting beside Casey. “And you?”
Casey watched her lips move but missed what she said. Her smile appeared sincere and innocent, though.
“How long have you volunteered there, Jenna?”
“About three years.”
Casey tried to focus on the conversation while remembering to breathe. She’d missed whatever had started as a volunteer requirement for Jenna.
“Good for you, Jenna. And you?” Leighton directed the question to the brunette sitting on the floor in front of her, but her glance landed on Casey for a second or two.
Why did she keep doing that? Casey shifted nervously.
“I’m Mikala Ng. I’m a weekend warrior, National Guard, that is.” Her pride was as clear as her well-developed biceps in her gray camouflage T-shirt.
“If she needs them, Mikala will have extended deadlines following the weekend each month she trains, but her service is important.” Leighton gave Mikala a nod before turning toward Mark.
She grinned at him. “Now that you’re here, I’m hoping you’ll regale us with embarrassing stories or photos from Erica’s childhood.”
Mark chuckled. “Hey, I’m Mark. Erica’s my cousin if you hadn’t picked up on that. Uh, what can I tell you about me?” He scratched his head. “I enjoy playing NBA 2K23, if anyone’s into that.”
Jaiden held out his fist for a bump. “Oh, yeah.”
It was time, the moment Casey had been dreading.
Leighton turned to her and smiled. “I wanted to introduce you last.” She addressed the others but gestured in Casey’s direction. “I’d like to congratulate the recipient of the Shipton Endowment for the Arts Scholarship, Casey Norford.” She clapped, and everyone else joined in.
In an instant, Casey’s anxiety disappeared. Her hands no longer trembled, and she could breathe. Leighton’s smile and congratulations left her more euphoric than when she’d received the scholarship months ago.
The applause dwindled, and Leighton nodded at her.
“Thank you. Hi, I’m Casey.”
“Well, Casey. Tell us something about yourself.”
Casey had never liked her plain name, but she did when Leighton said it. The way she drew out the syllables in such a languid way made it sound beautiful. That didn’t help Casey in her quest for something interesting to say, though.
She didn’t have siblings or play video games. Where she’d earned her degree was boring. Besides, her education had fallen short of her expectations, so why draw attention to it? She didn’t have hobbies outside of art. Her life held no time for that. And, Leighton had asked for something non art-related. That eliminated her job at the art supply store.
So, with everyone’s focus on her, including Leighton’s, she chose. After all, the decision had been the most important she’d ever made. She included nothing about it in her application because she didn’t want it to influence her acceptance or rejection. It wasn’t something she could hide for long, though, nor would she want to. She chose the one thing that guided her every step. She inhaled and looked at Leighton.
“I have a two-year-old son. His name is Andy...”
“[Well,] you’re welcome to bring Andy when you do your volunteer hours in the gallery. I don’t want you to be away from him any more than necessary….He’ll have a ball in the enormous space and, I’m sure, charm potential customers.”
Then Casey received a wink [and]she thought she might burst. “Thank you. He’d like that. I’d like that.”
“Good.” Leighton seemed pleased. She moved on to [the next student].
Alaina Erdell lives in Ohio with her partner and their three crazy but adorable cats. She has a degree in psychology from Gonzaga University. Prior to writing, she worked as a chef. When she’s not focused on writing lesbian fiction, she enjoys painting, cooking for friends and family, experimenting with molecular gastronomy, reading, kayaking, snorkeling, traveling, and spoiling her beloved nephews.
Want to learn more about Alaina Erdell? Check out her website and social media.
Themes: gun violence, women loving women, sapphic relationships, school shootings, Maine life, mature women, community, friendship, mental health, community support, aging, trauma, surviving trauma
The blurb from the publisher…
A school shooting is a nightmare that happens in other towns until it comes to yours.
A small town in Maine wakes up thinking it’s just another winter day, but a tragedy has been set in motion by dark secrets from the past and an unfortunate series of recent events. The horror that every town fears is about to come to Hobbs.
Dr. Liz Stolz is preparing to teach a gun safety class. Police Chief Brenda Harrison is heading to present her new conceal carry requirements to town manager, Olivia Enright. The principal of Hobbs Elementary, Courtney Barnes, and the new teacher, Susan Gedney, aren’t looking forward to an afterschool meeting about active shooter drills. On the other side of town, Sam McKinnon is finishing work on the school bathroom. Each woman will unwillingly play a critical role in the drama that is about to unfold. Hobbs will never be the same again.
My thoughts…
I have to put this out there on the front end of this review: If you are triggered by gun violence or childhood sexual abuse, this may not be the book for you. That being said, Extended Capacity is probably the best book of the Hobbs series. Graf handles these emotionally charged subjects with deliberate and dedicated care. She masterfully avoids embedding the narrative with gratuitously graphic details, instead relying on her skills as a true storyteller to pen this gripping tale. Make no mistake; this is an an intense, affecting story. Her bravery for putting it to paper should be commended. Then again, Graf has never been one to take the easy road when it comes to storytelling. She’s the consummate raconteur and her readers always benefit from her bold choices.
I can only speculate, but this might’ve been a bit cathartic for her to write. In December of 2012, Graf was working in her home office when a friend texted her: “Go to CNN. Your town is about to hit national news.” What she tuned into was the Sandy Hook massacre. Living only four miles away, she felt the devastation acutely. These weren’t strangers; she knew some of these families. Eleven years later, she still feels the raw emotions of this horrific event. For her, Extended Capacity was a way to show how school shootings impact not just the victims and their families, but the entire community.
Because Graf knows how devastating a mass shooting is to a tight-knit community, she brings a level of delicate realism to the storytelling that’s often hard to achieve in these types of storylines. Though many of the incidents described in the book are thinly disguised versions of what actually happened that horrible day, this is still an original work of fiction and she does a commendable job of maintaining a balanced sensitivity to the subject matter. Yes, the storytelling is vivid and believable, but never once does Graf sensationalize things. She uses what she’s already built in this series to drive the plot, namely the characters. They tell this story, and they do it beautifully. They are the reason readers care about Extended Capacity and why it works.
There were a couple of things that struck me while reading this book. First and foremost, Graf writes with authority and conviction. It’s obvious she researches the heck out of something before she incorporates it into the narrative. This is timely, relevant stuff. Building scenes via paper-thin research and guesswork falls flat every time and Graf knows it. She doesn’t bluff her way through this heavy-handed, hot subject matter. She does the work and creates relatable, reliable story worlds and characters. It drives reader engagement, making the narrative hard to turn away from.
Secondly, she masterfully uses character development as a tool for readers to gain perspective and insight. Doors to understanding and compassion are opened up with her carefully planned character arcs; readers connect with the story. Furthermore, this smart utilization of character development helps readers experience the story on a deeper level, making it feel more personal. Ultimately, these choices make the storytelling more meaningful and memorable, two words one can definitely use to describe Extended Capacity.
Lastly, she excels at writing stories with large ensembles, and it’s a thing of beauty. She knows how to insert the right character at the right time to advance the story. She does this wisely, picking her moments for characters to enter scenes. What they say and what they do pushes the narrative in positive ways, making it compelling as well as entertaining. Overall, it gives the narrative a depth and dimension that’s hard to find in a series that contains double-digit character numbers.
Final remarks…
Extended Capacity is an intense, gripping read and well worth the investment. It’s a well formulated and well constructed piece of fiction—maybe even one of Graf’s best. Either way, it’s certainly one of her finest in the series. The Hobb’s characters have come to mean so much to so many, and because they have, this story will stir things in its readers. Make no mistake; this is a story they won’t soon forget.
Elena Graf is an award-winning novelist that’s been scribbling stories since high school. She was born in Brooklyn but raised in one of New York City’s northern suburbs. She thought she wanted to be a doctor, but in college she got hooked on philosophy. After graduate school, she landed in the “accidental profession” of publishing and worked for academic and trade houses for over forty years.
She lives with her wife in Coastal Maine—where her hometown is very much like Hobbs. When she’s not writing or walking on the beach, she can be found building custom furniture and listening to opera very loud in her workshop.
Follow the links below to learn more about Elena Graf and her stories.
Women Using Words 