Eleven years ago, I stood at the front of a sultry New York lounge called Madame X and gave my very first reading at Lady Jane’s Salon, founded by Hope Tarr. It was equal parts thrilling and terrifying, and I carried the memory with me ever since.

This weekend, I had the joy of returning to Lady Jane’s — this time in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, at the delightful Cat’s Meow. Two wonderful authors read before me: Misty Simon, with her cozy romantic mysteries, and Chantal Mer, with her witty and heartfelt contemporary M/M romance. Their talent filled the room, and I confess, I wondered how my short reading would measure up.

When it was my turn, I brought my papers instead of a book A Redemption for the Baron (the print was too small!) — and the room laughed with me. I read with heart, gave my characters distinct voices, and even broke the fourth wall with a playful “blah, blah, blah” that drew another laugh. And then something magical happened,  the room grew still, everyone leaning in, listening.

We talked afterward about A Vow for the Viscount, about stories and characters and yes, even logos. (The heart won the vote!)

But the moment that meant the most to me came later, on the long drive home. My husband Paul, who supports me unfailingly, sells my books better than I can, but does not read my them, turned to me and said he loved the internal banter. He saw the mud, the smirks, the exasperation. He lived the scene with me.

That, to me, was success.

Lady Jane’s gave me more than a stage. It gave me a reminder of why I write: to draw readers in, to make them feel, to make them see.

And after eleven years between my first and second Lady Jane’s… I hope it won’t be that long before the next.

A Vow for the Viscount – Preorder             A Redemption for the Baron – Available

Available for Purchase https://books2read.com/BB-Vow4Viscount  https://books2read.com/BB-Redemption