Zen and Tonic

Kai meets Liza in Oregon at their law school orientation party and is instantly captivated by her new roommate. Fast friends, the young women soon become lovers as well, and live together during their three years in law school.

Liza is determined to become the first female president of the United States. Ambitious and driven, she is intensely secretive about her relationship with Kai, a subterfuge that becomes increasingly unpalatable for out and easy-going Kai.

Raised by supportive and adoring parents, Kai understands Liza’s drive, but struggles with Liza’s fear of disclosure. When unavoidable circumstances cause Kai to miss her law school graduation, the two of them lose touch as their paths diverge and their careers gain momentum.

Liza marries a man, and her meteoric career takes her from aide to governor, and eventually to the White House. Kai's wife decides to open a clinic to serve D.C.’s less fortunate, and she and Kai move from Oregon to the nation's capitol.

Years after their intense romance, Kai and Liza cross paths and are shaken to the core. Stunned by the continued strength of their passion, they dig through unhealed wounds and delve into the possibility of perfect love.

"[T]he conflicts speak to the heart of every relationship on this planet."
"I often found myself so engrossed in the story that I forgot it was about two women."
cherrygrrl.com/index.php?s=zen+and+tonic&x=0&y=0

"Kris Howard ... excels at highlighting the family dramas that can occur in anyone's life."
"[C]omes with a surprising twist."
queermagazineonline.com/en/Book-Reviews/zen-and-tonic-by-kris-howard-at-jms-books.html

"Kai and Liza are ... real and dynamic, and their bittersweet romance gets under your skin."
"I found the glimpse of the future this book gives incredibly fascinating and inspiring."
darkdivasreviews.com/?p=4701