Torquere Books Category:  Gay/Lesbian/Bi Publisher: Torquere Press Type: Fiction Pages: 20 What happens when a cop and a nurse meet entirely by accident? Constable Miranda is checking on a robbery victim at the hospital when she meets a nurse with the prettiest blue eyes. Miranda's on the job, though, so she tells herself not to get involved, but that's before a freak accident lands Miranda herself in the hospital with a concussion. Her hard head saves her from serious injury, but gives her the chance to meet Lorraine again. Will coincidence bloom into something much stronger than friendship? Excerpt "Do you think you'll catch the guys who did this?" The nurse glanced back towards Kayleigh's room as she spoke. I shot her a glance. It wasn’t unusual for medical staff to ask that question, but we both knew I couldn't give her a lot of details. Procedure can be a bitch. "We've got a few good leads," I told her. "One of the witnesses even managed to get a partial number plate of the getaway car. We're confident that we'll make an arrest in this case." The nurse smiled, her dark blue eyes resting on my face for a moment before she looked away, shaking her head. "Kayleigh's mother is a friend of mine," she said. "I just can't believe anyone would hurt Kayleigh. She's such a sweet kid." "These crimes are rarely personal," I said. "Kayleigh was just in the wrong place at the wrong time." "Still, it's awful that something like this has happened to her. She was just living her life, not hurting anyone." I could hear the anger in the nurse's tone and I stopped walking, turning to face her. "We’re doing everything in our power to make sure they don't get away with this." She looked so upset that I laid a hand on her arm, "I can assure you that I'll give this case my full attention." Her answering smile caused a flutter in my stomach and I turned away, biting the inside of my cheek. This was no time to be getting my head turned by a pretty face. I was on duty for God's sake! Collecting myself with a mental shake, I said goodbye and headed for the lifts. Bright spring sunshine greeted me as I stepped out of the hospital and made my way to where the patrol car was parked in the reserved bay just outside the doors. My partner, Sid, was sitting in the passenger seat going over his notes from our previous stop at the Lunch Box, where we'd taken a statement from the owner. I reached the car and put my hand on the door handle. There was a shout somewhere above me, and an instant later I felt an impact. The world went a fuzzy grey as spots danced before my eyes, and something hot and stinging flowed over my face. Instinct told me to duck and cover, but I couldn't seem to make my body cooperate. My head spun and I felt myself falling. Dimly, I registered pain somewhere between my right shoulder and elbow and then things seemed to fade into semi-twilight.

Tamara Yollick
This is the first lesbian story I’ve read at Torquere and it’s just wonderful—so warm and sweet and cuddly and romantic. Miranda’s a competent, caring policewoman whom you like right away as she gently questions the victim of a vicious robbery. She impresses us and also a pretty nurse by the name of Lorraine, who then accidentally lands Miranda in the hospital, where the two of them get a chance to talk and discover a real attraction. I loved the descriptive way the author shows us Miranda’s growing feelings. I also enjoyed their talk about Australia, having never been there, myself. The intimacy between the two women is tender and appealing and I was sorry to see the story end. I liked Miranda and Lorraine and Sid, too, and would like to see more stories about them.

Review by P.T. Fellows
The story opens in a hospital as Senior Constable Miranda Hastings is questioning a young woman who was a victim of a robbery. Miranda has been a cop for six years, dedicated and professional, she had joined the force for all the right reasons. Simply put, she’s someone who cares and wants to make a difference. She meets a nurse, Lorraine White, who’s a friend of the victim’s family, and a very attractive woman with a warm smile and dark blue eyes. Miranda feels an instant of attraction toward the nurse, however she’s on duty and has more important things on her mind. But a chance encounter with a coffee cup, leads to very desirous circumstances.

The author had excellent attention to detail with Miranda’s characterization, giving us these important little insights that vibrantly fleshed out her character, adding depth and personality to this fascinating woman. The story’s set in Australia, and although I’m not familiar with this part of the world, the author conveyed a true sense of place and spirit through dialog and scenic descriptions.

Coffee Kisses is a lesbian romance, beautifully written and sensual, flavored with a warm, gentle humor. The emphasis of the story is on the romantic elements of their relationship, the author creating a true feeling of connection between Miranda and Lorraine.

Highly recommended.