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MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary #1
Second Summer
In this passionate Contemporary Romance, author Shirleen Davies introduces her readers to the modern day MacLarens starting with Heath MacLaren, the head of the family.
The Chairman of both the MacLaren Cattle Co. and MacLaren Land Development, he is a success professionally, but his personal life is another matter.
Following a divorce after a long, loveless marriage Heath spends his time with women who are beautiful and passionate, yet unable to provide what he longs for . . .
. . . Heath has never experienced love even though he witnesses it every day between his younger brother, Jace, and wife, Caroline. He wants what they have yet spends his time with women too young to understand what drives him and too focused on themselves to be true companions.
It’s been two years since Annie’s husband died, leaving her to build a new life. He was her soul-mate and confidante, she has no desire to find a replacement, yet longs for male friendship . . .
. . . Annie’s closest friend in Fire Mountain, Caroline MacLaren, is determined to see Annie come out of her shell after almost two years of mourning. A chance meeting with Heath turns into an offer to be a part of the MacLaren Foundation Board and an opportunity for a life outside her home sanctuary which has also become her prison. The platonic friendship that builds between Annie and Heath points to a future where each may rely on the other without the bonds a romance would entail.
However, without consciously seeking it, each yearns for more . . .
. . . The MacLaren Development Company is booming with Heath at the helm. His meetings at a partner company with the young, beautiful marketing director, who makes no secret of her desire for him, are a temptation. But is she the type of woman he truly wants?
. . . Annie’s acceptance of the deep, yet passionless, friendship with Heath sustains her, lulling her to believe it is all she needs. At least until Heath drops a bombshell, forcing Annie to realize that what she took for friendship is actually a deep, lasting love. One she doesn’t want to lose.
Each must decide to settle, or fight for it all.
Second Summer is the first book in the MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary novella series. Heartwarming stories of difficult choices, loyalty, and lasting romance. Watch for Hard Landing in the Spring of 2014.
The Chairman of both the MacLaren Cattle Co. and MacLaren Land Development, he is a success professionally, but his personal life is another matter.
Following a divorce after a long, loveless marriage Heath spends his time with women who are beautiful and passionate, yet unable to provide what he longs for . . .
. . . Heath has never experienced love even though he witnesses it every day between his younger brother, Jace, and wife, Caroline. He wants what they have yet spends his time with women too young to understand what drives him and too focused on themselves to be true companions.
It’s been two years since Annie’s husband died, leaving her to build a new life. He was her soul-mate and confidante, she has no desire to find a replacement, yet longs for male friendship . . .
. . . Annie’s closest friend in Fire Mountain, Caroline MacLaren, is determined to see Annie come out of her shell after almost two years of mourning. A chance meeting with Heath turns into an offer to be a part of the MacLaren Foundation Board and an opportunity for a life outside her home sanctuary which has also become her prison. The platonic friendship that builds between Annie and Heath points to a future where each may rely on the other without the bonds a romance would entail.
However, without consciously seeking it, each yearns for more . . .
. . . The MacLaren Development Company is booming with Heath at the helm. His meetings at a partner company with the young, beautiful marketing director, who makes no secret of her desire for him, are a temptation. But is she the type of woman he truly wants?
. . . Annie’s acceptance of the deep, yet passionless, friendship with Heath sustains her, lulling her to believe it is all she needs. At least until Heath drops a bombshell, forcing Annie to realize that what she took for friendship is actually a deep, lasting love. One she doesn’t want to lose.
Each must decide to settle, or fight for it all.
Second Summer is the first book in the MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary novella series. Heartwarming stories of difficult choices, loyalty, and lasting romance. Watch for Hard Landing in the Spring of 2014.
189 pages, ebook
First published February 18, 2014
687 people are currently reading
2202 people want to read
About the author
Shirleen Davies
98 books919 followersShirleen Davies grew up in Southern California. She attended Oregon State University, and has degrees from San Diego State University and the University of Maryland. During the day she provides consulting services to small and mid-sized businesses. But her real passion is writing emotionally charged stories of flawed people who find redemption through love and acceptance. She now lives with her husband in a beautiful town in northern Arizona.
Shirleen loves to hear from her readers.
Write to her at shirleen@shirleendavies.com
Visit her at https://www.shirleendavies.com
Comment at her blog https://www.shirleendavies.com/blog.html
Facebook Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/ShirleenDavi...
Twitter her at http://twitter.com/shirleendavies
Shirleen loves to hear from her readers.
Write to her at shirleen@shirleendavies.com
Visit her at https://www.shirleendavies.com
Comment at her blog https://www.shirleendavies.com/blog.html
Facebook Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/ShirleenDavi...
Twitter her at http://twitter.com/shirleendavies
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
June 21, 2017
I DNF at the 69% mark. Getting tired of the H and h not together yet. H is 45 and dating 30 year olds. The book is fairly clean but it's still mentions about him dating these woman and pining after the h. I've lost interest.
October 19, 2015
This is a good old fashioned friends to lovers tale.
Heath MacLaren, divorcée, isn't looking for love, his life is full running his family businesses, caring for his two children, spending time with his large family and helping out the local community. Annie Sinclair, widowed two years previously, is in a similar position. A novelist, spending much of her time alone, her best friend, sister in law to Heath, decides it's time to get back out into the world.
Heath and Annie meet, both intrigued with each other but neither are looking for a long term relationship. Annie excepts a job offer and joins Heath on the MacLaren Foundation Board. They soon find themselves spending a lot of time together, dinners, family occasions, work functions. In time they both want more but seem to have a hard time admitting to it.
It's a really nicely written story, very descriptive, keeps you interested to the end. I liked that the time line wasn't rushed, it took time for the love to develop between two characters. It's a real feel good romance with a perfect happy ending. Am looking forward to reading about the next MacLaren brother.
Copy given in exchange for an honest review
Heath MacLaren, divorcée, isn't looking for love, his life is full running his family businesses, caring for his two children, spending time with his large family and helping out the local community. Annie Sinclair, widowed two years previously, is in a similar position. A novelist, spending much of her time alone, her best friend, sister in law to Heath, decides it's time to get back out into the world.
Heath and Annie meet, both intrigued with each other but neither are looking for a long term relationship. Annie excepts a job offer and joins Heath on the MacLaren Foundation Board. They soon find themselves spending a lot of time together, dinners, family occasions, work functions. In time they both want more but seem to have a hard time admitting to it.
It's a really nicely written story, very descriptive, keeps you interested to the end. I liked that the time line wasn't rushed, it took time for the love to develop between two characters. It's a real feel good romance with a perfect happy ending. Am looking forward to reading about the next MacLaren brother.
Copy given in exchange for an honest review
October 26, 2016
Likable characters. Nice story. I liked it for a quick read. Can't say there was a "moral to the story" or a moment of "wow" but there was a flow to it. Friendship between Annie and Heath was key element. Too much time covered that it read like a movie trailer hitting only highlights.
July 29, 2016
Pure brain candy. A little more drama than necessary, but it was always over relatively quickly. I don't need to rehash the synopsis on this one, you can read that for yourself. There isn't really much else to add. It's a super quick read.
May 8, 2017
it's more like 3.5 cute stars
This was the first story I read by this author and I really enjoyed.
This is about a not so young couple, with some issues regarding lost love and the lack of it... about second chances that are worthy the risk...
But for me the pace was a lit bit slow and the story line somehow permissive from the male point of view.
In overall I liked it and of course with an HEA is my cup of tea.
This was the first story I read by this author and I really enjoyed.
This is about a not so young couple, with some issues regarding lost love and the lack of it... about second chances that are worthy the risk...
But for me the pace was a lit bit slow and the story line somehow permissive from the male point of view.
In overall I liked it and of course with an HEA is my cup of tea.
February 17, 2017
Intense start to an amazing series!
I love all the MacLarens series! I love how Shirleen starts with building a strong foundation for the books in the series while this story line keeps you expectant of the outcome. Don't see the need for some of the slightly graphic sensual scenes. Story would be just as good without them.
I love all the MacLarens series! I love how Shirleen starts with building a strong foundation for the books in the series while this story line keeps you expectant of the outcome. Don't see the need for some of the slightly graphic sensual scenes. Story would be just as good without them.
February 22, 2014
Having already been hooked on Shirleen Davis' period MacLarens, I was immensely excited to pour through this present day glimpse at these rough and tumble men with a heart of gold and as I've come to expect with Davis' writing "Second Summer" was every bit as enthralling and well-written as her historical pieces.
Her character development, as always, is second to none. And I could fully relate to both Heath and Annie because they were both so realistically portrayed. Neither one was perfect, each contained multiple layers, and while they both handled their pain in different ways: one turning inward and retreating from life, basically, the other settling for shallow relationships that meant little in an effort to protect his heart from further wound, both methods were understandable and entirely human.
But as great as Ms. Davis' character building is, she never lets it outshine the plot. She is one of those who has truly mastered the technique of being well-balanced in her storytelling, granting just enough description to picture advents in your head but not enough to make the story drag. The result, as was the case with this fantastic book, is one excellent adventure and a romance that pulled at the heartstrings. I will be saving this to reread again and again.
Her character development, as always, is second to none. And I could fully relate to both Heath and Annie because they were both so realistically portrayed. Neither one was perfect, each contained multiple layers, and while they both handled their pain in different ways: one turning inward and retreating from life, basically, the other settling for shallow relationships that meant little in an effort to protect his heart from further wound, both methods were understandable and entirely human.
But as great as Ms. Davis' character building is, she never lets it outshine the plot. She is one of those who has truly mastered the technique of being well-balanced in her storytelling, granting just enough description to picture advents in your head but not enough to make the story drag. The result, as was the case with this fantastic book, is one excellent adventure and a romance that pulled at the heartstrings. I will be saving this to reread again and again.
March 6, 2014
Author, Shirleen Davies, is the queen of romantic tension. She creates story plots that twist and turn, and throws obstacle after obstacle in the path of her characters. Now she has applied this talent to the contemporary setting of modern day Fire Mountain.
If you have read any of the Fire Mountain books, you will know that they are all totally engaging - Second Summer does not disappoint!
Since his divorce, Heath MacLaren has dated many younger women, not interested in anything close to a long term relationship. Though widowed for two years, Annie Sinclair still loves her husband and doesn’t think anything will surpass that relationship. When Annie is taken on as a board member with the MacLaren Foundation Board, she develops a strong friendship with Heath. Everyone around them can see that this friendships has potential to be much more, but Heath’s growing attraction to another woman could put his relationship with Annie at risk - just as Annie realises she has feelings for Heath.
Believable characters and strong dialogue make Second Summer a fabulous romance. Shirleen Davies develops wonderfully authentic relationships between her characters, capturing depth of emotion and nuances of personality. This author’s books really are a delight to read.
If you have read any of the Fire Mountain books, you will know that they are all totally engaging - Second Summer does not disappoint!
Since his divorce, Heath MacLaren has dated many younger women, not interested in anything close to a long term relationship. Though widowed for two years, Annie Sinclair still loves her husband and doesn’t think anything will surpass that relationship. When Annie is taken on as a board member with the MacLaren Foundation Board, she develops a strong friendship with Heath. Everyone around them can see that this friendships has potential to be much more, but Heath’s growing attraction to another woman could put his relationship with Annie at risk - just as Annie realises she has feelings for Heath.
Believable characters and strong dialogue make Second Summer a fabulous romance. Shirleen Davies develops wonderfully authentic relationships between her characters, capturing depth of emotion and nuances of personality. This author’s books really are a delight to read.
March 14, 2016
This book didn't start out as a typical romance at all with Heath dating young women who weren't looking for a relationship. After his loveless marriage ended in divorce, this type of dating was perfect for him: Annie had lost her husband to cancer two years earlier and wasn't looking for a relationship either but her friend, Caroline, (Heath's sister-in-law) introduces them and they become best friends. That was working for them until Diana came on the scene. Annie realized no woman would tolerate her boyfriend having a woman as his best friend so she made a life without Heath. This was particularly hard since she had fallen in love with him.
I liked this contemporary western romance with it's smooth flowing storyline and believable characters. Heath was a typical handsome ladies man who only thought of building the MacLaren businesses. I felt sorry for Annie because she didn't want to move on after losing her beloved husband. The author did a wonderful job of pulling these two together helping to make this an enjoyable read.
I liked this contemporary western romance with it's smooth flowing storyline and believable characters. Heath was a typical handsome ladies man who only thought of building the MacLaren businesses. I felt sorry for Annie because she didn't want to move on after losing her beloved husband. The author did a wonderful job of pulling these two together helping to make this an enjoyable read.
July 5, 2017
An endearing story about a woman still reeling from the death of her husband two years prior, getting back out with old friends. She meets a man and they become friendly, buddies without benefits, for almost a year. He goes for younger women. He meets and begins a relationship with another woman just as Annie realizes she's in love with him.
February 20, 2018
Second Summer (MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary 1) - PG
Violence: none
Langauge: <10
Sex: yes, fade to black with no details
You can tell the H is interested in a woman because he feels himself harden, so that merits a serious eyeroll. More narrative than dialog driven. This reminds me of Carolyn Brown's Broken Roads romance books (which I like). Last 15% is ads.
Violence: none
Langauge: <10
Sex: yes, fade to black with no details
You can tell the H is interested in a woman because he feels himself harden, so that merits a serious eyeroll. More narrative than dialog driven. This reminds me of Carolyn Brown's Broken Roads romance books (which I like). Last 15% is ads.
June 8, 2024
One Hell Of A Ride
I’m not sure how I keep doing this, but I picked this book as a part of my book club 2024 reading challenge.
The book prompt was to read a book that has summer in the title for this month.
I did a search, saw this one, and just picked it. I don’t read the synopsis when picking a reading challenge read. It had a good cover. McLaren is a Scottish name and I’m Scottish, by birth from both parents, and by marriage. Lastly, and most importantly It had summer in the name, which fit the reading challenge criteria.
Little did I know, it’s about a newish widow of two years, and I am newly widowed, just passing my first year mark in May. My story is a bit different (he was active duty Navy), but the loss and distance, loneliness, everything. It all hit so differently because of my story’s similar trauma.
The differences are…I don’t have the support, in family or in friend, like in Annie’s case, and I have zero men in my life. Not that I can claim to know if and when the ability to trust another man, or to start something someone else will ever happen to me, or that that person (persons) will actually be as interested in sustaining a loving, healing bond with someone like me, as Heath was for Annie. I don’t know the future, but hers went beautifully, after a few long term hiccups.
So, to say the emotions I went through because of those similarities...having grown kids, most living and staying long distance and the widow stuff in common with this story…then the twist at the very end…I was on the roller coaster of all roller coasters.
Definitely a great read. Just have tissues if you’re newly widowed, and struggling.
I’m not sure how I keep doing this, but I picked this book as a part of my book club 2024 reading challenge.
The book prompt was to read a book that has summer in the title for this month.
I did a search, saw this one, and just picked it. I don’t read the synopsis when picking a reading challenge read. It had a good cover. McLaren is a Scottish name and I’m Scottish, by birth from both parents, and by marriage. Lastly, and most importantly It had summer in the name, which fit the reading challenge criteria.
Little did I know, it’s about a newish widow of two years, and I am newly widowed, just passing my first year mark in May. My story is a bit different (he was active duty Navy), but the loss and distance, loneliness, everything. It all hit so differently because of my story’s similar trauma.
The differences are…I don’t have the support, in family or in friend, like in Annie’s case, and I have zero men in my life. Not that I can claim to know if and when the ability to trust another man, or to start something someone else will ever happen to me, or that that person (persons) will actually be as interested in sustaining a loving, healing bond with someone like me, as Heath was for Annie. I don’t know the future, but hers went beautifully, after a few long term hiccups.
So, to say the emotions I went through because of those similarities...having grown kids, most living and staying long distance and the widow stuff in common with this story…then the twist at the very end…I was on the roller coaster of all roller coasters.
Definitely a great read. Just have tissues if you’re newly widowed, and struggling.
January 14, 2024
Heath and Annie story
Heath MacClaren was owner and Ceo of MacLaren Industies and the part owner of MacLaren ranch. They had a horse ranch.
Heath, Jace, and Caroline MacLaren ran a foundation for kids in foster care. These kids who aged out of the system.
Annie was Caroline best friend. Annie lost her husband to cancer two years ago.
Annie was asked to be on the board for the foundation. Annie grew up in the foster system. So she knew what it was like to live that life.
Heath and Annie worked well together and enjoyed their time together. Annie was starting to have feelings for Heath but knew she didn't have a chance with him.
He went out with younger women and didn't go out with them for very long.
Heath liked having Annie in his life. She wasn't going to make the mistake of letting him hurt her, so she started dating other men.
Once he realized that he was in love with Annie, he broke with his present girlfriend and told Annie how he felt about her.
It was a great journey for these two people who have had a loss. Annie's husband dying, and Heath's divorce. Brought these two to find a new love.
I enjoyed this story by Shirleen Davies
Heath MacClaren was owner and Ceo of MacLaren Industies and the part owner of MacLaren ranch. They had a horse ranch.
Heath, Jace, and Caroline MacLaren ran a foundation for kids in foster care. These kids who aged out of the system.
Annie was Caroline best friend. Annie lost her husband to cancer two years ago.
Annie was asked to be on the board for the foundation. Annie grew up in the foster system. So she knew what it was like to live that life.
Heath and Annie worked well together and enjoyed their time together. Annie was starting to have feelings for Heath but knew she didn't have a chance with him.
He went out with younger women and didn't go out with them for very long.
Heath liked having Annie in his life. She wasn't going to make the mistake of letting him hurt her, so she started dating other men.
Once he realized that he was in love with Annie, he broke with his present girlfriend and told Annie how he felt about her.
It was a great journey for these two people who have had a loss. Annie's husband dying, and Heath's divorce. Brought these two to find a new love.
I enjoyed this story by Shirleen Davies
March 30, 2019
Excellent book. Annie, a widow for two years, met Heath, divorced, both needing someone. They soon were best friends, did everything together, helped each other out. Together for many months when he announced that he had met someone. Devasted, Annie decided she could no longer be his friend because she couldn't be around him while he dated someone else. This book is an emotional yet feel-good read. Shirleen Davies is a wonderful author, she makes you feel like you a part of the character's lives. I highly recommend.
July 5, 2018
Nice little romance
I liked this story of two people who both had previous marriages that ended differently and were in different but same places in their lives. I liked that they had a solid friendship even though the stupid man had to continue his midlife crisis with a younger women almost destroying the best thing he ever had. Glad he came to his senses.
I would recommend for a rainy afternoon one sitting read.
I liked this story of two people who both had previous marriages that ended differently and were in different but same places in their lives. I liked that they had a solid friendship even though the stupid man had to continue his midlife crisis with a younger women almost destroying the best thing he ever had. Glad he came to his senses.
I would recommend for a rainy afternoon one sitting read.
September 20, 2018
Premise of the book is good, but an editor seriously needed. In the first chapter we learn that Anne's husband died. She's meeting friends, one of whom is Anne's husband. What!?!
Too many characters, too many names to keep track of & they didn't add to the plot. Many scenes start with "x months since (last chapter)"... and nothing happened.
I wanted to like this, but it fell flat & I was glad to finish it (skimming most of the way).
Too many characters, too many names to keep track of & they didn't add to the plot. Many scenes start with "x months since (last chapter)"... and nothing happened.
I wanted to like this, but it fell flat & I was glad to finish it (skimming most of the way).
May 30, 2017
Lovely
What a lovely story. Shirleen Davies creates the characters and then the story that draw you into their lives. You can laugh or cry with them; cheer them on or get mad at them for their stupidly human *uck ups. We all live and learn, story characters are no different I guess. Enjoyed the adventure.
What a lovely story. Shirleen Davies creates the characters and then the story that draw you into their lives. You can laugh or cry with them; cheer them on or get mad at them for their stupidly human *uck ups. We all live and learn, story characters are no different I guess. Enjoyed the adventure.
November 29, 2019
Love 💘. Story
I loved the story and characters and loved Annie and Heath. I too found my soulmate in a second marriage and lots of confused ideas about really going down the alley again. Fear is there in your mind and this story touched me with Annie and Heath. I recommend this book. Looking forward to reading your books going forward-looking.
I loved the story and characters and loved Annie and Heath. I too found my soulmate in a second marriage and lots of confused ideas about really going down the alley again. Fear is there in your mind and this story touched me with Annie and Heath. I recommend this book. Looking forward to reading your books going forward-looking.
November 19, 2021
Second Summer
In this book the story of Heath McLaren is told. His life as a divorced father and subsequently falling in love with a young woman whose husband had passed away a few years ago. This book contains some love lost and wonder on what can happen going forward. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
In this book the story of Heath McLaren is told. His life as a divorced father and subsequently falling in love with a young woman whose husband had passed away a few years ago. This book contains some love lost and wonder on what can happen going forward. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
May 4, 2017
Good story could use editing
Good story with mature characters. Fair writing but too frequent change of point of view was confusing. Even minor characters had a point of view and no one cares. I would hope this writer seeks better editing in the future,
Good story with mature characters. Fair writing but too frequent change of point of view was confusing. Even minor characters had a point of view and no one cares. I would hope this writer seeks better editing in the future,
October 17, 2018
Okay
Second chance romance about two older people who start as friends. Unfortunately heath likes the younger girls and takes a bit of time getting the message that he’s fallen in love with Annie.
Second chance romance about two older people who start as friends. Unfortunately heath likes the younger girls and takes a bit of time getting the message that he’s fallen in love with Annie.
July 30, 2019
Could not put it down
A second chance at love. What could go wrong? Two people trying to get over the injuries from the past. Will they recover from current betrayals? Read it to find out.
A second chance at love. What could go wrong? Two people trying to get over the injuries from the past. Will they recover from current betrayals? Read it to find out.
August 22, 2019
Good second chance romance
Heath and Annie are the best of friends and nor looking for love. When Heath tells Annie he has found soneone, she realizes thst she wsnted more. Then Heath comes back. Can she trust him. Will they be able to find love
Heath and Annie are the best of friends and nor looking for love. When Heath tells Annie he has found soneone, she realizes thst she wsnted more. Then Heath comes back. Can she trust him. Will they be able to find love
September 4, 2019
Second Summer
A lovely read of second chances. It was a nice diversion from the usual young love contemporary romance. A couple both in their forties with grown kids become great friends and realize how much they love each other.
A lovely read of second chances. It was a nice diversion from the usual young love contemporary romance. A couple both in their forties with grown kids become great friends and realize how much they love each other.
May 9, 2021
Spellbinding
Could not put it down, read it cover to cover in one sitting. The characters are charismatic, charming, intelligent, resourceful. Shirleen has a way with words that draws you in from the first page. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Could not put it down, read it cover to cover in one sitting. The characters are charismatic, charming, intelligent, resourceful. Shirleen has a way with words that draws you in from the first page. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
February 7, 2022
Well done, mature love story about two people with past lives that make a real love a bad bet. Annie was happily married to a husband lost to illness. Heath was unhappily married and never wanted the vulnerability of falling in love. Their struggles ring true, and there's a happy ending for them.
May 1, 2022
Second Summer
This was a really great story. Annie was a widow,. Her husband had been dead for two years. Her friend Caroline, had been trying to get her to go out with her and husband. She did go, it’s the place s he met her future., Heath McLauren.
This was a really great story. Annie was a widow,. Her husband had been dead for two years. Her friend Caroline, had been trying to get her to go out with her and husband. She did go, it’s the place s he met her future., Heath McLauren.
June 6, 2022
Second Summer a Sweet Love Story
A sweet love story. Second Summer...Second Chances. First book in a new series ... From a new-to-me author.
Excited to read the 2nd book...
Thank-you!
A sweet love story. Second Summer...Second Chances. First book in a new series ... From a new-to-me author.
Excited to read the 2nd book...
Thank-you!
January 3, 2026
The story of a widow finding love with her best friend's brother-in-law was good but the sex and inappropriate language made me rate the book lower. I received a complimentary e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.
May 11, 2017
Good book couldn't put it down.
Made me want to read the whole series. A good love story without all the sex. Can't wait to start the next book.
Made me want to read the whole series. A good love story without all the sex. Can't wait to start the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews