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Northern Pines #1
Dangerous Past
She needs to hide from her past. He only wants to be left alone. What could possibly go wrong?
A DISILLUSIONED ATTORNEY
Michael is searching for a quiet life in a small town. Alone. When his elderly, vagabond Aunt Bertie announces her plans for yet another summer in Europe, he agrees to stay at her home on the shore of Briar Lake. It’s perfect timing, while he hunts for a house to buy and a location for his law practice.
Perfect---until he meets a flamboyant stranger at Bertie’s front door, who refuses to let him inside. A very nervous one, at that.
A WOMAN WITH A TROUBLED PAST
A housemate? No way. Bertie’s menagerie is of epic proportions—thanks to the homeless animals she constantly adopts. Lauren promised to move in and care for them this summer. It’s a promise she cannot break to the woman she has loved as an "extra auntie" since childhood—even if she fears this forced proximity to a man who could uncover her darkest secrets.
BUT THERE’S ANOTHER PROBLEM….ONE THAT COULD END HER LIFE
Someone from Lauren’s past is searching for her and is getting far too close. If he succeeds, she could lose the future she wants for her young daughter…and even her life.
NOTE: This book has been given a more appropriate cover and title for its genre, but there are no other changes from its former title: ONE MORE KISS.
A DISILLUSIONED ATTORNEY
Michael is searching for a quiet life in a small town. Alone. When his elderly, vagabond Aunt Bertie announces her plans for yet another summer in Europe, he agrees to stay at her home on the shore of Briar Lake. It’s perfect timing, while he hunts for a house to buy and a location for his law practice.
Perfect---until he meets a flamboyant stranger at Bertie’s front door, who refuses to let him inside. A very nervous one, at that.
A WOMAN WITH A TROUBLED PAST
A housemate? No way. Bertie’s menagerie is of epic proportions—thanks to the homeless animals she constantly adopts. Lauren promised to move in and care for them this summer. It’s a promise she cannot break to the woman she has loved as an "extra auntie" since childhood—even if she fears this forced proximity to a man who could uncover her darkest secrets.
BUT THERE’S ANOTHER PROBLEM….ONE THAT COULD END HER LIFE
Someone from Lauren’s past is searching for her and is getting far too close. If he succeeds, she could lose the future she wants for her young daughter…and even her life.
NOTE: This book has been given a more appropriate cover and title for its genre, but there are no other changes from its former title: ONE MORE KISS.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2024
About the author
Roxanne Rustand
101 books745 followersRoxanne is a USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author of forty romantic suspense, mystery, and heart-warming, emotionally charged relationship novels in the clean & wholesome, as well as inspirational romance genres.
She got her first horse at the tender age of six and grew up riding bareback with wild abandon throughout her small Minnesota town year-round. It was like giving a child car keys!
She showed horses for many years, and later, she and her husband raised quarter horses and thoroughbreds until their kids came along.
She's living her childhood dream, living on an acreage in the country with her husband, three horses (all beloved elderly pasture ornaments, now), a golden retriever, a Mountain Cur rescue, and six fluffy barn cats. It's a much smaller menagerie than when their three kids were still at home!
Ranches, animals, and small-town life frequently find their way into her books.
To connect...
https://www.roxannerustand.com
https://bookbub.com/authors/roxanne-r...
https://amazon.com/author/roxannerustand
https://www.facebook.com/Roxanne.Rustand
She got her first horse at the tender age of six and grew up riding bareback with wild abandon throughout her small Minnesota town year-round. It was like giving a child car keys!
She showed horses for many years, and later, she and her husband raised quarter horses and thoroughbreds until their kids came along.
She's living her childhood dream, living on an acreage in the country with her husband, three horses (all beloved elderly pasture ornaments, now), a golden retriever, a Mountain Cur rescue, and six fluffy barn cats. It's a much smaller menagerie than when their three kids were still at home!
Ranches, animals, and small-town life frequently find their way into her books.
To connect...
https://www.roxannerustand.com
https://bookbub.com/authors/roxanne-r...
https://amazon.com/author/roxannerustand
https://www.facebook.com/Roxanne.Rustand
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 6, 2026
Clean romantic suspense story. Enjoyed the plot. Editing needed in a few spots. Ending seemed a bit rushed as well as some of Bertie‘s story felt incomplete at the conclusion.
October 19, 2023
Greed, love, crazy rescue animals and happy endings!
A young mom with her daughter helping out an old friend of her grandmother, while running away from her ex's lies that cost her a teaching career and a way to make a life for her daughter. Can she find a way to start over, a clean slate or find real love?
Betrayals, lies, secrets all add up to a summer of ups and downs for Lauren.
The nephew of the lady that she's helping out shows up, not knowing his Aunt is away for the summer, and left her home, animal menagerie and finances to handle in Lauren's care. He isn't sure if she's trustworthy or if his aunt has fallen prey to a scammer. How will the summer end for them all? Surprise ending in several ways.
A young mom with her daughter helping out an old friend of her grandmother, while running away from her ex's lies that cost her a teaching career and a way to make a life for her daughter. Can she find a way to start over, a clean slate or find real love?
Betrayals, lies, secrets all add up to a summer of ups and downs for Lauren.
The nephew of the lady that she's helping out shows up, not knowing his Aunt is away for the summer, and left her home, animal menagerie and finances to handle in Lauren's care. He isn't sure if she's trustworthy or if his aunt has fallen prey to a scammer. How will the summer end for them all? Surprise ending in several ways.
December 4, 2023
Great story
After her ex-husband's lies cost Lauren her teaching career, she is house sitting for an old friend of her grandmother's while seeking to make a life for her ten year old daughter.
Michael, a lawyer with trust issues, shows up at his grandmother's house, not knowing that his aunt is away and has asked for Lauren to housesit for her.
This was a great read with some mystery, betrayal, secrets, and lies. There was some humor in this novel regarding the slew of animals (from a goat to birds and more) that Michael's aunt has and the antics that some of the animals found themselves in.
After her ex-husband's lies cost Lauren her teaching career, she is house sitting for an old friend of her grandmother's while seeking to make a life for her ten year old daughter.
Michael, a lawyer with trust issues, shows up at his grandmother's house, not knowing that his aunt is away and has asked for Lauren to housesit for her.
This was a great read with some mystery, betrayal, secrets, and lies. There was some humor in this novel regarding the slew of animals (from a goat to birds and more) that Michael's aunt has and the antics that some of the animals found themselves in.
October 15, 2023
A wonderful read full of laughter and tears. .
This book was hard to put down and I was nearly late for work on several occasions as I was so caught up in the story. I was moved by the determination of the mother to protect her daughter and dismayed at her choice to not open up to the dashing young attorney that showed up on her (Bertie's) doorstep. I love reading books with happy endings and I am looking forward to reading more by Roxanne
This book was hard to put down and I was nearly late for work on several occasions as I was so caught up in the story. I was moved by the determination of the mother to protect her daughter and dismayed at her choice to not open up to the dashing young attorney that showed up on her (Bertie's) doorstep. I love reading books with happy endings and I am looking forward to reading more by Roxanne
September 12, 2024
1=dnf / why bother?; 2=not to my taste; 3=A good story; 4=I liked it a lot; 5=a favorite must-read!
The overall story was good; however, the ending seemed rushed. .
The overall story was good; however, the ending seemed rushed. .
December 22, 2025
Suspense, Mystery, and Twists & Turns
As usual with this author, this book is filled with so much mystery and suspense! I was surprised with all of the twists and turns, and on edge until the end. The story deals with suspicion, trust or lack of trust, the devastating effects of secrets, which always seem to have a way of getting out, and the senseless effects of greed on people. Great story and interesting characters!
As usual with this author, this book is filled with so much mystery and suspense! I was surprised with all of the twists and turns, and on edge until the end. The story deals with suspicion, trust or lack of trust, the devastating effects of secrets, which always seem to have a way of getting out, and the senseless effects of greed on people. Great story and interesting characters!
June 15, 2026
she had a young daughter. her husband was arrested for stealing money from the playground fund. everyone in town knew and the daughter suffered. he also blamed his wife when she had nothing to do with it and didnt even know
she stayed at a old woman she was close friends with since childhood house to babysit all her animals while she went to Europe
her nephew the lawyer showed up
he had broke up with his finacee and was disgusted with the law firm he worked out
he moved to his aunts and was going to remodel the barn to make his own law office in the small town
they didnt trust each other. she didnt tell him she was on probation another 3 months
the goat ate part of his expensive car and she helped him in the construction to pay him back. he wasnt mad like her x husband would have been.
the little girl was upset as her dad disappeared and had nothing to do with her
but she liked this man and tried to set him up with her mom
he found money missing from his aunts accts, she had power of attorney so he thought at first it was her, but it turned out the old lawyer had been stealing from everyone
he set her up and then tried to set fire to his house with her tied up inside but she got out ok
the lawyer said he was sorry he accused her, he loved her and her daughter and they loved him
he asked her to marry him and she said yes and he got her husband to confess she had nothing to do with the theft so she was cleared.
she stayed at a old woman she was close friends with since childhood house to babysit all her animals while she went to Europe
her nephew the lawyer showed up
he had broke up with his finacee and was disgusted with the law firm he worked out
he moved to his aunts and was going to remodel the barn to make his own law office in the small town
they didnt trust each other. she didnt tell him she was on probation another 3 months
the goat ate part of his expensive car and she helped him in the construction to pay him back. he wasnt mad like her x husband would have been.
the little girl was upset as her dad disappeared and had nothing to do with her
but she liked this man and tried to set him up with her mom
he found money missing from his aunts accts, she had power of attorney so he thought at first it was her, but it turned out the old lawyer had been stealing from everyone
he set her up and then tried to set fire to his house with her tied up inside but she got out ok
the lawyer said he was sorry he accused her, he loved her and her daughter and they loved him
he asked her to marry him and she said yes and he got her husband to confess she had nothing to do with the theft so she was cleared.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2021
One More Kiss by Roxanne Rustand
Northern Pine Series Book Three
Michael Wells has taken Aunt Bertie up on her office for him to use her carriage house for a law office. He’s so ready to leave the big city law firm for the small-town life. He wasn’t prepared to find Bertie gone on vacation in Europe and a strange woman in her home. And animals of all kinds living there.
Lauren McClellan’s ex-husband did her wrong in so many ways. Implicating her in a crime he committed has ruined her life. However, unlike him, she wasn’t sent to prison. All the same, she’s looked at as a guilty woman. All she cares about is taking care of her daughter and having her record cleared.
Lauren and Michael find their way around sharing Bertie’s space. The animals are helping Hannah, but come September, Lauren knows she’ll have to move back to her apartment and pick up the pieces of her life once again. Another heartwarming story. Tissue alert if you cry easily.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
Northern Pine Series Book Three
Michael Wells has taken Aunt Bertie up on her office for him to use her carriage house for a law office. He’s so ready to leave the big city law firm for the small-town life. He wasn’t prepared to find Bertie gone on vacation in Europe and a strange woman in her home. And animals of all kinds living there.
Lauren McClellan’s ex-husband did her wrong in so many ways. Implicating her in a crime he committed has ruined her life. However, unlike him, she wasn’t sent to prison. All the same, she’s looked at as a guilty woman. All she cares about is taking care of her daughter and having her record cleared.
Lauren and Michael find their way around sharing Bertie’s space. The animals are helping Hannah, but come September, Lauren knows she’ll have to move back to her apartment and pick up the pieces of her life once again. Another heartwarming story. Tissue alert if you cry easily.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
November 21, 2024
Lauren and Hanna had been betrayed by Lauren’s husband, Hanna’s father, leaving them broke and with no future
When he was caught embezzling the school funds Lorens husband lied and said she was also guilty. He was sent to prison and there was just enough doubt about her that she was put on probation. Also she lost her teaching credentials and was fired.
A family friend named Bertie, who knew her well, ask her to come take over her house and animals for the summer. Also her finances as she needed someone to pay bills and make deposits while she was gone. Loren agreed to pack up Hanna and with courts permission they moved to Bertie’s house.
Bertie also asked her nephew to come help but forgot to tell either about each other. There in lies the tale of misunderstandings and mixups.
When he was caught embezzling the school funds Lorens husband lied and said she was also guilty. He was sent to prison and there was just enough doubt about her that she was put on probation. Also she lost her teaching credentials and was fired.
A family friend named Bertie, who knew her well, ask her to come take over her house and animals for the summer. Also her finances as she needed someone to pay bills and make deposits while she was gone. Loren agreed to pack up Hanna and with courts permission they moved to Bertie’s house.
Bertie also asked her nephew to come help but forgot to tell either about each other. There in lies the tale of misunderstandings and mixups.
August 3, 2024
Danger and Unusual "Pets"
A lying husband blamed his wife for stealing playground funds, and then moved out of state to avoid paying child support. "Aunt" Bertie schemes to put two good friends together while she travels Europe. However the Carriage House is set on fire and deemed arson. There is a sullen ten-year old.lots of strange "pets" to care for, including a goat that likes to eat roses and interesting twists and turns.
A lying husband blamed his wife for stealing playground funds, and then moved out of state to avoid paying child support. "Aunt" Bertie schemes to put two good friends together while she travels Europe. However the Carriage House is set on fire and deemed arson. There is a sullen ten-year old.lots of strange "pets" to care for, including a goat that likes to eat roses and interesting twists and turns.
October 19, 2024
Michael Wells might be a wealthy, successful attorney who thinks he reads people’s characters accurately, but he is repeatedly foiled by Lauren and her ten-year-old daughter Hannah who are overseeing his eccentric aunt’s household while she’s playing in Europe.
This is a fun read, with enough twists to keep you engaged in the plot, yet enough hints that you can put it down and go to sleep at night. It’s a romantic cozy mystery at heart.
This is a fun read, with enough twists to keep you engaged in the plot, yet enough hints that you can put it down and go to sleep at night. It’s a romantic cozy mystery at heart.
July 24, 2023
This series has been given new titles and covers. This one is now Dangerous Past, which I purchased and read. I don't know if any other changes were made, but for some reason Goodreads does not have the new version.
Anyway, this is not really Christian fiction, as I thought it was.....but still a great read, and clean and curse-free
Anyway, this is not really Christian fiction, as I thought it was.....but still a great read, and clean and curse-free
May 31, 2024
Excellent romantic suspense
A charming story of finding love and learning to trust someone new after being in a disastrous relationship. Two very different people who each have their own troubled past relationships learn to love again. Danger and mystery surrounding them this amazing story proves to be a great read.
A charming story of finding love and learning to trust someone new after being in a disastrous relationship. Two very different people who each have their own troubled past relationships learn to love again. Danger and mystery surrounding them this amazing story proves to be a great read.
July 4, 2024
Hannah
What a beautiful “young” lady (girl) with a broken heart and fear of her heartless daddy. You know the kind you want to lock him up and throw the key away. Her and her mama were staying and taking care of “Aunt Bertie’s” house while her “Aunt Bertie” went on a cruise. Read this book now. You will really enjoy it.
What a beautiful “young” lady (girl) with a broken heart and fear of her heartless daddy. You know the kind you want to lock him up and throw the key away. Her and her mama were staying and taking care of “Aunt Bertie’s” house while her “Aunt Bertie” went on a cruise. Read this book now. You will really enjoy it.
August 28, 2026
Poor Lauren has had a tough go. She’s paying for a crime she did not commit. Worse yet, her Hannah is paying, too. Thank goodness for Bertie. Michael is skeptical. Nothing has prepared him for the goodness that Lauren and Hannah bring to his life. The characters are flawed, the pets are insane, and the suspense is entirely plausible. Great story!
September 16, 2021
Haunted
Lauren is haunted by a past that wasn't her fault. House sitting for a friend is going well until the unexpected arrival of the friend's nephew. Now Lauren and her daughter Hannah are at the mercy of Michael, a lawyer that has trust issues.
Lauren is haunted by a past that wasn't her fault. House sitting for a friend is going well until the unexpected arrival of the friend's nephew. Now Lauren and her daughter Hannah are at the mercy of Michael, a lawyer that has trust issues.
September 20, 2023
Good clean novel
Thought the second novel by the author started a little slow and silly (a goat that will eat almost everything, especially leather in expensive cars). However as the novel moved along, it got more and more interesting. Recommended
Thought the second novel by the author started a little slow and silly (a goat that will eat almost everything, especially leather in expensive cars). However as the novel moved along, it got more and more interesting. Recommended
November 18, 2023
Great read!
I couldn’t put this book down, but I was hoping for a better ending that would go more in depth, perhaps a wedding. Hopefully, there will be a second book to this story. Roxannne is one of my favorite authors now.
I couldn’t put this book down, but I was hoping for a better ending that would go more in depth, perhaps a wedding. Hopefully, there will be a second book to this story. Roxannne is one of my favorite authors now.
January 3, 2024
I really liked this story and found Michael's investigation interesting.
This story is a amazing, mysterious romantic. Michael,, a lawyer is attracted to Lauren, and gets the evidence to help Lauren prove her innocence.
This story is a amazing, mysterious romantic. Michael,, a lawyer is attracted to Lauren, and gets the evidence to help Lauren prove her innocence.
February 24, 2024
I read this book as titled Dangerous Past (Northern Pines Suspense #1), it was a sweet romance with a bit of suspense and danger. I enjoyed the book. (This book also appears with the name Summer at Briar Lake, Northern Pines #2).
February 28, 2024
another good book!
So far I have not read a thing in any of the books Roxanne Rustand has written that I wouldn’t recommend to my granddaughters! All thrilling and kept me interested. Reality in the book! Makes you believe they are real people. Way good read!
So far I have not read a thing in any of the books Roxanne Rustand has written that I wouldn’t recommend to my granddaughters! All thrilling and kept me interested. Reality in the book! Makes you believe they are real people. Way good read!
October 2, 2024
Dangerous Past
She was burned by her ex husband and now someone is trying to frame her. She's spending the summer at het grandmother's friends estate but so is Bertie's nephew. Things all come together and work out for the best. Great story.
She was burned by her ex husband and now someone is trying to frame her. She's spending the summer at het grandmother's friends estate but so is Bertie's nephew. Things all come together and work out for the best. Great story.
November 20, 2024
Great Story
I enjoyed this book. The characters weren't too much like some can be and the author had some beautiful descriptive scenes which I always enjoy and end up highlighting. Emotionally satisfying read.
I enjoyed this book. The characters weren't too much like some can be and the author had some beautiful descriptive scenes which I always enjoy and end up highlighting. Emotionally satisfying read.
June 12, 2026
Tension filled
I purchased a copy of Dangerous Past by Roxanne Rust and this review was given freely. twisted and at times sad but with moments of humor. Lauren and Michael find love with the help of his interfering aunt.
I purchased a copy of Dangerous Past by Roxanne Rust and this review was given freely. twisted and at times sad but with moments of humor. Lauren and Michael find love with the help of his interfering aunt.
July 7, 2026
You look guilty you need help and this book shows a hard way.
What if everyone thinks you're guilty and you have no idea how to find support and keep your family together. You have to make sure no one looks to close . Surprise ending.
What if everyone thinks you're guilty and you have no idea how to find support and keep your family together. You have to make sure no one looks to close . Surprise ending.
August 8, 2026
When truth comes
I loved this book. It is humorous in places and very serious in others. lots of action that develops into mystery and suspense. Very talented author that I intend to follow especially in this series.
I loved this book. It is humorous in places and very serious in others. lots of action that develops into mystery and suspense. Very talented author that I intend to follow especially in this series.
January 29, 2022
I really liked this book. It had humor, love, trust, romance, and family. It was a very easy read. I will be reading more of Roxanne Rustand books!
July 16, 2023
A good book!
Lauren has had it rough, and so has Hannah A neat place for the summer, and lots of animals. And there's Micnael. A good story you can't put down
Lauren has had it rough, and so has Hannah A neat place for the summer, and lots of animals. And there's Micnael. A good story you can't put down
September 4, 2023
sweet story
A very romantic and loving story. A nice man who proved he would do anything for his woman and her child.
A very romantic and loving story. A nice man who proved he would do anything for his woman and her child.
September 22, 2023
Excellent Read
This was a wonderful story with Romance, Mystery and lots of sold town charm. You won’t be sorry you chose to read it
This was a wonderful story with Romance, Mystery and lots of sold town charm. You won’t be sorry you chose to read it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews