Roxanne Rustand Book List

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Just Judy's Jumbles Blog Party

Interview with Roxanne Rustand

When not writing, what hobbies do you enjoy?

I’m a country gal at heart, and have lived in the country all my life. I’ve had horses since I was six years old, and when I grew up, spent years breeding, training and showing quarter horses. We dabbled in Thoroughbreds for a while, too. Now, with the kids grown, we are still in the country, but we are down to two paint mares and a palomino quarter horse--not for showing, just nice, gentle mares to enjoy. I cannot imagine living in town where I couldn’t look out the window and see our horses in the pasture. I also enjoy photography, and love taking day trips with my cameras. And, I love cooking.

What is the strangest real life situation that appears in one of your stories?

My very first book for Harlequin SuperRomance (Her Sister’s Children, 1999) starts with the line: “If she’d known about the snake, Claire never would have left New York.”

The story is about a single woman who inherits a rundown resort on Lake Superior, and is given custody of her late sister’s children. The boy is rebellious and resentful, and has a pet snake which Claire tries hard to accept, hoping camaraderie will be a first step in trying to reach out to the grieving child. In the book, the pet snake gets loose a few times and likes to bask in the warmth at the base of the refrigerator.

Well...if you’ve ever stopped by my All Creatures Great and Small blog, you know I love animals. Our kids had just about every kind of pet they could think of--tarantulas, all kinds of rodents and lizards, rabbits, birds...on and on, in addition to our cats, dogs, and horses. Brian got a corn snake when he was eight, and Ssssid was not one of my favorites, believe me! Every now and then, he did get loose in the house and would disappear for a few days before we’d eventually find him. When Ssssid was small, I remember picking up toys after everyone had gone to bed, and thinking I was reaching for a shoelace--until it wiggled away. Another time, I found him amongst the shoes in my closet. Yikes! Eventually, Ssssid had his moment of stardom, when he received the name Igor and appeared in my first published book. I ended up taking care of that snake throughout Brian’s college days, though you can bet I was very, very thankful when Ssssid finally moved on to a teacher’s classroom!

When did you start writing?

After I finished my Master’s degree in nutrition, I worked as a registered dietitian. I loved to read--mostly non-fiction--but never had a thought about being a writer. Then one day my friend Judy, who owned a horse magazine, asked if I would write humorous feature articles. When she gave me my first computer (a Packard Bell, back in the Word Star days!) it opened up a whole new world. Writing was such fun with those new-fangled editing functions! Judy also gave me some books written by one of her favorite romance authors, and I became entranced with the emotion in those books. She then invited me to join her critique group. Since writing on the computer was such fun, I started writing a story and just kept at it...then took some summer fiction classes through the Iowa Writer’s Summer Festival, and entered the RWA Golden Heart. I owe Judy quite a debt of gratitude!

Have you traveled to do research for your books?

My husband and I love to travel, and everywhere we go, I take thousands of photos and copious notes. Many of my favorite places have become the settings for books. One cool adventure was the research for my current book, Comeback Cowboy. I rode with a rodeo contractor and his wife, and got to see the rodeo operations first hand. And yes--those cowboys are just as cute up close!

What are you up too these days?

After writing thirty books for the Harlequin SuperRomance, Heartwarming, Everlasting, Love Inspired, and Love Inspired Suspense lines, I’ve taken a side journey this past year--a foray into self publishing. It has been an adventure! I now have two books available for Kindle, Nook, a variety of other e-formats, and soon--as hard copies. COMEBACK COWBOY, and SUMMER AT BRIAR LAKE. In another month or so, there will be a third, A MONTANA LEGACY, and by summer, a fourth title. These are all sweet romance and sweet romantic suspense.

I’m also continuing with inspirational fiction: my agent is currently representing a single title trilogy set in the Montana Rockies, and I hope to develop more proposals for Love Inspired as well.

About Roxanne:

Inspirational author Roxanne Rustand's first manuscript won a RWA Golden Heart and her second was Golden Heart finalist--which led to her first sales. She’s the author of thirty books. Her newest sweet romances, Comeback Cowboy and Summer at Briar Lake, are available at Amazon.

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The Northern Pines Suspense Series

Book 1: Dangerous Past

Book 2: Danger Move

Book 3: Dangerous Secrets

Dr. Jill Edwards has her dream house, a huge Victorian. Only it’s big and lonely these days. After she finally confronts her husband at one of the times he comes home in the early morning hours…he packs up and leaves without talking. Now, it’s just her, Badger, her cat, and the old house’s eerie noises. And very lonely.

Grant Edwards works for his father’s law firm. Now that Dad has had a couple of heart attacks, he’s going between the two offices. The one in Blackberry Hill is where he had lived with Jill. Grant starts getting threatening messages, but his protection instincts kick in when they start including Jill—even if she doesn’t want his protection.

I didn’t want to stop reading this story. It pulled me and wouldn’t let go. Some side stories are going on as well. Well-written and very enjoyable. I liked the characters…two-legged and four-legged.

Book 4: Dangerous Intent

Book 5: Dangerous Holiday

Book 6: Dangerous Lies

Book 7: Dangerous Storm

Claire Worth is used to living in New York and working for her father. The men who want to date her are interested in having Charles Worth as a father-in-law, not in who Claire is. So, when her sister passed away, and she found herself with three children and the owner of Pine Cliff Resort, she was more than happy to leave and start a new life. She didn’t know that would include being around the man her sister had once been married to.
Logan Matthews just wanted to own all of Pine Cliffs again. He made the mistake of marrying young and having the money-hungry woman run his name through the mud and take part of the land handed down to him. He’ll never trust a Worth again.
When trouble comes to Claire’s doorstep, Logan can’t turn his back on her or the three children. He is determined to protect him, even if Claire won’t sell him his land back.
Another intriguing story that pulled me in from page one to the end. Wonderful characters, human and otherwise.

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The Northern Pines Series

Book 1: One More Dance

This is such a captivating story. It follows this couple, Jared Mathers and his wife, Dr. Kate Mathers, through their life. Going from the present, where a life and death situation is happening—to the past. A past where a poor girl is working her way through college on grants to become more than she’d been growing up. With a black cloud that had been following her all of her life. A black cloud that would tar the bright, shining life of a young man born to luxury.

All is not as it seems. Neither in the past or present. A real page-turner as the reader sees the situation from several points of view. Jared’s and Kate’s, but also their daughter and Jared’s mother—who never warmed up to Kate for marrying him. Sylvia Mathers’ husband died and left them without much money. She keeps up appearances but expected her children to marry into money to support her lifestyle. An emotional story that pulled me and wouldn’t let go until the end.

Book 2: One More Wish

Abby Cahill went to college with Erin Lang Reynolds. Erin is the Administrator at Blackberry Hill Memorial and needed a summer replacement for Grace, who recently married and has retired. Abby worked as a nurse for three years and has been teaching and writing since then. After a broken engagement and a new job waiting for her in California this fall, she takes it. Arriving, Abby finds her short-term apartment has burned down, and being a tourist town in the summer, everything is full. She finds a place, but the cantankerous man ends up evicting her.

Ethan Rockwell is being told he needs to go to the Green Bay hospital because his arm is cut up so bad he needs more specialized care to heal right. He only has his son, Keifer, for the summer. When he sees no way out of going, Abby, a stranger to him, offers to take Keifer.

Abby finds herself stuck in the mud, facing a wolf, loose animals, and she needs to get to the animal shelter to save a dog before the next day. Not to mention a ten-year-old she just met. There are also some suspicious things happening. Top it off with odd things happening to her at work, and her summer is off to a great start. I loved this series and suggest reading them in order if you want the complete picture.

Book 3: One More Kiss

Michael Wells has taken Aunt Bertie up on her office for him to use her carriage house for a law office. He’s so ready to leave the big city law firm for the small-town life. He wasn’t prepared to find Bertie gone on vacation in Europe and a strange woman in her home. And animals of all kinds living there.

Lauren McClellan’s ex-husband did her wrong in so many ways. Implicating her in a crime he committed has ruined her life. However, unlike him, she wasn’t sent to prison. All the same, she’s looked at as a guilty woman. All she cares about is taking care of her daughter and having her record cleared.

Lauren and Michael find their way around sharing Bertie’s space. The animals are helping Hannah, but come September, Lauren knows she’ll have to move back to her apartment and pick up the pieces of her life once again. Another heartwarming story. Tissue alert if you cry easily.

Book 4: The Holiday Puppy

Emma Brookes was finally living her dream. Watching the ocean from a beach in Hawaii. She was taking a break before moving on to the next adventure in her life. Little did she know what an adventure she was about to go on in Hawaii.

Nick Jackson’s life changed suddenly when a terrified woman bumped into his chest and screamed. He’d been in Hawaii for six months and didn’t know if he’d ever go home for good. Life just wasn’t the same after losing his wife two years ago.

Two lost souls from Minnesota meet in Hawaii over an incident. But Emma needs to be there for her kids in Minnesota, and Nick loves Hawaii. Two ships passing in the night. Or does God have other plans for them both?

It is a novella full of action and humor, and I had a few teary moments. Loved the story and characters.

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DEA Special Agents Series

Book 1: Deadly Vendetta

Zach Forrester, a DEA agent, has suddenly become the caretaker of the niece he never knew he had. His sister Janet had dumped Katie off and left. And then…an explosion and another threatening letter. He had to get off the grid for a while to protect Katie. So he was heading to the one place he said he’d never go to again—Fossil Hill, Colorado.

Dana Hathaway had dreams. Now, she lived a life trying to stay above water. With bills from her college years to pay, her veterinarian business to run, and a ranch to run and make payments on. The last thing she needed was an old flame from high school to reappear. Especially considering how he so quickly disappeared fifteen years ago!

Wow! I enjoyed this story. Fast-paced, has excellent characters, an edge-of-the-seat storyline, and is a good read.

Book 2: Deadly Noel

Sara Hanrahan is a DEA special agent living in Dallas, Texas. Her next assignment takes her back to her hometown in Minnesota. A small town where the people remember the past and know everyone’s business. Where her mother still lives, only she stays hidden from the world for twenty-five years. Sara’s gentle father had killed a man and then hung himself.

Deputy Nathan Roswell was suspicious of the jumpy woman and her German shepherd from their first meeting on the street. Had she taken the same path as her brother Kyle? He’d surely keep an eye on her.

Loved this story. Great characters, like Josh, a young boy, and Leon, who is young of mind. Lots of twists and turns and danger.

Book 3: Deadly Betrayal

T.J. Cauthen, now Joe Coughlin, had been framed. He went from a DEA special agent to a prisoner. He was released early due to technicalities, but that’s not enough. He is out to prove himself innocent and regain his stellar reputation. Not to mention getting his daughter back in his life. He goes to Silver Springs, Wyoming, to get what he needs.

Abby Hilliard is trying to get by. The big home she has is part of Sheltering Pines Funeral Home property, her late husband’s and his brother’s business. She has boarders to help her stay ahead, but as soon as she gets her degree…she’s out of this place.

Another page-turner. I loved the characters, both two-legged and four. The storyline kept me glued to it from beginning to end. It’s part of a series, but each book is stand-alone.

Book 4: Deadly Evidence

Special Agent Brady Coleman has been sent to a ranch by the Rio Grande to help stop drug traffickers. He has another reason besides helping the woman who owns the ranch…he lost three good agents, all friends, to the man behind the drugs. He won’t rest until justice is served.

Celia Remington’s Triple R ranch has been in her family since the 1800s. It takes hard work to keep it going, but she will. She has a daughter to pass the legacy on to. But she needs to stop the drug traffickers from using her land, not to mention cattle thieves.

As always, I was pulled into this story from beginning to end. Several other stories are going on inside the main one, blending nicely.

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Southwest Peril Series

Book 1: Christmas Danger

Gabe Hamilton is busy running his ranch, training horses, and caring for his Aunt Sadie and his nephew Dylan—who is not happy being there while his dad works overseas as a journalist. In addition, he’s not interested in dating since his fiancée walked out on him. And then, the new doctor comes to town, and a baby is dropped off at his house.

Dr. Johanna Miles has come to Enchanted, New Mexico, to work at the pediatric clinic for three months. And then, she’ll be starting her dream job in California on the first of the year. But, of course, she didn’t expect to meet someone like Gabe and the adorable little girl left at his house. After what happened in her first marriage…only her career was in her future.

A page-turner with so many unique side stories. Much humor in Johanna’s big dog and a horse she bought at an auction. An unseen danger and more.

Looking forward to more in this series, as always.

Book 2: Lethal Pursuit

Beth Lindstrom is on the run from some unknown person. So, here she is in Lone Wolf, Texas, with Sophie, her four-year-old daughter, after leaving Chicago. Her aunt Crystal had left Beth and her sister, Melanie, the old Victorian that had been a café downstairs and an apartment upstairs. She needed to sell it in a few months and move to Montana with her sister.

Joel McAllen is a loner. After so many years on the Detroit police force and his personal life fell apart, he’s returned to Lone Wolf and his uncle Walt. The house next to his uncle’s vet clinic had held some shady people…and now someone was there again. So he would keep an eye on the pretty lady and her daughter so they couldn’t swindle Uncle Walt.

A great suspense story that keeps you guessing. I loved the unique pets and all the other characters too.

Book 3: Silent Deception

Ryan Gallagher had left Homestead, Texas, fifteen years ago after the woman he loved dumped him, and he joined the military. Leaving Four Aces ranch and his dictator-like father behind. An accident has him back in Homestead until he can return to his post. He had no idea the woman who hurt him so long ago also returned home.

Kristin Cantrell and her son, Cody, have their own place now. Thanks to a program started by the town to bring younger families in. Figures that on her first day at the clinic as a physician’s assistant, her first patient is Clint Gallagher, and worse, his son Ryan. And, her great-aunt put a bug in her ear that she believed Kristin’s dad was run off the road—murdered—not an accident.

The Gallagher family has many issues to work out. And hidden issues they never realized. Where Kristin’s dad, Nate, had been accused of stealing from them…it goes much deeper. And dangerous. Page-turning, as always.

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The Last Christmas Puppy

Poppy Williams has been a little jumpy lately. Someone has been stalking her, and she has no idea who. So when the nighttime visitor came, the last person she’d expected to see was Jack—her ex-husband.

The stalker issues seem to escalate, including some destruction at Jack’s mom’s home. The reason he’s back in Wolf Creek, Wyoming, from Alaska—his mom passed away, and he’s come to handle all of her properties.

Their daughter, Riley, is due with her first child. Poppy is caring for foster pets, and on top of all that…after twenty-two years, she still finds Jack to be the only man she ever cared for.

A short, exciting story that I enjoyed.

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Wyoming Danger Series

Book 1: Cold Case Danger

Michael Robertson and his son Ian have moved to Wolf Creek for an interim sheriff position. While waiting to fix up the house he bought, he rented a cabin at Frost Canyon Lodge. He didn’t know how much his law enforcement skills would be needed there.

Janna McAllister is reopening the lodge and cabins in the back of her mom’s ranch property. After her divorce and word that her mom has the beginning of Alzheimer’s, she felt it was the best way to care for her mom and daughter. A challenge since her mom never seemed to care for her. And now, someone is trying to stop the lodge from opening.

I loved the characters and page-turning suspense. Looking forward to the rest of this series.

Book 2: Wolf Creek Danger

Cole Daniels has returned to Wolf Creek. He never believed the murder charge put on his dad, and he’s determined to find the real killer. He bought Four Winds Ranch from Gray McAllister before he passed away. The most beautiful views around for him and his daughter to start over.

Leigh McAllister has come home. She’s ready to take over Wolf Creek Veterinary Clinic and begin her new life. So she’s surprised when she’s called out to Four Winds and finds out Cole is back in town. Her teenage crush who’d broken her heart. When someone sets out to destroy Leigh’s business, she must figure it out before they succeed.

I’d suggest reading book one, Cold Case Danger, to have the whole story of the three sisters and their mom, Claire. Looking forward to the third book, Tessa’s story.

Book 3: Collateral Danger

Tessa McAllister is doing all she can to save her ranch and her business of taking people on trail rides and fishing excursions. But, as if it wasn’t hard enough running the ranch with only a couple of ranch hands, now someone is out to hurt her. And if that wasn’t enough, the man who had disappeared on her ten years ago shows up. How much worse can it get?

Josh Bryant had an article to write, so he decided to come to an area where he knew someone. A girl he’d dated in college talked about Wolf Creek. It would be the perfect place to get information. As he tried to figure out how to get close to her, an accident landed him in her bunkhouse. Perfect.

Old hurts blend with the new trouble. Not to mention Claire, Tessa’s mom, is getting worse with her Alzheimer’s. I was sad about the end of this series. I enjoyed the stories; they all have endearing characters.

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Montana Secrets Series

Book 1: Final Refuge 

Jack Matthews has suddenly become a single parent to his nephew. The grief of losing his sister and watching his nephew suffer is tough. He’s backed away from God as well, not understanding how He could do this to them. So they head to Montana for three months, hoping getting out of Texas will help Max, his five-year-old nephew.

Erin Cole has returned to Montana from Colorado. After her cousin’s murder, she had to get away. Now, she’s going to run the general store her grandparents had started. With Grandma Millie gone, it was time Grandpa had an easier life in Florida…with his sister. The murderer who had tormented Erin and her two others is dead, yet some other trouble has followed.

Loved this story. So many different angles of it. The suspense of who was after Erin, the sorrow and grief that Jack and Max are going through, and finally, a sweet, large, cuddly dog.

Looking forward to the other stories in this series.

Book 2: Final Chance

Trace Randall is an ex-rodeo rider, now a rancher. Things happened in his past that he carries the guilt for…even though it’s not his to carry. So when a new neighbor moves in, he helps her…with the push from his sister Carrie…but he keeps himself distant in other ways.

Kristine “Kris” Donaldson just found out she inherited property. If only she knew she had a living relative…besides her mother who disappeared and then her sister cutting off all contact. She’d been through the foster system, fell for the wrong guy, and got drawn into his unlawfulness. She has a new hope now, fixing up Wind Hill and selling it to get out of debt and start a new life. Only, so far, that plan isn’t going too well.

After Kris gets the county contract for using her property as the local animal shelter, things go wrong. Trace does all he can to protect her, but she’s pretty independent. Kris, Erin, and Megan had been close friends. But, after Laura was murdered while they were children, all their lives changed. I’m enjoying this series and looking forward to the next book.

Book 3: Final Pursuit

Deputy Megan Peters. When she was a teen, her cousin was murdered. It affected Megan, Kris, and Erin in different ways. For Megan, it was fighting for justice. Fighting against those like the man who killed Laura. Now there’s a man out there assaulting and murdering women. Megan has to find him before he kills anyone else. And this killer seems to have her on his victim list.

Scott Anders moved away from Chicago to a cabin in Copper Cliff, Montana. Finally, he could be alone…or so he thought. The beautiful deputy had him in her sights, and it wasn’t for anything good. She was looking for a killer, and he was new to the area.

Page-turning suspense with romance on the side. And, of course, some adorable animals add humor to the story.

Book 4: Final Escape

Logan Bradley is working hard to keep his rafting business going. His sister, Penny, and he work it together, but it’s been tough since he had legal troubles last year. Granite Falls, Montana, is a small town. An unforgiving and unforgetting small town, even when a man is proven innocent.

Carrie Randall has moved to Granite Falls from Battle Creek, where she lived with her brother Trace, first to teach summer school and then full-time in the fall. She questions her rental apartment after being told to be careful of the Bradleys. Out of town and alone at the apartment, she now has a stalker. Is it her angry ex-husband? If not, who would be after her?

I loved the story and the characters. Great suspense that had me guessing to the end.

Book 5: Final Witness

Emma White’s life has not been an easy one. First, she was orphaned at seven and adopted by a different family than her sister, Kris. And then her new family ended up in WITSEC. Now, she’s alone, and a killer is after her. So she needs to protect herself, as no one else can.

Jake Kincaid needs to get through this snowstorm to the horse sale and then home. He didn’t expect to gain a passenger without his knowledge. And he’s unsure about her and the story she told him. Yet, the former law enforcement part of him knows she’s in trouble and needs his help.

Loving this series. Great stories and characters.

Book 6: Final Truth

Jolie Maxwell has returned home to Garrett Bluff, Montana. She hadn’t planned on returning once she’d left for college, but it would be good to be near her family again, so she accepted the job as the town doctor. Unfortunately, not everyone is happy about it. Her dad had made a lot of enemies, and the Maxwell name sat wrong with some of the townsfolks.

Widower Matt Dawson is starting over. He moved to Garrett Bluff and started a construction business with his brother. Where they lived in South Chicago, it wasn’t as safe to raise Annie and Charlie as it once was, especially as a single dad.

Several side stories occur along with the romance between Jolie and Matt: Jolie’s father and brother, someone threatening Jolie, and a young girl she takes in. I loved the story.

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Coupled by Christmas Series

Book 1: The Mistletoe Puppy

Kate Larssen keeps busy with her job as a nurse at the local clinic and also runs the local shelter. Her track record with relationships isn't so good. Life changes when a deputy and his daughter start visiting the shelter to see the momma dog and her puppies he had rescued.

 Deputy Brad Bailey is doing his best to raise Janie. They've had a rough year. At first, he thought it was a good thing to visit the shelter, but not so much now that Janie has her heart set on the runt of the litter. The cabin they rented just wasn't the right place for a puppy. However, he enjoyed visiting the shelter...maybe to see Kate more than the dogs.

 A remarkable story with adorable puppies and critters. Friends getting together for Christmas when they have no other family to celebrate with.

Book 2: A Montana Christmas

Kristen heads to Montana to fix up her late grandmother's house before selling it. Once there, the memories of Grandma Tilly come to mind, and to her surprise, it starts to feel like home. It doesn't hurt that she enjoys her new friends.

Lane has returned home to help his twin sister with the ranch and to open his veterinarian office. It's good to be home. And it's an unexpected bonus when Kristen comes to town.

There are dark secrets that Kristen is trying to keep hidden...sadly, they may be hidden but are quite alive and still ruining her life. Fogging her vision. A great short story with wonderful characters.

Book 3: An Irish Christmas Blessing

Eve Blake has come to Ireland. Swapping places with a college friend for two months. It wasn't quite the welcome she expected. Shauna had to leave in a hurry to help her ill grandmother. And Eve walked into utter chaos. Welcome to Ireland, right.

On top of odd noises upstairs, the Gardaì, and Devlin O'Connor...who she doesn't realize is Shauna's brother at first...Eve's at a loss. Thankfully, things quickly get straightened out, and she gets to enjoy the small town. Not to mention a holiday away from family back in the States, a loving family that remind her of what happened and that her life will never be the same.

This is a short but sweet story.

Book 4: A London Christmas

Catriona “Cait” Walker is going on the adventure of her life. She’s heading to England to meet the man of her dreams, and visiting London is a dream come true as well. Only, her dream turns into a nightmare.

 Thank goodness for Sam Holden. An American who is in London to take photographs. A stranger who becomes a friend when she really needs one. Even if he isn’t the man she came to meet, at least she’s not alone.

 This is a very short story but packed full. I enjoyed it.

Book 5: A Scottish Christmas

Lucy Davis was alone in the world. Her mother would never speak of any relatives, only to say they were all gone. After a letter from a solicitor in Scotland, Lucy finds out more about her family history. A lot more.

 Brodie MacLaughlin was tucked away in a cottage at Rosethorn during his sabbatical. He needed to finish a textbook before returning to his teaching job at the university. He didn't need the distraction of an American who would be heading back to the States. Easier said than done.

 A sweet, shorter story with wonderful characters. Sometimes it takes traveling far from home to find it.

Book 6: A Christmas in Paris

Holly Foster really knew how to pick a guy. After planning a huge Paris honeymoon...on her credit cards...he left her...and her debts. So, she finds herself on her Paris honeymoon alone. Until bumping, literally, into a tall, handsome man.

Jack Gaines wasn't going to stay in Paris after his sister had to cancel, but after knocking over the petite woman...maybe he'll stay. She has already bought tickets for two, and he felt protective of her alone in the big city.

Neither Jack nor Holly was looking for a relationship, but friendship and a tour buddy was great. But then again, they were in Paris...the city of love. Incredible, short story.

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Shadows of the Rockies Series

Book 1: Comeback Cowboy

Book 2: Montana Legacy

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Series Books For Harlequin

The Special Agents Series:

Book 1: Operation: Katie

It takes a special kind of person...

When Special Agent Zach Forrester's terrified sister drops her three-year-old daughter into his life, Zach swears he'll do whatever it takes to protect the little girl. So the moment someone threatens to harm the child as a way of getting back at him, Zach flees with Katie to the one safe place he knows -- the small Colorado town he'd lived in as a kid. Unfortunately, it's the one place he'd never wanted to revisit, not even in his dreams.

But for Katie's sake, he'll have to face the past. And he'll have to face Dana Hathaway, his high school sweetheart -- the only woman he's ever loved.

Book 2: Operation: Mistletoe

For most people, spending Christmas with family and friends is what the holidays are all about. But for Special Agent Sara Hanrahan, returning to her hometown is the hardest thing the DEA has ever asked her to do. Even worse, she can't let anyone know why she's here. Not her mother, not her brother, not the inquisitive little boy who lives next door. And most of all, not Deputy Nathan Roswell.

Nathan represents all the reasons she left home so long ago. But he's too good a cop not to wonder about her. Especially when he senses that his town is being threatened. So when Sara gets close to the danger, he's there to help her capture the villains and uncover the truth.

A truth that sets aside old hurts and old scandals. And leaves Nathan and Sara -- and little Josh -- free to share the best Christmas ever. 

Book 3: Operation: Second Chance

From special agent to ex-con...

T. J. Cauthen spent five years in jail. He lost his career, his honor and the chance to watch his daughter grow. Now he's out, and he's determined to get back his life and his child. 

But first he has to figure out who set him up. So he's taken a room at Abby Hilliard's boardinghouse in Silver Springs, Wyoming.

Because -- whether she knows it or not -- his very attractive landlady holds the key.

Book 4: Operation: Texas

Celia Remington is a single mom with a teenage daughter to keep safe -- and the family ranch to protect. She can't believe her luck when Brady Coleman answers her ad for a hired hand. He's lean, fit and obviously not afraid of hard work.

But Brady's no ordinary cowboy. He's a special agent who's determined to uncover the source of the escalating threats to Celia's ranch. He blames himself for the recent ambush of his fellow agents, so this mission is top priority.

And now his unexpected feelings for Celia are making his need for justice even more personal.

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Blackberry Hill Memorial Trilogy

Book 1: Almost a Family

Dr. Connor Reynolds is taking over his Uncle's practice for three months. Uncle Ed wants him to buy the practice, but after all that has happened in his life, Connor does not think he will ever settle in one place again.

Erin Lang is the new Administrator of Blackberry Hill Memorial. She is surprised as she passes Connor on the street. He was married to her cousin, Stephanie. Stephanie died two years ago, but she told Erin things about Connor that made her dislike him.

They run into each other at the hospital, and he is her landlord. Erin has three adopted children, which is why her husband left her. Sam found fatherhood undesirable and left for a younger woman.

Between kids, dogs, and someone killing off patients, Erin and Connor get to know each other, but suspicion and a lack of trust may tear them apart.

Book 2: A Man She Can Trust

 Estranged spouses, a haunted house, a weird cat, and a shaggy dog. Add a mysterious redhead and death threats, and you have a great suspense romance. Let us not forget a fifteen-year-old dropped off at his Great Aunt Grace while she is told that he has one chance left before he is taken away.

Dr Jill Edwards had her medical practice and the Victorian house she always wanted. Her estranged husband had his law practice, and Jill figured he had another woman. He had been seen at all hours with a redhead. He had moved away, but now that his dad was in the hospital, Grant was back in Blackberry Hill to run the law office for his dad.

Threats brought them back together, and in one night of passion, Jill finds herself pregnant and looking at a life of single parenthood. In a big empty house that seemed to be haunted, Grant has brought Sadie to her, a huge black hairy dog. To top it off, a disgruntled client is threatening them. 

Roxanne gives more than the main characters a chance to say what is happening in their lives, so there are several stories going on at once.

Book 3: Home At Blackberry Hill

Originally published as A Temporary Arrangement

Abby Cahill went to college with Erin Lang Reynolds. Erin is the Administrator at Blackberry Hill Memorial and needed a summer replacement for Grace who recently married and has retired. Abby worked as a nurse for three years and has been teaching and writing since then. After a broken engagement and a new job waiting for them in California this fall, she takes it. Arriving, she finds her short-term apartment has burned down, and being a tourist town in the summer, she has a tough time finding a place to stay. When she does find somewhere, the man is a bit crotchety, and every noise bothers him. After she offers to babysit Erin's three kids, she gets evicted.

Ethan Matthews is being told he needs to go to the Green Bay hospital because his arm is cut up so bad he needs more specialized care to heal right. He only has his son, Keifer, for the summer. When he sees no way out of going it ends up Abby offers to take Keifer.

Abby finds herself stuck in the mud, facing a wolf, animals out of their pens and on the loose, she needs to get to the animal shelter to save a dog before the next day, she has a ten-year-old she just met, and it seems someone cut the chains on the animal gates intentionally, and we can't forget Rufus the dog just have seven puppies. Then someone is trying to make Abby look bad at work when she's leaving in a few months anyway.

This was a really good series. I personally suggest reading all three books to get the full picture, even though they are all stand-alone. 

*Book received from NetGalley for review.

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Stand Alone Harlequin Books

Her Sister's Children

SHE's GOT SOMETHING HE WANTS -- HIS LAND.

AND SOMETHING HE DOESN'T KNOW HE HAS -- HIS SON!

When Claire Worth inherits Pine Cliff -- a resort on Lake Superior -- from her late sister, Claire also gets guardianship of her five-year-old twin nieces and her fourteen-year-old nephew. The resort she can manage; motherhood is something else again -- especially when her sister's first husband shows up with plans of his own.

Ever since Logan Matthews lost Pine Cliff, his family's home, in a bitter divorce, he's had nothing to do with his ex-wife or her new family.

Logan wants the place back. And now he has the means to fight for what's his. But he's becoming more and more attracted to Claire. He loves the warmth and laughter she and the children bring to Pine Cliff. And there's something about Claire's nephew that reminds Logan of himself at that age.

Suddenly, there's a whole lot more at stake....

Revised and republished as a sweet Romance: Summer at Briar Lake

Previously published as The House at Briar Lake

Michael Wells loved his elderly aunt and the house at Briar Lake. So when life in the city became intolerable, he accepted his aunt's offer to relocate his law practice and temporarily move into her home. The last thing he expected was to find his aunt missing and the place already occupied by a beautiful woman, her young daughter, and a large assortment of animals. Aunt Bertie had a lot of explaining to do!

Meanwhile...

Lauren McClellan was looking forward to a quiet summer at Briar Lake. Nobody here knew her past -- her secret was safe. She and 10-year-old Hannah would be able to do all the things normal mothers and daughters do. The last thing Lauren needed was a housemate -- a big-city lawyer -- who asked too many questions. What did Bertie think she was doing?

Montana Legacy

HER HOME... 

Minneapolis cop Kate Rawlins grew up believing that her grandfather wanted nothing to do with her. After all, Bob Rawlins had thrown her mother out of his home when Kate was just an infant. He never replied to Kate's letters, so eventually, she stopped writing... and wishing. Now, 20 years later, she's inherited half of Lone Tree—the Montana ranch that's been in her family for generations.

HIS RANCH... 

Seth Hayward has inherited the other half. He's lived and worked on Lone Tree ever since Bob Rawlins took him in as a 13-year-old orphan. Now Seth's raising his own daughter on the land he loves. He's not about to take orders from a city woman -- one who couldn't find the time to visit her dying grandfather.

THEIR FUTURE... 

Kate's grandfather might not have known her, but he knew Seth and Lone Tree. Somehow, he must have known Kate would fall in love with both.

Revised as a sweet romance: Comeback Cowboy

Previously published as Rodeo

Jake Landers has been a cowboy since he was 18. The rodeo folk—bull riders, bullfighters, clowns, announcers, producers, and contractors—are like a second family to him. Now, thanks to an injury, he's in danger of losing much more than just the chance to compete. 

Buying a rodeo company is his chance to get back into the life he loves. But he needs the owner's daughter to teach him the ropes. Unfortunately, Kristen Davis is the woman he'd left stranded at the altar 10 years before... 

Now, Jake has to convince her to travel with him for the next five months. He must do it without breaking his word or revealing dark secrets from the past.

Lone Star Legacy

For Beth Lindstrom, the rundown cafe she inherited in the small town of Lone Wolf was simply a means to an end. Selling it and moving on was the young widow's only hope of a fresh start for her and her five-year-old daughter--though she doubted there was any place on earth they'd feel really safe ever again.

However, she hadn't counted on Joel McAllen getting under her skin. The handsome ex-cop seemed to sense that her past held a terrible secret that kept her on the run. But it wasn't until her husband's killer followed her to Texas that she realized she'd need to trust Joel with her life--and her heart.

Save the Last Dance

Kate Mathers drives by the accident without a second thought. But where is her husband? He isn't answering his phone... Then Kate gets the call from the hospital. Jared was trapped inside the wreck, and now he's fighting for his life.

Rushing to the emergency room, Kate knows all that matters is his survival. The trouble in their marriage, his interfering mother, their brief separation--it's all trivial. Kate needs Jared to come back to her, and she won't stop telling him that. Now all Jared has to do is listen.

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Series Books For Love Inspired

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Snow Canyon Ranch Trilogy

Book 1: Hard Evidence

COME OUT, COME OUT WHEREVER YOU ARE...

Someone was lurking in the woods behind the isolated old cabins Janna McAllister was fixing up. Who was he? And what could he want with a single mother who hadn't set foot in Wyoming in years? Janna was suddenly grateful for her unexpected new lodgers: deputy sheriff Michael Robertson and his teenaged son. The strong, silent type, Michael made her feel safe--especially when human remains were found on the property. The cold case threatened to remain unsolved. Until Janna unwittingly found a clue that would tempt a killer to come out of the woodwork.

Book 2: Vendetta

Guilty until proven innocent...

That was the McAllister family motto, wasn't it? Cole Daniels would never forget it--no matter how interested he was in pretty, kind Leigh McAllister. Thanks to lies told by her uncle, Cole's father was wrongly imprisoned. Now that Cole and Leigh were both back in Wolf Creek, Wyoming, he was sure Leigh held the key to clearing his father's good name. But his quest for justice was complicated by the escalating sabotage of Leigh's vet clinic and by his growing feelings for her.

Book 3: Wildfire

Josh Bryant was back in tiny Wolf Creek. Which meant tour guide Tessa McAllister now had more to fear than drought, wildfire and underhanded rivals. Years ago the handsome photojournalist had broken her heart, leaving her with a secret to harbor alone. And now he was back in her town. Distracting her. Making her remember what they'd shared. But someone was watching them, waiting for the moment to strike. Someone dead set on destroying their hope for a second chance.

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Big Sky Secrets Series

Book 1: Final Exposure

SOMEONE'S LURKING IN THE SHADOWS...

Safety. Serenity. That's what Jack Matthews wants, and what he seeks in Lost Falls, Montana. A quiet retreat is just what Jack and his orphaned nephew, Max, need -- especially with gentle, beautiful Erin Cole as their host. But when sirens in the night leave Max screaming, Jack's faced with the harsh truth. They're not safe -- not him, not Max and especially not Erin. What is she hiding? What does the shadowy figure stalking her want? And how much will Jack have to risk to keep her safe?

Book 2: Fatal Burn

SMOKE AND MIRRORS...

Someone's after Kris Donaldson, and they don't just want her hurt -- they want her ruined. First, an arsonist tries to destroy her cabin, and evidence points to Kris. Then an injured deputy is found at her place...with ballistics proof that he was shot with her rifle. Even Trace Randall, the arson investigator who's helped her before, seems to doubt her now. She has to prove her innocence, but how? Her reputation, her life -- and her chance for happiness with Trace -- are all on the line.

Book 3: End Game

"I'LL BE SEEING YOU AGAIN...."

The attacker's words still ring in Deputy Megan Peters's ears. Her attempt to trap the serial rapist terrorizing Lost Falls failed, but she has succeeded in becoming the target of his attention. Undaunted, Megan moves forward in her investigation, and Scott Anders, the only newcomer in town, draws her suspicion. Is his gentleness just an act? Yet as Megan and Scott grow closer, she finds herself questioning her instincts. What will she believe -- her heart or the evidence that seems to be mounting against Scott?

Book 4: Murder At Granite Falls

"JUST LET IT GO..."

Everyone in Granite Falls tells Carrie Randall the same thing. Is it a threat, or a warning? Yet even if it endangers her fresh start, Carrie needs to know what secret the town's hiding. There's her troubled student and his disturbing drawings. His fiercely protective father, and the mysterious death of his mother. And Carrie definitely has to find out more about the bad reputation of her standoffish new landlord, Logan Bradley. She wants to trust him, but she's been fooled by charm before. Is the town wrong about him -- or is she?

Book 5: Duty to Protect

After nearly a lifetime in witness protection, Emma Graves depends on the anonymity of her false identity. But when her parents die under suspicious circumstances, and Emma is framed for murder, all security is gone. There's nothing to do but run.

Cop-turned-rancher Jake Kincaid is an unlikely defender. Why would an ex-cop believe an accused killer? Still, Jake makes Emma feel safe. With his drive to protect, she knows staying on his ranch endangers them both -- yet now that her heart's engaged, she's not sure she can walk away.

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Aspen Creek Crossroads Trilogy

Book 1: Second Chance Dad

The minute she steps foot in his dark, miserable house, Sophie Alexander knows Josh McClaren is not her usual patient. But the single mom and physical therapist is desperate to make a life for her and her young son. And she's definitely no quitter! It's obvious to Sophie that handsome, cantankerous Josh hides his pain behind a wall of grief. Little by little, Sophie and her son, Eli, do more than help Josh find his faith again. They make Josh wonder if there's a family in his future after all....

Book 2: Winter Reunion

The single mother hasn't been found. And all her daughter, Sarah, has is her uncle. Clueless at parenting, Clint Herald seeks a loving, responsible nanny. What he finds instead is a stranger as mysterious as his sister's disappearance. Mandy Erick is secretive and seems scared, yet she's so good with Sarah that Clint can't help but trust her. In fact, he even enters Mandy in the town's Mother of the Year contest. But attention is the last thing Mandy wants. Her time in the public eye may prove just as dangerous as she fears.

Book 3: Untitled and release is unscheduled at this time

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Multi-Author book series:

Love Inspired...

Without a Trace Series book 5: Deadly Competition

The single mother hasn't been found. And all her daughter, Sarah, has is her uncle. Clueless at parenting, Clint Herald seeks a loving, responsible nanny. What he finds instead is a stranger as mysterious as his sister's disappearance. Mandy Erick is secretive and seems scared, yet she's so good with Sarah that Clint can't help but trust her. In fact, he even enters Mandy in the town's Mother of the Year contest. But attention is the last thing Mandy wants. Her time in the public eye may prove just as dangerous as she fears.

Rocky Mountain Heirs Book 5: The Lawman's Thanksgiving Wish

The fifth grandchild has come back to Clayton in lieu of Grandpa George's will's requirements. Mei Clayton has never felt as if she belonged in the Clayton clan. Vern and Lisette adopted her from China and a few years later Lucas was born. She was a shy girl who may have been misunderstood as being snooty. In high school a rumor started about her feelings for Jack McCord, the step-son of Charlie Clayton. She did have a crush on Jack but it was all very humiliating for her. Mei plans on staying for her year and then return to her teaching job in San Francisco. Her first day back an accident brings her face to face with Jack.

Jack McCord is a Wildlife Biologist. He has returned to Clayton for one reason, Cade, his younger step-brother. Jack's life has not been easy. His mom is on her third marriage, his step-dad Charley was never a father to him or Cade, he can't convince his little brother not to marry so young, and now on top of everything else Mei has returned and he keeps running into her. Maybe he will have a second chance to get to know her even though they have to survive the Clayton feud to do so.

Vincent and his cronies continue to try and chase their cousins away so that Samuel's family will get George's inheritance. So far they have failed at each attempt to get even one cousin to leave town. Lucas has been out of touch so far and last they heard he was running from a drug gang in the Florida everglades and he may have a young child with him. And Darlene Perry is getting weaker from her disease but still refuses to tell anyone who Macy's father is. Great series, can't wait to read the last book.

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Multi-Author book series:

Harlequin...

Big Sky Country book 2: A Montana Family

Dr. Jolie Maxwell -- oldest of the Maxwell sisters -- doesn't expect a royal welcome from her family when she finally comes home. But her brother's in serious trouble with the law, and her father's health is failing. They need Jolie. 

The townsfolk also need Jolie -- they haven't had a local doctor in years. However, they're not happy about having another Maxwell in their midst. In fact, one of them will do anything to drive her away. 

Coolness from her family, hostility from the townspeople and the very real threat of danger make Jolie appreciate the friendship of her new neighbor, Matt Dawson -- and his two young children. 

Although, when it comes to Matt, friendship is only part of what Jolie wants.

The Birth Place book 3: Christmas at Shadow Creek

Nothing is more rewarding than bringing a new life into the world. Share the joy with the dedicated staff of The Birth Place and the women who choose to have their babies here.

Pediatrician Joanna Weston's looking forward to caring for the infants at The Birth Place. But one of her first patients is a baby girl -- not born at the birth center, but abandoned on the porch of the ranch next door. Joanna is outraged when she finds out her handsome neighbor is the child's deadbeat dad. Until she sees the tender concern he shows the daughter he didn't know he had. The daughter he'll now do anything to keep.

Home to Loveless County book 1: Back in Texas

Desperate times call for desperate measures...

That's why the dying town of Homestead, Texas, established the Home Free program, offering land grants in exchange for the much-needed professional services modern homesteaders bring with them.

Kristin Cantrell had leaped at the chance to return to her childhood home, accepting subsidized land for herself and her son in exchange for the service she could offer as a physician's assistant. She didn't expect her reputation to be tarnished by a crime her deceased father had supposedly committed. She also didn't expect to see Ryan Gallagher again, even though his father, the senator, practically owned the Hill Country.

Now she has to prove not only her father's innocence but also her own.