Exactly two weeks until the release of Prelude, book four in the Blue Notes Series of classical music themed gay romances from Dreamspinner Press. Haven't read the others? You don't have to read them in order to enjoy Prelude. Each Blue Notes book is completely standalone. Like the summary? You can dive into the series with any book.

Each Blue Notes book has lots of musical references. Curious about the music in the books? Click on the "Books" tab on my website, pick a book, click on it and scroll down to "Extras." For each book, you'll find a complete playlist with links to the music.

And now I've added one more feature with the newest Blue Notes book: a video tour of some of the places in the book. Might mean I have to fly to Europe to film more (damn good excuse, don't you think?). But I'm starting with a tour of Chicago and the places that are featured in Prelude.

So over the next four weeks, I'll be posting videos I filmed while I was in Chicago with my lovely co-author, Venona Keyes. Here's the little intro Venona and I filmed. Hope you enjoy it! -Shira

Prelude Tour Welcome

Summary: World-renowned conductor David Somers never wanted the investment firm he inherited from his domineering grandfather. He only wanted to be a composer. But no matter how he struggles, David can’t translate the music in his head into notes on paper.

When a guest violinist at the Chicago Symphony falls ill, David meets Alex Bishop, a last-minute substitute. Alex’s fame and outrageous tattoos fail to move David. Then Alex puts bow to string, and David hears the brilliance of Alex’s soul.

David has sworn off relationships, believing he will eventually drive away those he loves, or that he'll lose them as he lost his wife and parents. But Alex is outgoing, relaxed, and congenial—everything David is not—and soon makes dents in the armor around David's heart. David begins to dream of Alex, wonderful dreams full of music. Becoming a composer suddenly feels attainable.

David’s fragile ego, worn away by years of his grandfather’s disdain, makes losing control difficult. When David’s structured world comes crashing down, his fledgling relationship with Alex is the first casualty. Still, David hears Alex’s music, haunting and beautiful. David wants to love Alex, but first he must find the strength to acknowledge himself.

You can pre-order "Prelude" here: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3798&cPath=55_484