The Betrayal

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 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 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

Welcome to The Educators, Kathryn Shay’s bold new series of never before published novellas. Veteran teacher Shay returns to one of her favorite settings and vividly portrays the teachers, administrators and students of Crystal Corners High School. As is her trademark, sizzling romances are back-dropped by controversial, complicated and sometimes dangerous situations.

Still The One is a 21,000 word novella.

"Kathryn Shay never shies away from tough or controversial subject matter. I thought all the issues in this book were handled with care, and ably so. She made both characters immensely appealing, so I was really rooting for them to make it work. It was as difficult for the reader to find a way out of their predicament as it was for Annie and Dylan. But Shay comes up with the perfect (and only, IMO) solution available to them." Lori Sherden, Goodreads

In STILL THE ONE, Annie Jacobs has made something of herself after a rough adolescence. She’s the mother of twin boys, a respected and well-liked English teacher and has good friends. But when her former high school teacher, Dylan Kane, comes back to town, Annie’s carefully created world starts to crumble. She and Dylan have a past, one which almost destroyed her. Now, he wants to be the next principal of her school. Annie’s afraid their previous relationship will endanger the job she loves. She’s even more fearful that her feelings for Dylan will rekindle, or worse, never died.

Praise for Shay’s High School Stories
“Kathryn Shay has carefully and precisely brought the reality of high school life into focus.” An Amazon Reader

“Shay uses her own extensive background as a high-school teacher to create believable teenagers.” The Romance 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

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

“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 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

"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