Category: Contemporary Romance

Keeping Score by Shannon Stults

Posted July 31, 2019 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

With everything on the line, it’s game on

Logan Kase has reveled in being Willow Creek’s infamous wild child until one detrimental decision proved it was time for a change. Years later, Logan is back in her small hometown and ready to prove to everyone (especially herself) that she’s not that same girl anymore. But the new life she’s so carefully constructed starts to tear apart the second she runs into Cole Tucker.

Logan thought she’d put her childhood rival and their adolescent games behind her, but it takes her only one night before she’s forced into one final game, a series of hilariously immature challenges that has the whole town keeping score. A game that, should she lose, could destroy everything she’s built her new life around.

Titles in the Willow Creek series include — Keeping Score – Daring to Fall –

Rock Chick Redemption by Kristen Ashley

Posted July 31, 2019 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Series / 0 Comments

Roxie’s on the run from a bad boyfriend who will not catch the hint that it is o-v-e-r. She’s in no mood for love at first sight, but when her eyes fall on Hank, it’s trouble from the get-go. Roxie tries to hold Hank at arm’s length but Hank wants to be a closer (as in, a lot closer). Roxie’s trouble catches up with her and Hank wants to help but Roxie knows in her heart that she’s no good for a white hat guy. The problem is no one agrees with her, especially her crazy hippie best friend Annette or her parents; the even crazier small-Indiana-town Herb and Trish. Toss into the mix the gang from Rock Chick and Rock Chick Rescue and Roxie finds herself totally outnumbered.

Climb in for another Rock Chick wild ride through Rock Chick Redemption. As the odds stack up against Roxie, she has no choice but to hold on and just ride it out through the kidnappings, car chases, society parties, a riot at the strip club, Hank getting “Mom Bombed” and one crazy night at the Haunted House.

During all this Hank works at convincing her she really wants to stay and he, along with the Hot Bunch, go all out to make her safe. Hank also needs to work on showing Roxie that her past decisions don’t mean her future can’t include something as downright delicious as… normal.

Titles in the Rock Chick series include — Rock Chick – Rock Chick Rescue – Rock Chick Redemption – Rock Chick Renegade – Rock Chick Revenge – Rock Chick Reckoning – Rock Chick Regret – Rock Chick Revolution – Rock Chick Reawakening (1001 Dark Nights) – Rock Chick Reborn –

Series, connections, and review links for Ms. Ashley’s many addicting series can be found on the Kristen Ashley page.

Wind River Protector by Lindsay McKenna

Posted July 30, 2019 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Modern Western Romance, Romantic Suspense, Series / 0 Comments

Real love is worth every risk . . .

Ex-Air Force pilot Andy Whitcomb loves nothing more than the wide blue skies, but when a helicopter crash fighting forest fires in California leaves her injured and shaken, she’s ready to return home to the peace of Wind River Ranch. The good news is, there’s a chance for her to fly helos for the county sheriff’s department. The bad news? The person in charge is none other than Dev Mitchell, an ex-Army Black Hawk pilot—and the rugged, sharp-eyed man Andy has never forgotten after five days together running from the Taliban after a nerve-wracking near-miss in Afghanistan.

Dev can’t believe his eyes when Andy walks into the interview. She’s as strong and sexy as he remembers, and every bit qualified for the job, which she clearly wants. Unfortunately, if he’s going to be her boss, their relationship has to remain strictly professional—a regret Dev fights to keep hidden as they begin to work together. But when a chance encounter with violent drug traffickers forces them into survival mode, both of them will fight to hold on to the connection they can’t ignore—and the chance of a future together.

Titles in the Wind River Valley series include — Wind River Wrangler – Wind River Rancher – Wind River Cowboy – Wrangler’s Challenge – Lone Rider – Wind River Lawman – Kassie’s Cowboy (#6.5) – Home to Wind River – Wind River Protector –

A SEAL Never Quits by Holly Castillo

Posted July 30, 2019 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Series / 0 Comments

A SEAL is ready for anything…except losing his heart…

Lieutenant Amador “Stryker” Salas and his tight-knit Navy SEAL team are undercover on a Texas ranch and tasked with covert ops across the border. It’s an assignment that requires all their skills, all their secrets, and all their know-how.

Anya Gutierrez, the local veterinarian, has been serving the ranch for years. She loves the animals and ranching life, and Stryker finds her a breath of fresh air in his otherwise rigidly disciplined existence.

When Anya gets caught in the crosshairs of a mission gone sideways, Stryker must tell her the truth about who he really is, risking everything to keep her out of harm’s way, even if it destroys him.

Titles in the Texas Navy SEALS series include — A SEAL Never Quits –

Last Chance Rodeo by Kari Lynn Dell

Posted July 30, 2019 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Modern Western Romance, Series / 0 Comments

David Parsons was on a straight shot to the top of professional rodeo until one thoughtless moment lost him everything. Now that his beloved horse has been found on the Blackfeet Reservation, he can finally get his life back together again.

It should be the happiest day of his life, but the troubled teen who’s riding Muddy now has had more than his fair share of hard knocks, and his custodial aunt Mary Steele will do whatever it takes to make sure losing this horse isn’t the blow that levels him. David finds himself drawn to both woman and boy, and is soon faced with a soul-wrenching dilemma. Claim his horse and claw his way back into the spotlight or lose everything he ever thought he wanted…and gain everything he never thought he’d need?

Titles in the Blackfeet Nation series include — Last Chance Rodeo –

**This title was originally published on February 3, 2015, under the title “The Long Road Home”.

Don’t Give Me Butterflies by Tara Sheets

Posted July 29, 2019 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Paranormal Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Pine Cove Island calls to her soul…

As the Queen of Impulsive Decisions, Kat Davenport has found herself without a job or a place to live. So settling on Pine Cove Island isn’t the sanest choice–meaning it’s perfect. Like the mysterious Holloway cousins, Kat has her own unique gift. In her case, it’s a knack for communicating with animals. Which makes getting hired at the local animal shelter feel like kismet. Especially when she finds a room to rent at a nearby lavender farm–complete with a sweet landlord and her brawny grandson–a guy who happens to give Kat an all-too-familiar flutter in her stomach…

Jordan Prescott isn’t back in Pine Cove to find romance. He’s here to sell the family farm, a fact that bewilders Kat. A former foster kid, she can’t understand why he’d give up his childhood home. So when the big-hearted beauty starts bringing home strays from the shelter, Jordan is suddenly her adversary. Until their fiery disagreements turn into fiery kisses…

Now Kat is falling for a man who will likely make her homeless yet again. Unless she learns how to lend her considerable powers to taming the beast lurking inside this prince.

Titles in the Holloway Girls series include — Don’t Call Me Cupcake – Don’t Touch My Petunia – Don’t Give Me Butterflies –

Love at First Bark by Debbie Burns

Posted July 28, 2019 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Animal portrait painter Mia Chambers and architect Ben Thomas have volunteered at the High Grove Animal Shelter for years, and they share a complicated history. Ben has secretly loved Mia all this time, but she was married to his best friend. Now she’s newly widowed, with a young son, and Ben doesn’t know how to tell her what’s in his heart. All he can do is stay close, help her as much as she’ll let him, and watch for the right moment to bare his soul.

When a dozen adorable border collies get dumped in St. Louis’ biggest park, everyone at the shelter mobilizes for a large-scale rescue. Rushing to the park to round up the frisky collies, Ben and Mia unexpectedly plunge into a new phase of their entangled lives. Who knew that opening their hearts and homes—to animals in need and to each other—would lead to so many upheavals…and new beginnings…?

Titles in the Rescue Me series include — A New Leash on Love – Sit, Stay, Love – My Forever Home – Love at First Bark –

Lone Wolf Cowboy by Maisey Yates

Posted July 28, 2019 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Harlequin, Modern Western Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Will Gold Valley’s most reclusive cowboy finally find a reason to heal?

As a former EMT and a wildland firefighter, there’s no one Jacob Dalton can’t rescue–except himself. Since his best friend’s tragic death, Jacob has isolated himself…until Vanessa Logan returns to Gold Valley. He saved her life during a medical call years ago, and he’s never forgotten her. The instant jolt of heat between them takes him by surprise, but he knows that giving in to it would only end in disaster.

For Vanessa, returning home was about healing, not about exploring her attraction with Jacob. He is the guardian angel from her past–with strong, capable hands and an irresistible mouth. A temptation she knows she can’t afford. Until the chemistry between them explodes and unites them in a way they could never have imagined.

Titles in the Gold Valley series include — Cowboy Christmas Blues (#0.5) – Smooth-Talking Cowboy – Mail-Order Cowboy (#1.5) – Untamed Cowboy – Hard Riding Cowboy (#2.5) – Good Time Cowboy – Snowed in with the Cowboy (#3.5) – A Tall, Dark Cowboy Christmas – Unbroken Cowboy – Cowboy to the Core – Lone Wolf Cowboy – Cowboy Christmas Redemption

Lone Star Defender by Jennie Jones

Posted July 26, 2019 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Nine days to build a future…

Pepper Mackillop is no soft touch – but try telling her townspeople that. She’s only been home a week and is facing so many problems she’s numbered them to keep track. Her goal is to help rejuvenate her economically rundown hometown of Reckless in Calamity Valley, Texas, but between the town’s unrealistic expectations and the underhanded developers snooping around, she’s challenged every which way. Then Jack Shepperd comes home.

Prodigal son Jack is forced to return home to his family ranch when his uncle decides to retire. He has nine days to close down the ranch and pay a debt to Pepper’s grandmother. A debt that will keep him all but glued to Pepper’s side. Pep is the most captivating, spirited, headstrong woman he’s ever met. Years ago, she broke his heart. What are the chances of a clean getaway this time around?

Titles in the Calamity Valley series include — Lone Star Hero – Lone Star Protector – Lone Star Defender

Montana Daughter by Juanita Kees

Posted July 24, 2019 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Trinity Calhoun is a name everyone knows on the race circuit, but her days in the hot seat are numbered. She’s tired of the limelight, meaningless relationships and long hours behind the wheel. When her father calls her and her sister home, she’s ready. She slips right back into the family business, finishing off the custom car projects her father has lined up. But racing is in her blood and she’s lured back to risking her life on the hot rod drag strips outside of town. It’s there she meets paramedic and volunteer firefighter, Reece Balmain, who has her re-thinking the road her life is taking.

Reece Balmain arrives in Big Fork a broken man. He’s lived and breathed through horror accidents, haunted by the faces of the people he’s cut from vehicles. He knows one thing–speed kills. He’s hoping not to see too much of it in small-town Montana until he hears about the drag races taking place outside of town. He knows Trinity Calhoun. He’s watched her race, seen her win, held his breath when her car somersaulted into barriers in Daytona Beach. He doesn’t like what she does, but he can’t stay away from the woman who’s claiming his heart.

Titles in The Calhouns of Montana series include — Montana Baby – Montana Daughter – Montana Son

Rock Chick Rescue by Kristen Ashley

Posted July 24, 2019 by Marsha in Connection to another series, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Series / 0 Comments

Jet McAlister has a secret. Eddie Chavez has the hots for Jet (not to mention Eddie’s just plain hot). Jet has too many problems to realize that Eddie’s interested. Eddie loses patience when Jet ends her waitressing shift at a strip club with a knife at her throat. Since Eddie’s a cop, he figures he can help. Since Jet’s used to solving everyone’s problems, she doesn’t want Eddie’s help.

Throw in a Dolly Parton look-alike, a gruff but lovable strip club owner, Jet’s ne’er do well father, his ne’er do well friend, Bear, Bear’s long-suffering, chain-smoking wife Lavonne and the crew from Rock Chick and you’ve got Rock Chick Rescue.

Rock Chick Rescue takes you on a wild ride with Jet, Eddie and the gang as they wrestle bad guys in a bagel shop, hit Denver’s backstreet poker tables (with big hair), and help the strippers at Smithie’s take down a would-be murderer.

Through this, Jet’s got to learn that even when life made you give up your dreams, you can still end up with the (hot) guy. Eddie’s got to rescue Jet from a bad man (so he can do better things with her) and teach her that some dreams can come true.

Information about Ms. Ashley’s titles that have been reviewed here at Keeper Bookshelf (and links to the review posts) can be found on the Kristen Ashley page.

All Roads Lead to You by Jennifer Probst

Posted July 24, 2019 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Happily single, Harper Bishop trusts in only one passion—her rescue farm and healing her thoroughbred, Phoenix. Her dream is to lead him to the Triple Crown. But how unreachable is it without experience or help? A handsome new guest at her family’s B&B has what it takes to make it come true. And with his irresistible brogue, warm smile, and soothing touch, he’s a major distraction.

After a bitter betrayal, horse trainer Aidan O’Connor has fled Ireland for a vacation in New York’s Hudson Valley. When he sees the horse with the fighting spirit, he’s inspired with a new goal: to train Phoenix to win. He’s also facing an unexpected new challenge: his feelings for Harper.

How can she dare to open her heart to a man who’ll be there only long enough to break it?

So Harper and Aidan agree: try to keep it professional and focus only on Phoenix and the finish line. But along the way, they could also learn a few lessons in love, trust, and taking chances. And, as painful as it promises to be, saying goodbye.

Titles in the Stay series include — The Start of Something Good – A Brand New Ending – All Roads Lead to You – Something Just Like This (1001 Dark Nights Stay Novella – Nov. 2019) –

A Paris Fairy Tale by Marie Laval

Posted July 23, 2019 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense / 0 Comments

Is Paris the city of happily ever afters?

Workaholic art historian Aurora Black doesn’t have time for fairy tales or Prince Charmings, even in the most romantic city in the world. She has recently been hired by a Parisian auction house for a job that could make or break her career.

Unfortunately, daredevil journalist Cédric Castel seems intent on disrupting Aurora’s routine.

As Aurora and Cédric embark on a journey across France, they get more than they bargained for as they find themselves battling rogue antique dealers and personal demons, not to mention a growing attraction to each other.

But with the help of a fairy godmother or two, could they both find their happily ever afters?

Meant to Be by Nan Reinhardt

Posted July 19, 2019 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Can a near-tragedy help two best friends realize they’re meant to be so much more?

Best friends since grade school, high-powered Chicago attorney, Sean Flaherty, and small-town mayor Megan Mackenzie have always shared a special bond. When Sean is shot by a client’s angry ex, Megan rushes to his side, terrified she’s about to lose her long-time confidant.

Upon his return to River’s Edge to recuperate, Sean discovers that his feelings for his pal have taken an undeniable turn for the romantic. While Megan struggles with an unfamiliar longing for Sean, she worries that he may be mistaking a safe place to land for love.

Can Sean help her realize that they are truly meant to be so much more than friends?

Titles in the Four Irish Brothers Winery series include — A Small Town Christmas – Meant To Be – Christmas With You – The Baby Contract –

Rock Chick by Kristen Ashley

Posted July 17, 2019 by Marsha in Connection to another series, Contemporary Romance, Mystery, Romantic Suspense, Series / 0 Comments

Indy Savage, cop’s daughter, rock chick and used bookstore owner, has been in love with Lee Nightingale, once bad boy, now the man behind Nightingale Investigations, since she was five years old. No matter what ingenious schemes Indy used to capture his attention, Lee never showed an interest and Indy finally gave up.

Now Indy’s employee, Rosie, has lost a bag of diamonds and bad guys are shooting at him. When Indy gets involved, Lee is forced to help. Complicating matters, Lee has decided he’s interested, Indy’s decided she’s not. But she can’t seem to keep Lee out of her life when she’s repeatedly stun gunned, kidnapped and there are car bombs exploding (not to mention she’s finding dead bodies).

Indy’s best bet is to solve the mystery of the diamonds before Lee. Lee’s challenge is to keep Indy alive and, at the same time, win back her heart.

All of Ms. Ashley’s titles can be found on the Kristen Ashley page.