Meant To Be - Book 3

“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

“Kathryn Shay knows how to pack an emotional wallop.” Booklist

In her brand new RIGHTMATCH.COM trilogy, (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 BETTER THAN BEFORE, charismatic and super rich venture capitalist Spence Wickham makes a bet with his brother to join an online dating service and prove people lie on these sites. But his deceit trips him up with sweet and generous Annie Hopkins who’s looking for the type of man he’s pretending to be. When the truth comes out, Spence must find a way to make Annie love him for the man he is.

“Another winner by Kathryn Shay! The online dating stuff is fascinating! I loved the characters - flaws and all. Reading this book I ran the emotional gamut - was mad as hell at what characters did, moved to tears in some scenes, laughed out loud and cheered. The love scenes gave me a case of the vapors. This book tackles some powerful issues, and leaves the reader feeling good about humankind and the power of love. I can't wait for the next one in the series!” A Barnes and Noble Reader

‘Kathryn Shay has done it again! Her writing is beyond measure, and her characters are as interesting as they always are - A truly fantastic read!” A Barnes and Noble Reader

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!!"

“…the characters are well drawn and appealing, and Shay’s hero is hard to resist.” RT Reviews

“…A great hero…sympathetic as all get out…decent, warmhearted…a good dad…treats the new woman in his life like a princess.” The Romance Reader

“The best thing Ms. Shay does is create a strong sensual tension between two people with two very different goals. Congratulations Ms. Shay for a deeply emotional and well thought out story.” The Best Reviews

“Kathryn Shay scored the winning touchdown with this sweet tale of love.” The Best Reviews

When the Buckland Bulls professional football team sets up their summer training camp at Beckett College, former linebacker, Mike “The King” Kingston, now a celebrity coach, upsets Dr. Jacelyn Ross’ academic life. First he mistakes her for a student where, in reality, she heads the business department. Then he accuses her of a being a biased, stuffy teacher. But when he muscles his way into her personal life, and worse, falls for her, Jacelyn experiences a totally different kind of emotion. Faced with accusations of professional misbehavior and acting like a groupie, Jacelyn won’t admit she likes the rugged coach and eventually that she’s fallen in love with him. Because they can’t avoid contact, tension mounts. Based on the football training camp of the Buffalo Bills at a college in upstate New York (where the author did extensive research), PLAYING FOR KEEPS combines real life conflict with a fictional love story that will knock your socks off.

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

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

Once again, Kathryn Shay puts into words what she's learned as a high school teacher. She also spent time with the public defender and a district attorney to research this book!

"Each page is pure seduction of the senses.” Genie Romex Reviews

Three years after his wife’s death, Luke Rayburn is still struggling with loneliness and the challenges of being a single father. But when his son, Michael, decides he wants to meet his biological mother, Luke must face one of the biggest challenges of his life. Who knew, when they both meet the haunted, beautiful Meredith Hunter, their lives would get inextricably bound together? Full of hot passion and tender family scenes, MICHAEL’S FAMILY is sure to tug on your heart strings.

"Once again, Kathryn Shay blends realism and romance to flawless perfection. Her strength lies in her ability to capture the voice of children with thoughtful insight into how they think and what they feel. The love story is passionate and bittersweet. There's no stopping this gifted author!" The Literary Times, Inc.

“With brilliant characterization and sizzling sensuality, Kathryn Shay gifts us with an emotional powerhouse of a love story.” RT Book Reviews

Kathryn Shay has written several novels dealing with the Secret Service and has done extensive primary and secondary research to make her work realistic.

"Kathryn Shay writes believable characters you can't help falling in love with. While this is my first Kathryn Shay book, it won't be my last. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment in this series.” The Romance Reader Connection

CLOSE TO YOU is the story of Secret Service Agent CJ Ludzecky, who is assigned to the coveted Vice Presidential Protection Division, guarding the Second Lady of the United States and her two children. After overcoming a rocky start in the Service, CJ is out to prove herself big-time. There's no room for men in her life, especially not the Second Lady's charming, sexy, sensitive brother, Aidan O'Neil.

Back-dropped by the hustle of New York City, the political world of Washington, D.C. and the pastoral scenery of the Finger Lakes, CJ tries to protect her charges, while Aidan tries to persuade her to let him into her life. The invasion of the press, a hostage situation involving the Vice President, a former gang member and a kidnapping attempt all move the story—and CJ and Aidan's relationship—to a stunning conclusion.

Award-winning author Kathryn Shay delivers a powerful novel about two people whose undeniable passion for each other pushes them to take the chances of a lifetime.

“Shay's sequel to last year's SOMEONE TO BELIEVE IN continues to explore the powerful emotions and at times heart-wrenching issues associated with the O'Neil family. Attraction can develop at the most inconvenient time, and for these characters, it comes down to making serious life choices. Always a dramatic and engaging storyteller, Shay never disappoints.” RT Book Reviews

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

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