In this episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals podcast, host Jed Doherty sits down with romance author Diana Rock to discuss her latest book, Chelsea's Flame, the steamy third installment in her Colby County Veterinary series. As a self-proclaimed "modern woman's romance author," Diana shares how she crafts her stories around strong, independent heroines who aren't afraid to go after what they want - both in life and in love. Chelsea's Flame follows the romance between veterinarian Tulsi Anthony and the charming Lucas Campbell, whose multicultural backgrounds (she's Indian-American, he's Scottish-Latino) add an extra layer of complexity to their relationship. "Love is love, and it doesn't matter what your ancestry is," Diana explains. "If the love is true and pure, that's what matters most." She delves into the real-world research she conducted to authentically portray Tulsi's adoptive Indian family and Lucas' traditional Latino family, and how those cultural clashes create conflict and drama for the couple. As a longtime romance reader herself, Diana knows what makes a great love story tick. Compelling characters, a well-developed plot, and steamy, but not overly graphic, intimate scenes are all key ingredients. And for Diana, it's important that her heroines have agency and independence, rather than playing the traditional "damsel in distress" role. Listeners also get a sneak peek at Diana's next project - a crime fiction series with romantic elements, drawing on her 40+ years of experience working in laboratories. With a diverse cast of characters and a forensic twist, it's sure to be another captivating read from this talented Connecticut author. Whether you're a lifelong romance fan or just discovering the genre, this episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals podcast is a must-listen for anyone who loves stories of love, passion, and finding happily ever after.