Editor

As a mother of three young children who also holds a full-time job, Aimee Laine knows all about the trials and tribulations of the real world.

So, when it comes to writing, the Apex resident thoroughly enjoys taking her readers a few steps beyond reality.

Laine’s debut novel, “Little White Lies,” hit store shelves July 1. The book is a paranormal romance that involves the FBI, a shape-shifter, plenty of suspense and, of course, a nice dose of romance.

A book release party open to the public is being held Friday, July 8 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at 1500 Town Side Drive, Suite 104 in Apex. The author will sign copies of her book, read some excerpts and answer questions.

With an MBA and a degree in applied mathematics, Laine has always been a hard worker and an achiever. Her escape has always been sitting down with a good romance novel and letting her cares drift away for awhile.

When she decided to write a novel a little more than two years ago, Laine took the same approach to her writing.

“It’s definitely escapism,” said Laine. “When I read, I like to escape and it’s the same with my writing. I like to write romance in a world where shape-shifters exist. I have a real life with a job and kids. I know all about getting the kids to the bus stop and making sure they have enough sun block. But in a fantasy world, it’s other people’s problems.”

Although “Little White Lies” is Laine’s first published work, she has already written eight other novels that are anywhere from “25 percent to 50 percent complete.”

“I don’t know how I do it but I do,” laughed Laine. “I’m definitely attached to my computer.”

All of her books are set in the fictional town of Rune, N.C., which is really a hybrid of Apex and some other surrounding communities.

“I took Pilot Mountain and moved it near Apex, I made Raleigh a lot closer and I made Cary disappear,” said Laine. “I made a few other changes to Apex and that is basically Rune.”

Laine’s next novel, which she hopes will be available in early 2012, will have Greek mythology overtones as well as romance.

But long before the finishing touches are put on her second book, Laine is taking some time to enjoy the release of her debut novel.

“My friends joke that I do nothing but sit around and pet my book,” said Laine. “That’s not true. But it really is amazing for me to see it. Once in awhile I will flip through the pages and think, ‘Did I really write 316 pages?’ It feels really good.”

For more information on the author and where to purchase her book visit www.aimeelaine.com.