Better Than Before - Book 1

“Shay is one of the most talented authors on the romance scene. Her books are always intelligent, her characters realistic, and her plots believable.” The Romance Reader

In her never before published trilogy RIGHT MATCH.COM (BETTER THAN BEFORE, WAITING FOR YOU, MEANT TO BE), Kathryn Shay tackles some of her trademark emotional issues: the dangers of online dating, deception, divorce, disabilities, domestic violence and raising children, all framed by three brothers who finally find their soul mates! Based on the premise, “Everybody lies on these sites,” the stories show how a lie told between each couple can have devastating effects!

In WAITING FOR YOU, tough cop Joe Moretti meets the love of his life, Dana Devlin, on his brother’s dating website. Little does he know she’s harboring a very big secret, one that almost destroys their relationship. Joe must find a way to prevent that secret, and his own personal ghosts, from ruining their chance together.

“A wonderful book! Shay takes the impossible and makes it believable. She creates scenes that are beautiful in the writing and laced with emotion. Her characters certainly make some mistakes, but goodness prevails. She makes me believe in the goodness of humankind! On to the next in the series – I can't wait!” A Barnes and Noble Reader

“Shay’s writing trademark is taking seemingly impossible relationships and developing them into classic tales of true love, which is what she does here.” Fresh Fiction

In her never before published trilogy RIGHT MATCH.COM(BETTER THAN BEFORE, WAITING FOR YOU, MEANT TO BE), Kathryn Shay tackles some of her trademark emotional issues: the dangers of online dating, deception, divorce, disabilities, domestic violence and raising children, all framed by three brothers who finally find their soul mates! Based on the premise, “Everybody lies on these sites,” the stories show how a lie told between each couple can have devastating effects!

In MEANT TO BE, thirty-four year old Cole Matheson gets himself entangled with Beth Montgomery, forty-five, while he’s lying to her about his age. When he finally tells her the truth, she reluctantly forgives him. But he’s unable to be completely honest with her and, eventually, Beth cannot deal with his consistent deceit. Now, sexy, adorable Cole must convince her he can be the kind of man she deserves.

Praise for Kathryn Shay’s contemporary romances:
“This powerful story will stay with readers long after they finish the book. *Starred Review* Shelley Mosley, American Library Association.

“Shay writes an emotion-packed story. With angst and some hot sex, this dramatic tale also has a nice touch of humor.” RT Book Reviews

With THE BETRAYAL, Kathryn Shay adds a brand new full length novel of romantic suspense to her impressive list of forty-six books, with five million copies in print. Follow this tale of twists and turns as two people find their lives totally entangled, no matter how hard they struggle against their connection.

Darcy Weston flees to her grandparents’ abandoned farm after her stepfather rapes her. There, she meets Jordan Mackenzie, a local boy, and the friendship of a lifetime begins. Jordan helps sustain Darcy with food and water, and his company, for months, but eventually her whereabouts are discovered. In subsequent years, the two young people try to stay in touch from their disparate worlds, but eventually they drift apart.

Flash forward twelve years. Jordan is an accomplished teacher and Darcy, an internationally famous, reclusive artist. They meet again when Jordan publishes a book that reveals secrets about Darcy's past. But they find themselves thrown together first over the scandal his book creates, then over a murder. Once again, they turn to each other for help and comfort as they deal with police investigations, a variety of suspects from each other's worlds, and a passion between them which won't be denied.

Reader Reviews:

"This is definitely a page turner (I stayed up way too late because I just couldn't put it down!!) and there's enough romance to keep your heart fluttering."

"It's been a long time since I've enjoyed a book as much as "The Betrayal." I've always been a huge Kathryn Shay fan mainly because her books are unique, meaningful and never trite. This one is no exception. If you enjoy good writing, love stories and suspense like I do, fire up your Kindle and start this book. You won't be disappointed."

"Just when things seem to settle down in this story, there is another turn. I couldn't predict the ending of this book even from 25 pages before the end. It was well crafted and kept the reader turning the pages."

"Kathryn Shay is no typical romance writer, but she sure does know how to paint a hot love scene with words. This book was a steal for the price. Shay deserves much, much more!!"

Welcome to SERENITY HOUSE, a trilogy of stories about women who spent some of their adolescent years in a group home for troubled girls. Each story explores what effects their dysfunctional backgrounds had on them. As you might guess, trust—not being able to trust—is a big issue for all three. But with the help of those who love them, each woman overcomes her difficult beginnings and becomes the person she was meant to be.

In PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT, Paige Kendrick is a successful doctor who keeps people at a distance and refuses a relationship with hunky doctor Ian Chandler. But Ian won’t stop until he gets what he wants—Paige! And because of his assertiveness, he almost destroys their chances of a life together.

In A PLACE TO BELONG, Darcy O’Malley and Hunter Sloan have more in common than they know when they meet at her daycare. Both have troubled kids, both grew up as outcasts in their hometown, and both find a deep and driving passion for the other that cannot be denied.

When she was eighteen, troubled Anabelle Crane fell in love with Nathan Hyde, the town’s fair-haired boy. He broke her heart and she left town to become an undercover cop. In AGAINST THE ODDS, she’s back to guard him from a stalker. But some things haven’t changed and Anabelle and Nathan find that the passion they have for each other has not died!

“For readers like myself who have been a bit disappointed with the quality of the genre of late, Shay’s latest might as well have antidote stamped right next to the “Serenity House” logo. The second and third doses can’t come fast enough.” The Romance Reader

"A touching story about goals, emotional insecurity and the ability to grow and change unfolds in the remarkable and realistic page-turner. Ms. Shay has once again gifted us with a beautiful love story filled with hope, healing and the pursuit of happiness. Rendezvous Magazine

In this emotionally charged story, Annie Montgomery and Zachary Sloan have shared a complicated past. They met as young college students, married, and planned to live happily ever after. They thought they could deal with their differences, but they were wrong. A bitter divorced ensued, and they both started new lives. Or have they? When they meet during a crisis, Annie and Zach share a bed again. A month later, Annie discovers she’s pregnant. Since having children was one of the stumbling blocks of their marriage, Annie can’t believe Zach is happy about his impending fatherhood. Zach has to convince her he’s changed, and Annie must learn to compromise, because one thing is for certain--they never stopped loving each other!

“Kathryn Shay is a star who shines brighter than most of the big name romance writers today. JUST ONE NIGHT is a special work because of the underlying message that no transgression is too great…for love…to redeem it. This is one book readers better purchase early because it will fly off the shelf.” Affaire de Coeur

“JUST ONE NIGHT is a thoroughly engrossing read as most of Kathryn Shay’s previous books have been. So grab a box of tissues, cover yourself with a warm quilt and get set to be swept away to another world.” An Amazon Reader

Kathryn Shay combines the world of a NYC Irish pub and her favorite firefighters in the last of the O'Neil Family trilogy!

“Shay writes an emotion-packed story that presents a realistic view of the romantic and social problems faced by female firefighters. With angst and some hot sex, this dramatic tale also has a nice touch of humor.” RT Book Reviews

Liam O’Neil simply wants to make it through the day. His son is depressed, his beloved wife died three years ago and he’s lonely! Enter, Sophie Tyler, a firefighter who lives on the edge and likes it that way. Though she carries some of her own baggage, she’s the total opposite of Liam. However, when she begins work at the family pub, they’re drawn to each. Then they fall in love. But nothing can erase the biting fear Liam—and his kids—feel about the danger Sophie is in every day. Eventually, an arsonist upsets the delicate balance of their relationship and they realize they can’t be together. Or can they?

“This is an enjoyable second chance at love romantic suspense thriller. The story line is action-packed in terms of the arsonist subplot and filled with angst re the relationship between Liam and Sophie. Although TAKING THE HEAT stands alone, with the O'Neil family playing major roles, reading the previous tales (see CLOSE TO YOU and SOMEONE TO BELIEVE IN) enhances the experience. Once again Kathryn Shay pays homage to the brave firefighters.” Harriet Klausner

“TAKING THE HEAT is an emotional roller coaster ride that hits so many real life issues facing career women in today's world. As each O'Neil book comes out, I find myself drawn more and more into their world. I'll be waiting very impatiently for the last two brothers' books.” Joyfully Reviewed

Welcome to three of Kathryn Shay’s high school dramas. A teacher in a public school for years, she knows kids and the men and women who teach them!

“Few authors can turn such a biting social commentary into an uplifting novel. Ms. Shay does this with the best books of the year.” Affaire de Coeur

Bayview Heights has one of the best educational systems in the state due to the dedication of teachers, administrators and the community. But they have their problems, too. Gangs are encroaching from the city, the town newspaper is criticizing them, and an angry board member objects to some innovative clazzes. These issues frame three intense romances where teachers must overcome personal issues as well as professional ones.

In COP OF THE YEAR, Captain Mitch Lansing is assigned to Cassie Smith’s high school clazzroom and sparks fly. He’s by-the-book, and she’s unorthodox and innovative in her teaching methods. But when Mitch develops an unstoppable bond with her students, Cassie finds her attraction to him irresistible. “An emotionally powerful tale that leaves you breathless.” RT Book Reviews

In BECAUSE IT’S CHRISTMAS, high school principal Seth Taylor is a hero to most people in town. But Seth has never forgotten the mistakes he made years ago with his students. And neither has Lacey Cartwright, because one involved her brother. But attraction then love flares between them and Lacey fears she’ll she lose what’s left of her family. “Rich characterizations and emotional intensity.” RT Book Reviews

In COUNT ON ME, Zoe Caufield and Kurt Lansing were once deeply in love—until he betrayed her. Now, Kurt’s back in Bayview Heights, running a clinic where her students volunteer, and he wants another chance with Zoe. But she’ll never trust him again, and there’s nothing he can do to win her back. Or is there? “A fascinating and emotionally gripping story.” RT Book Reviews

A real life medevac helicopter unit, Mercy Flight Base in Canandaigua, New York, served as the basis for Shay's research for this book. She is grateful for all the hours the dedicated pilots, paramedics and staff spent with her.

"One of the best features of this romance is the authentic air ambulance / search and rescue backdrop. I enjoyed reading this family focused romance." Muse Creations

Guardian Flight Base, a search and rescue air ambulance service, needs another helicopter and Alexis Castle has come to Catasaga Lake to see if her company, Castle Industries, deems them worthy of grant money. She soon finds out that they are very deserving, but not before she falls in love with their head pilot, Spence Keagan, a set-in-his ways, untrusting man. Both Spence and Alexis know getting involved smacks of impropriety, but they can’t help themselves. They’re further bound together when their two kids, both of whom are estranged from their parents, form a bond of their own. Complicated and intense, this relationship sets the stage for some high powered action and passionate love scenes.

"Shay's research is, of course, extensive, but she doesn't beat you over the head with it. The details of what it is to be part of a helicopter rescue team are there, but more importantly, her characters make it all human. Alexis's daughter and her father are well drawn, as are Spence's son and father. If you haven't read a Kathryn Shay book, I urge you to pick up this release, and get to know some wonderful characters." All About Romance

"FINALLY A FAMILY is a warm relationship drama that highlights the interchange between three generations of two dysfunctional families. The lead characters, their fathers, and their children behave like real people struggling to find a connection between one another. Kathryn Shay scores with another triumph that echoes the need of love and understanding to forge a bonded family." The Best Reviews

Kathryn Shay spent five years riding fire trucks with a large city fire department, eating in their firehouses and interviewing hundreds of America’s Bravest. Read the novellas that resulted from her intense relationship with firefighters!

“Shay’s powerful characters and emotional topics strike a chord with her readers and have earned her a well-deserved place among the top romance authors.” Waldenbooks Romantic Reader

The Rescue Squad in the Hidden Cove Fire Department deals with all kinds of emergencies: blazing fires, horrific car accidents and a myriad of medical calls. Like most firefighters, they also have complicated personal relationships due to the nature of their jobs.

In AMERICA’S BRAVEST, each of the six novellas details both the love and work of one firefighter with overarching themes of arson, a blogger out to discredit them, and balancing their personal and professional lives.

In IN TOO DEEP, Captain Gabe Malvaso struggles with his attraction to Rachel Wellington, a firefighter on his squad. But when they’re trapped in a basement, thinking they’ll die, all bets are off.

HOT SHOT picks up with Paramedic Brody O’Malley, who’s happy with single life until a clazz reunion where he meets Emma Walsh, the only woman he ever loved. But because he broke her heart, she’s refuses to rekindle old flames.

WORTH THE RISK follows Ryan O’Malley, Brody’s twin cop brother, as he pursues prickly Lieutenant Felicia White, who’s always disliked his “playboy” persona. But when they are forced to work together on an arson case, sparks fly.

EL BOMBERO is the story of Firefighter Tony Ramirez and his beloved wife Sophia, sweethearts since high school, who run into the biggest challenge of their lives: Sophia can no longer tolerate the danger her husband is in every day.

In RESCUE ME, twenty-four-year-old Sydney Sands saves the life of local businessman Max Delinsky only to fall head over heels in love with him. But trouble comes in merging the discrepancy in their ages and Max’s difficulty with her past.

TRIAL BY FIRE tells the story of Battalion Chief Cal Erikson, whose been fighting for two years with blogger Parker Allen about the fire department. Imagine his surprise when he finds himself attracted to the fiery journalist with deep scars from her past. The arson case is solved, but not before both their lives are endangered.

In THE EPILOGUE, get a closer look at how all six couples live happily ever after!

Praise for Kathryn Shay’s Firefighter Books

“Readers will appreciate the powerfully written, tense emergency situations. The Malvaso clan and the other key characters seem genuine in and out of emergency scenarios. Kathryn Shay pays homage to rescue workers with this exhilarating tale.” A Reader Review

“Powerhouse author Shay follows up AFTER THE FIRE with another dramatic and dynamic thriller. Her complex and unforgettable characters breathe life into this truly intense novel.” Romantic Times Book Club

“Superb contemporary romance that grabs you in the prologue and won’t let go until you’ve read the final page. Bravo, Ms. Shay!” The Romance Readers Connection

“One of the best running collections on the market today.” A Reader Review