They said it couldn't be done. Well, a lot of folks said it — that a man could successfully write love stories.

Like, if a man wrote one, he'd, what, have to throw in a Green Beret or a quipping mob contract killer or a brooding Scottish homicide detective?

It's time to join the throng who love the deeply romantic relationship novels of Nicholas Sparks, whose books have sold 30-million copies. He'll sell a few more, methinks, when he appears Tuesday at the Garde Arts Center in support of his latest title, "Every Breath." A story of two kindred souls who meet by chance on a North Carolina beach and then have to negotiate the challenges of Time Itself, the story contains some new Sparksian twists and nuances.

Sparks will discuss "Every Breath" with Erica Tannen, editor of the Connecticut newsletter The E List, then sign copies. Mystic's Bank Square Books is a co-sponsor.

Nicholas Sparks, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Garde Arts Center, 325 State St., New London; $30 includes a copy of "Every Breath"; (860) 444-7373, (860) 536-3795.