Margins
Shelter Bay book cover 1
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Shelter Bay
Series · 13
books · 2010-2015

Books in series

The Homecoming book cover
#1

The Homecoming

2010

In the first heartwarming novel in the Shelter Bay series, New York Times bestselling author JoAnn Ross proved that your first love never really fades away.... Former Navy SEAL Sax Douchett has returned home to the small coastal town of Shelter Bay, Oregon, determined to put war behind him and get on with his life—which is easier said than done when everyone is hailing the former bad boy as a local hero. Adjusting to a new beginning becomes even more difficult when he unearths a long-buried secret that in turn, reunites him with a cherished part of his past that he’s never forgotten. Drawn back into his life is Sheriff Kara Conway, a girl who always held a special place in Sax’s heart But as he cautiously reconnects with Kara and bonds with her young son, another long-held secret in Shelter Bay threatens their second chance at a forever-after love.
One Summer book cover
#2

One Summer

2011

When former U.S. Marine photojournalist Gabriel St. James arrives in Shelter Bay to help out a fellow Marine, the last thing he expects is to meet a woman like Charity. A veterinarian with a past that would have defeated a less resilient woman, Charity still possesses a heart as generous as her name. She's known men like Gabe before-but with a shared attraction impossible to deny, Charity and Gabe agree to a simple affair with no expectations. But as summer unfolds, and Gabe finds reasons to extend his stay in Shelter Bay, he and Charity realize that there's nothing simple about falling in love, and nothing easy about the choices of the heart.
On Lavender Lane book cover
#3

On Lavender Lane

2012

Sometimes the second time is the charm.... After seeing enough of war, former Navy SEAL Lucas Chafee is settling back into civilian life when he accepts a job refurbishing a farmhouse for an old friend, who plans to turn it into a culinary school. Celebrity TV chef Madeline Durand was badly shaken when her husband's illicit video went viral, so she jumps at the chance to reevaluate her life in Shelter Bay while helping her grandmother turn the family farm into a new business. Little does she know that the man who broke her heart years ago is already on the job. Having let Maddy leave Shelter Bay once, Lucas isn't about to let her get away this time. But rekindling their romance won't be easy, as she still hasn't forgiven him for a fateful night ten years ago. But Lucas is a man on a mission, and with the help of some Shelter Bay matchmakers, he plans to come up with a very special recipe of passion, patience, and perseverance to win her over....
Moonshell Beach book cover
#4

Moonshell Beach

2012

He no longer believed in anything. But she believed in him. J.T. Douchett has returned home to shut out the world and escape the memories that haunt him from his final mission as a Marine. When he reluctantly agrees to provide security for a town event, the last thing he expects is to experience unbidden feelings for Irish movie star Mary Joyce. Mary has surprised everyone—including herself—by accepting an invitation to a film festival in Shelter Bay. The Oregon coastal town immediately charms her, and an even larger surprise is encountering the stoic man who could be everything she's dreamed of. As J.T. struggles to keep Mary at arm’s length, she reminds herself that she’s never been attracted to the strong, silent type. And having known so much sorrow, he’s afraid to risk getting close to anyone. But in Shelter Bay, even the most strongly guarded heart is no match for love.
Sea Glass Winter book cover
#5

Sea Glass Winter

2012

He was used to getting what he wanted. And what he wanted was her. As an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist, Dillon Slater had one of the most dangerous jobs in the military. Now, he’s enjoying the pace of life in Shelter Bay, where he teaches high school physics. He still gets to blow things up, but as the school basketball coach he also gets to impart leadership skills. His latest fifteen-year-old Matt Templeton—and Matt’s irresistible mother… Claire Templeton moved her troubled teenage son to the small town of Shelter Bay to escape the bad influences at his school in L.A. But when his attitude earns her a visit from the handsome basketball coach, she wonders if this role model might be too much of a temptation—for her. Because though she isn’t looking for a relationship, she can’t seem to resist Dillon’s playful charm. But what she doesn’t realize is that Dillon isn’t playing games—he’s playing for keeps…
Castaway Cove book cover
#6

Castaway Cove

2013

They’ve never met. But they’re destined for each other… Single dad Mac Culhane has traveled to some of the world’s most dangerous war zones, but now he and his young daughter have settled in Shelter Bay, where he’s become the late-night DJ for the local radio station. The last thing he expects is to connect over the airwaves with a caller. . . After a painful divorce, Annie Shepherd opened up a scrapbook store in town and started volunteering with local senior citizens. Although she loves her work, dreams of the family she longs for keep her up late, listening to Mac Culhane’s voice on the radio. When Mac and Annie finally meet in person, the attraction between them is instantaneous. But Annie isn’t ready to lay her heart on the line, and neither is Mac. Fortunately, no one in Shelter Bay is about to let a perfect match escape the magic of true love. . .
Christmas in Shelter Bay book cover
#6.5

Christmas in Shelter Bay

2013

The beloved holiday novella by New York Times bestselling author JoAnn Ross—now available as an enchanting ebook to warm up the winter. Christmas was always kindergarten teacher Kelli Carpenter’s favorite time of year—until last Christmas when Cole Douchett broke her heart by proposing to another woman. The fact that the engagement fell apart four months later was cold comfort. Now the marine is once again stateside in their Oregon coastal hometown, Shelter Bay, and Kelli is determined to avoid him. So when her family suggests a cabin up at Rainbow Lake, it sounds like the perfect escape plan. Cole always thought of Kelli as his best friend’s kid sister, but now that he’s back home, it’s clear she’s all grown up. Even in a silly Christmas sweater directing the kindergarten play, she’s a knockout. But after her baffling behavior last year, she’s giving him the cold shoulder. Unbeknownst to Cole and Kelli, their families contrive to do some matchmaking, and the two find themselves sharing a snowbound cabin—where things really heat up...
Christmas on Main Street book cover
#6.5

Christmas on Main Street

2013

‘Tis the season to fall in love in these four small towns. In “Christmas in Shelter Bay,” New York Times bestselling author JoAnn Ross returns to Shelter Bay, where Kelli has long tried to keep her feelings for her friend Cole a secret. But when the local matchmakers conspire to send them to a secluded lakeside cabin, the two friends soon discover that a little love will keep them warm. TV producer Nathaniel Ravelle knows the Bayberry Island mermaid legend is a joke—how could a statue grant a wish for true love? But when a Christmas Nor’easter lands him in close quarters with local Annie Parker, they see magic at work in matters of the heart in New York Times bestselling author Susan Donovan’s “A Seaside Christmas.” In LuAnn McLane’s “Mistletoe on Main Street,” Clint isn’t sure how to rekindle his romance with high school sweetheart Ava—until his father bows out of playing Santa at the annual Cricket Creek holiday parade and Clint gets the chance to make this Christmas one to remember. And in Alexis Morgan’s “The Christmas Gift”, business is booming at Bridey Roke’s pastry shop. Everyone in town stops in to sample her holiday treats. But in her spare moments, she’s perfecting a special recipe to charm the handsome new neighbor—who has his own surprise gift for her come Christmas Eve!
You Again book cover
#6.6

You Again

2014

New York Times bestselling author JoAnn Ross returns to Shelter Bay with a new holiday novella, YOU AGAIN. A book nerd, a brainiac science guy, and a misplaced killer whale... Meghann Quinn wasn’t always a hugely successful author. Adam Wayne wasn’t always a marine biologist studying whales. Back in high school in Shelter Bay, Oregon, she was the shy book nerd helping the brainiac science guy pass English. Meghann had no idea Adam would turn into such a hottie. Adam has no idea their once-upon-a-time sweet summer romance inspired Meghann’s popular teen novels. Two shy geeks didn’t have the courage to share their true feelings back then. But now that Meghann’s back in town, they’re pondering life’s important questions. Such as, will Adam ask her to the Snow Ball? And what are they going to do about the lost Orca who shows up on Christmas Eve? And can two nerds get past their initial insecurity to take a second chance on a once-in-a-lifetime love? You Again also will appear in a Home for Christmas Duet with Jessica Scott.
Home for Christmas book cover
#6.6

Home for Christmas

2014

An all new holiday duet featuring brand new works from New York Times Bestselling author JoAnn Ross and USA Today Bestselling author Jessica Scott featuring brand new Shelter Bay & Coming Home novellas. You Again - A Shelter Bay Novella A book nerd, a brainiac science guy, and a misplaced killer whale... Meghann Quinn wasn’t always a hugely successful author. Adam Wayne wasn’t always a marine biologist studying whales. Back in high school in Shelter Bay, Oregon, she was the shy book nerd helping the brainiac science guy pass English. Meghann had no idea Adam would turn into such a hottie. Adam has no idea their once-upon-a-time sweet summer romance inspired Meghann’s popular teen novels. Two shy geeks didn’t have the courage to share their true feelings back then. But now that Meghann’s back in town, they’re pondering life’s important questions. Such as, will Adam ask her to the Snow Ball? And what are they going to do about the lost Orca who shows up on Christmas Eve? And can two nerds get past their initial insecurity to take a second chance on a once-in-a-lifetime love? All I Want For Christmas Is You - A Coming Home Novella From USA Today Bestselling author Jessica Scott comes an all new novella about a woman who came back from war changed and the man who loves her enough not to let her go. All Major Patrick MacLean wanted was Christmas with the woman and child who were his family in everything but name. But Captain Samantha Egan has come back from the war a different woman than the one who left - and she doesn't know if she can love him anymore. But neither of them counted on the determination of a little girl they both call daughter and if Natalie has her wish, her parents may have no idea what's coming for them. It's going to take Christmas miracle to bring these two wounded warriors back from the edge of a broken heart.
Beyond the Sea book cover
#7

Beyond the Sea

2015

From New York Times bestselling author JoAnn Ross, the romance Shelter Bay readers have been waiting for! While in Ireland to bake a wedding cake for movie star Mary Joyce, Sedona meets Conn Brennan, an Irish rock star who refuses to fit into any of her tidy, concise boxes. Unable to deny the sizzling chemistry between them, Sedona rashly throws caution to the winds, forgetting that she’s never, ever, been attracted to bad boys. When Conn learns a dark family secret that has stayed buried for over thirty years, the revelation has him questioning nearly everything he’s believed about his life. But the one thing that hasn’t changed is his intense attraction to Sedona Sullivan, the gorgeous blond American he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about. The woman he’s destined to spent the rest of his life with. But first he must break through Sedona’s formidable defenses and convince her that their romance is much more than a summer fling. And Sedona must decide where her heart truly belongs.
Sunset Point book cover
#8

Sunset Point

2015

New York Times bestselling author JoAnn Ross returns to Shelter Bay with a story of destiny, desire, danger, and a sea captain’s ancient curse that’s become local legend. Someone to Watch Over Me Independent, strong-willed Tess Lombardi has dedicated her life to fighting for justice. As a deputy district attorney, threats are merely part of the job. This time, with several high profile cases on the line, she reluctantly agrees to protection. Only to discover that Nate Breslin comes with his own risks. How can she trust a bodyguard who’s stalked her? And lies for a living? Former Marine sniper Nate Breslin has managed, at least most days, to leave danger and death in his past. Nate has his own reasons for tracking Tess down, but when her life is threatened, this mission becomes personal and he’s willing to risk anything and everything to keep her safe. As the danger escalates and her would-be killer closes in, Tess must learn to trust Nate. With her life. And her heart.
Sun Kissed book cover
#9

Sun Kissed

2015

From New York Times bestselling author JoAnn Ross comes the first in a new series set in paradise. From its soaring mountain peaks to its turquoise lagoons, Orchid Island, the jewel of the Pacific, offers endless opportunities for romance to bloom. Lani Breslin has had it with the mainland rat race. A free spirit in an eccentric family, she’s returned to her Orchid Island home to live an idyllic life. And if her brother happens to send along a yummy hunk to seduce her? That’s just fine with Lani. Police detective Donovan Quinn’s last case nearly killed him. Burned out and still recuperating from an injury, he escapes to the tranquility of Orchid Island to reboot his life. It’s a sweet surprise to discover Lani has blossomed like one of the island’s tropical flowers, even if the Bro Code says you shouldn’t crave moonlit kisses from your best friend’s sister. As Donovan struggles to resist Lani’s charms, matters get more complicated when her best friend’s fiancé goes missing and he finds himself caught up in a chase involving the F.B.I., sunken treasure, and pirates. But it’s not easy solving a mystery when he keeps stumbling over his heart and may have to choose between the opportunity of a lifetime or a lifetime in Paradise with the woman he loves. Sun Kissed is a stand-alone sequel to Sunset Point.

Authors

Susan Donovan
Susan Donovan
Author · 24 books
SUSAN DONOVAN's novels have won accolades for being witty, sexy, and entertaining. A former newspaper reporter with journalism degrees from Northwestern University, Susan is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author whose novels have been translated into dozens of languages. Susan is a two-time RITA Award finalist, and her novel TAKE A CHANCE ON ME was named Best Contemporary Romance of 2003 by RT Book Reviews magazine. She lives in New Mexico with her family and dogs.
Luann McLane
Luann McLane
Author · 25 books
LuAnn McLane writes sexy contemporary romance with a touch of sass and humor. Published in 2003, her novels have appeared on bestselling lists including USA Today, Nielsen BookScan, Barnes and Noble and Amazon. Her books have been featured selections for Rhapsody and Doubleday Book clubs. A love of country music led her to a collaboration with superstar Wynonna Judd with the novel Restless Heart. A member of RWA, she conducts workshops on a local and national level and connects with readers on social media. She divides her time between Kentucky, Florida and Arizona and when she isn’t writing or reading, she enjoys cooking, beachcombing and spending time with friends and family.
Alexis Morgan
Alexis Morgan
Author · 40 books
Alexis Morgan grew up near St. Louis and received a B.A. in English from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She and her husband have made the Pacific Northwest their home for more than thirty years, where she launched her career as a writer. She is published in paranormal romance, fantasy romance, American West historicals, and most recently, contemporary romances with her new Snowberry Creek series.
JoAnn Ross
JoAnn Ross
Author · 89 books

New York Times bestselling author JoAnn Ross has written over a hundred novels for a bunch of publishers. Two of her titles have been excerpted in Cosmo and her books have also been published by the Doubleday, Rhapsody, Literary Guild, and Mystery Guild book clubs. A member of the Romance Writers of America's Honor Roll of best-selling authors, she's won several awards, including Romantic Times' Career Achievement Awards in both category and contemporary single title. Currently writing a new Honeymoon Harbor series for HQN set on the Washington peninsula, that will launch in April, 2018, JoAnn lives with her husband (her high school sweetheart, who proposed at the sea wall where her Shelter Bay books are set), in the Pacific Northwest.

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