On The Line - Book 2

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 novels that resulted from her intense relationship with firefighters!

“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

Ian Woodward, one of the firefighter heroes of the 9/11 terrorist attack, lost the use of his legs on that horrific day. But when Ian starts teaching at the Hidden Cove Fire Academy, he finds meaning in his life again. But he vows never to accept the love of beautiful Broadway star Lisel Loring—until a deluded fan starts stalking her. Disgraced cop, Rick Ruscio becomes her bodyguard, but it’s his community service at a local preschool, where he meets teacher Faith McPherson, that completely turns his life upside down. Both men must deal with their issues and accept the strong women who love them.

"The talented Shay offers another heartwarming tale of brave men and women." Booklist

“I was profoundly moved by this book in a way that I haven't often been moved by a romance novel. It speaks of redemption, forgiveness and the transcendent healing power of love. I know that I will be reading this one again. All About Romance

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 novels that resulted from her intense relationship with firefighters!

“Inspiring and emotionally invigorating…a true hero’s tale.” RT Book Reviews

Three firefighters from the Malvaso family are trapped in a burning building and almost lose their lives. After they are rescued, they decide to change the way they’ve been living. Mitch, the eldest, wants to make some decisions about his dysfunctional marriage and spend more time with his kids. Jenn decides to have a baby—with her best friend, Grady. And Zach, the bad boy of the group, vows to make up for his past sins and become a better man.

“This powerful, emotionally realistic book is the first of Shay's new trilogy about the men and women who put their lives on the line every day and how that dedication and commitment affect all those around them. Poignant and compelling, this novel reinforces Shay's well-earned reputation as a first-rate storyteller.” Shelley Mosley, American Library Association.

“A 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

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

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

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

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!!"

Kathryn Shay combines her extensive research on the Secret Service with her vast experience in the high school classroom to create this powerhouse of a novel!

“A wonderful work of contemporary romance, with a plot ripped straight from the headlines. Kathryn Shay never disappoints.” NY Times bestselling author Lisa Gardner.

When by-the-book Secret Service Agent Joe Stonehouse and unpredictable Secret Service Agent Luke Ludzecky go under cover in a high school which has been flagged by their School Threat Assessment Team as having the potential for violence, they expect their differences will cause them conflict. What they don’t expect are the two women who blow their careful plan apart. Suzanna Quinn is the principal and hates being attracted to the new school psychologist, and worse, thirty year old Social Studies teacher Kelsey Cunningham is horrified by her feelings for Luke, her new “student.” But the very real threat of school violence from more than one student forces them to work together and face their feelings for each other. Suicide, gang warfare and bullying all play a part as this stunning drama unfolds.

"Shay does an admirable job with a difficult subject, writing about school violence with sensitivity and realism and without shying away from any of the hard issues, such as the balance between the students' protection and their civil liberties." Shelley Mosley Booklist

Kathryn Shay’s storytelling grabbed me on page one and her characters held me until the very last word.” Barbara Bretton, USA bestselling author.

“Kathryn Shay is a master of her craft. PROMISES TO KEEP will hold you on the edge of your seat with an ending you’ll remember long after you turn the last page.” USA Today bestselling author Catherine Anderson.

"Kathryn Shay’s first mainstream romantic suspense is a gripping story that will haunt readers with its authenticity. And those who pick up a copy will find not one, but two absorbing romance threads, full of sensuality and fire. If ever the label of “sure thing” were deserved by a book, PROMISES TO KEEP is such a book.” The Romance Reader

“These are all living breathing people you might meet anywhere at any time. The action and suspense balance well with the love, so that neither plot is skimped upon. I eagerly await her next release.” Huntress 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 one of the novels that resulted from her intense relationship with firefighters!

“Kathryn Shay loves firefighters, and if you didn't love them before, you'll love them after reading some of her books featuring firefighting heroes and heroines.” Judith Arnold, Romance Writer

Army veteran Beckett Sloan is just trying to make it through the day. After having spent twenty years in the service, he was given an opportunity to join the fire department in Hidden Cove, NY, on an elite crew called the Rescue Squad. There’s one catch. He has to attend a support group for firefighters, police officers and veterans with PTSD, a malady which caused the breakup of his marriage and the estrangement of his son. At the first session, he meets Lela Allen, a former army medic, who’s divorcing her army husband because of his inability to manage his own post traumatic syndrome. Though Lela and Beck are attracted to each other, they resist it. When both their children show symptoms of PTSD, common in kids of sufferers, a lasting relationship between Lela and Beck seems doomed. But fate has other things in mind for them, for their children and for two veterans of war whose experiences are also featured in the book. With the backdrop of a modern fire department and exciting fire scenes, this highly charged emotional drama will bring tears to the readers’ eyes as everybody struggles through this untenable situation.

Praise for Kathryn Shay’s Firefighter books

“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

“Powerful and compelling, this novel reinforces Shay’s well-earned reputation as a first rate storyteller.” Booklist

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

Reviewers say Kathryn Shay knows teenagers. As a high school teacher, she has dealt with troubled kids like those in this story. She also grew up in a small town, near a race car track.

As kids, the stock car racing town of Glen Oaks called them The Outlaws, but no one knew the hoodlums on the streets would grow up to be upstanding citizens. Their leader, Linc, has become a minister, but never got over his first love, Margo, now an atheist because of her upbringing in a religious cult. Beth is lonely after the death of her young husband, Danny, until Tucker, the man who blames himself for Danny’s death, comes to town. And Annie has overcome emotional and physical scars from her youthful marriage to Joe, but will her progress be enough when he reenters her life five years after their divorce? Troubled young teen, Ronny, reunites all of them, and in trying to help the boy, the three couples uncover a passion for each other that can’t be denied.

Praise for TRUST IN ME
“An unusual and compelling tale. I don’t know when I’ve been more involved in a novel’s characters and story.” The Romance Reader

“A master story teller…don’t miss this book or you’ll be sorry you did.” Reader to Reader Reviews

“Talk about emotional, heart-wrenching stories…be prepared for an extraordinary reading experience that will linger in your thoughts for a long time.” Tanzey Cutter, Old Book Barn Gazette

“I don't know how I missed this author before, but she's on my automatic-buy list now. What a great book. Controversial subjects handled in a sensitive and yet honest way--characters that just walked off the page, real and warm. The story just kept coming. A heart toucher, about problems that really happen with no easy solutions. Wonderful! Don't miss!” A Reader

“This is definitely another hit for Kathryn Shay. The story is well written and easy to follow…it involves some very deep issues which some authors may not cover quite as well as Shay does. The characters are very real, likeable, compassionate and understanding even with the issues they are faced with.” A Reader