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Keeping Pace: A Small-town, Opposites Attract, Firefighter Romance
A sizzling slow burn romance with Cozy Creek's resident hottie firefighter, Pace Leigh and the quiet, unnoticed shop girl he can't stop thinking about.
For fans
- Golden retriever fire fighter hero
- Heartfelt and authentic heroine
- Small town antics
- Steamy slow burn
- Mental health rep
Full Blurb and cover coming soon.
For fans
- Golden retriever fire fighter hero
- Heartfelt and authentic heroine
- Small town antics
- Steamy slow burn
- Mental health rep
Full Blurb and cover coming soon.
368 pages, Paperback
Published June 4, 2026
About the author
Piper Sheldon
23 books1,002 followersVisit me at pipersheldon.com and sign up for my newsletter here!
Piper Sheldon writes Contemporary Romance and Paranormal Romance. Her books are a little funny, a lotta romantic, and with just a little twist of something more. She lives with her husband, daughter, and two needy dogs at home in the desert Southwest. She finds writing bios in the third person an extreme sport of awkwardness.
Piper Sheldon writes Contemporary Romance and Paranormal Romance. Her books are a little funny, a lotta romantic, and with just a little twist of something more. She lives with her husband, daughter, and two needy dogs at home in the desert Southwest. She finds writing bios in the third person an extreme sport of awkwardness.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 26, 2026
I loved Sophie and Pace! I love reading about characters healing together, and supporting each other with their own personal growth.
Pace was the cutest golden retriever firefighter with a constant need to help everyone around him (and slutty little shorts). Sophie was our introverted crafty queen with social anxiety and a desire to get out of her comfort zone and start living her life. Fate intervened and they became a perfect match.
I loved reading about Sophie finally feeling safe with someone and crossing off items on her list, and I loved Pace being that safe space for her while learning he doesn’t need to “fix” everything. I related strongly to both characters, but saw so much of myself in Sophie.
Cozy Creek is such an adorable small town and I love the books in this series.
Thank you to Piper Sheldon for providing an advanced copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Pace was the cutest golden retriever firefighter with a constant need to help everyone around him (and slutty little shorts). Sophie was our introverted crafty queen with social anxiety and a desire to get out of her comfort zone and start living her life. Fate intervened and they became a perfect match.
I loved reading about Sophie finally feeling safe with someone and crossing off items on her list, and I loved Pace being that safe space for her while learning he doesn’t need to “fix” everything. I related strongly to both characters, but saw so much of myself in Sophie.
Cozy Creek is such an adorable small town and I love the books in this series.
Thank you to Piper Sheldon for providing an advanced copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
June 11, 2026
Outstanding! This was my first Piper Sheldon book and I can say it was cute, funny, and she covers the struggles of mental health in such a relatable way. Truly excellent book!
June 7, 2026
I adore everything Piper writes. Her stories are beautifully crafted, filled with emotion and have characters that face everyday challenges…even though they may not be visible. I learn something from her stories. This book gripped me from the start and I could not put it down.
Sophie has many insecurities, some anxiety and is afraid to put herself out there…for fear of something going wrong. Her list is funny, yet also a little heartbreaking … her relationship with her grandma is amazing …she’s a hoot.
“You make me feel safe to be myself, Pace.”
Pace is a dream. He is a fixer…he has to keep moving so he doesn’t have time to think. He’s facing his own mental health challenges but keeps them hidden from everyone…until Sophie. He also wears slutty little shorts …according to Sophie. Lol
"We are all complex, hurt humans who are just trying to survive. And sometimes we find the right people to balance us out because it all feels so much easier when you share the load.”
They help one another face their challenges, learn to overcome/manage them better and build an amazing love story along the way.
This book is incredible…you will get all the feels while reading (maybe a tear or two - when Levi tells him how important he is) and you may have a book hangover…because it’s soooo good.
Sophie has many insecurities, some anxiety and is afraid to put herself out there…for fear of something going wrong. Her list is funny, yet also a little heartbreaking … her relationship with her grandma is amazing …she’s a hoot.
“You make me feel safe to be myself, Pace.”
Pace is a dream. He is a fixer…he has to keep moving so he doesn’t have time to think. He’s facing his own mental health challenges but keeps them hidden from everyone…until Sophie. He also wears slutty little shorts …according to Sophie. Lol
"We are all complex, hurt humans who are just trying to survive. And sometimes we find the right people to balance us out because it all feels so much easier when you share the load.”
They help one another face their challenges, learn to overcome/manage them better and build an amazing love story along the way.
This book is incredible…you will get all the feels while reading (maybe a tear or two - when Levi tells him how important he is) and you may have a book hangover…because it’s soooo good.
June 8, 2026
Amazing.
So sweet.
The best portrayal of anxiety.
I loved every single word.
So sweet.
The best portrayal of anxiety.
I loved every single word.
June 4, 2026
Heartfelt rommance
Keeping Pace is a heartfelt romance filled with emotional depth, wonderful character development, and a relationship that felt authentic from beginning to end. The story does an excellent job of balancing lighter moments with meaningful emotional growth, creating a reading experience that was both engaging and satisfying.
One of the things I appreciated most was how the book brought to light many of the insecurities that people struggle with, often behind closed doors. The portrayal of mental health through the FMC felt honest and relatable, showing both the challenges and the strength it takes to work through them. I also loved that the MMC had insecurities of his own. Even though he appeared to have the "perfect life" from the outside, the story reminded readers that everyone carries struggles that may not be visible to others.
As a fellow list maker, I especially loved that the FMC created a list of ways to improve her life. It was such a relatable detail, and I enjoyed watching her work through her goals while discovering that growth isn't always a straight path.
The main characters were easy to root for, and I loved watching their relationship develop as they navigated life's challenges together. Their chemistry felt natural, and the emotional connection between them made every milestone in their journey feel earned. There was just enough steam to keep you hooked without overshadowing the emotional heart of the story. The romance felt genuine, and the chemistry between the characters made their relationship all the more engaging.
I also enjoyed seeing characters from the author's previous book woven into this story. It was wonderful catching up with familiar faces while getting to know this new couple, and it added an extra layer of depth and connection to the overall reading experience.
The supporting cast added warmth, humor, and heart to the story, helping create a community that felt vibrant and welcoming. The themes of growth, resilience, self-acceptance, and finding the courage to move forward resonated throughout the book.
If you enjoy character-driven romances with strong emotional depth, realistic characters, and a satisfying happily-ever-after, Keeping Pace is definitely worth adding to your TBR.
Keeping Pace is a heartfelt romance filled with emotional depth, wonderful character development, and a relationship that felt authentic from beginning to end. The story does an excellent job of balancing lighter moments with meaningful emotional growth, creating a reading experience that was both engaging and satisfying.
One of the things I appreciated most was how the book brought to light many of the insecurities that people struggle with, often behind closed doors. The portrayal of mental health through the FMC felt honest and relatable, showing both the challenges and the strength it takes to work through them. I also loved that the MMC had insecurities of his own. Even though he appeared to have the "perfect life" from the outside, the story reminded readers that everyone carries struggles that may not be visible to others.
As a fellow list maker, I especially loved that the FMC created a list of ways to improve her life. It was such a relatable detail, and I enjoyed watching her work through her goals while discovering that growth isn't always a straight path.
The main characters were easy to root for, and I loved watching their relationship develop as they navigated life's challenges together. Their chemistry felt natural, and the emotional connection between them made every milestone in their journey feel earned. There was just enough steam to keep you hooked without overshadowing the emotional heart of the story. The romance felt genuine, and the chemistry between the characters made their relationship all the more engaging.
I also enjoyed seeing characters from the author's previous book woven into this story. It was wonderful catching up with familiar faces while getting to know this new couple, and it added an extra layer of depth and connection to the overall reading experience.
The supporting cast added warmth, humor, and heart to the story, helping create a community that felt vibrant and welcoming. The themes of growth, resilience, self-acceptance, and finding the courage to move forward resonated throughout the book.
If you enjoy character-driven romances with strong emotional depth, realistic characters, and a satisfying happily-ever-after, Keeping Pace is definitely worth adding to your TBR.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Format - E ARC
Rating- ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice- 🌶 🌶
Series- Stand Alone but Connected to “Fall Shook Up”
Troupes- Strangers to friends to lovers, opposites attract, golden retriever, black cat.
Representation- General anxiety disorder
CW- Mentions of grief and on page panic attacks
Piper! Why did you have to go and hit me right in the feels! I could not put this book down. I went on a little weekend getaway to the mountains and I spent the majority of if reading this book and ignoring everyone and thing around me.
Sophie and Pace are so stinking cute together! I just wanted to tuck them both in my pocket and tell them its all ok and that its ok to not be ok all the time! Sophie is a recluse dealing with the after effects of losing her parents and growing up being the odd one out. Being bullied by an irredeemable bully and invisible in a town full of busy bodies will do that to ya. She writes a bucket list of tasks and dreams that makes its way into Pace’s hands and we are off to the races when this Golden Retriever good samaritan takes it upon himself to be Sophie’s hype man.
While Pace helps her check off items they grow closer as one does with someone who knows your deepest darks anxieties. While Sophie opens up and finds joy in life and love Pace finds himself in love with her but unable to open up to her and thus our tension builds.
I loved how sweet and swoony pace is. Sophie is a little neurotic and really needs to get over the whole not taking meds for her messed up brain but she it sassy and assertive when she needs to be and they balance each other out!
I loved this one it was so fun to have Levi and Claire from “All Shook Up” play match makers and menders! I can’t wait to read whatever Piper Has for us next!
Than you Piper Sheldon for trusting mw with your new baby! She’s adorable! My opinions are my own.
Rating- ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice- 🌶 🌶
Series- Stand Alone but Connected to “Fall Shook Up”
Troupes- Strangers to friends to lovers, opposites attract, golden retriever, black cat.
Representation- General anxiety disorder
CW- Mentions of grief and on page panic attacks
Piper! Why did you have to go and hit me right in the feels! I could not put this book down. I went on a little weekend getaway to the mountains and I spent the majority of if reading this book and ignoring everyone and thing around me.
Sophie and Pace are so stinking cute together! I just wanted to tuck them both in my pocket and tell them its all ok and that its ok to not be ok all the time! Sophie is a recluse dealing with the after effects of losing her parents and growing up being the odd one out. Being bullied by an irredeemable bully and invisible in a town full of busy bodies will do that to ya. She writes a bucket list of tasks and dreams that makes its way into Pace’s hands and we are off to the races when this Golden Retriever good samaritan takes it upon himself to be Sophie’s hype man.
While Pace helps her check off items they grow closer as one does with someone who knows your deepest darks anxieties. While Sophie opens up and finds joy in life and love Pace finds himself in love with her but unable to open up to her and thus our tension builds.
I loved how sweet and swoony pace is. Sophie is a little neurotic and really needs to get over the whole not taking meds for her messed up brain but she it sassy and assertive when she needs to be and they balance each other out!
I loved this one it was so fun to have Levi and Claire from “All Shook Up” play match makers and menders! I can’t wait to read whatever Piper Has for us next!
Than you Piper Sheldon for trusting mw with your new baby! She’s adorable! My opinions are my own.
June 5, 2026
I had read the previous Cozy Creek book from Piper Sheldon featuring Levi and Claire, so I had met the hero of this book, firefighter Pace Leigh, before. I loved him in that book as a side character so I was delighted to get the chance to read his own story.
Pace is flirty, popular and always ready to help others. He loves nothing more than making people happy. So when he finds a To-Do list written by someone in the town, naturally he wants to help them complete it. The items on the list seem simple enough, some even basic, so he’s curious as to who made the list and why. He eventually tracks the list owner down. Meet Sophie Kincaid. She’s a recluse as she suffers from severe social anxiety, so just walking into a bank and withdrawing cash is a huge obstacle for her.
Watching Sophie and Pace work together to understand each other and to cross items off the list was lovely. Pace didn’t totally understand Sophie at first but gradually he grew to learn that whilst he believed she could do these things, it would always be a challenge for her, sometimes it would completely wear her out. Sophie helped Pace realise his worth, that he didn’t always have to be ‘switched on’ for everyone.
This was a slow burn that was completely worth the wait.
Pace is flirty, popular and always ready to help others. He loves nothing more than making people happy. So when he finds a To-Do list written by someone in the town, naturally he wants to help them complete it. The items on the list seem simple enough, some even basic, so he’s curious as to who made the list and why. He eventually tracks the list owner down. Meet Sophie Kincaid. She’s a recluse as she suffers from severe social anxiety, so just walking into a bank and withdrawing cash is a huge obstacle for her.
Watching Sophie and Pace work together to understand each other and to cross items off the list was lovely. Pace didn’t totally understand Sophie at first but gradually he grew to learn that whilst he believed she could do these things, it would always be a challenge for her, sometimes it would completely wear her out. Sophie helped Pace realise his worth, that he didn’t always have to be ‘switched on’ for everyone.
This was a slow burn that was completely worth the wait.
June 7, 2026
Keeping Pace is an emotional, slow-burn romance that completely drew me in. Pace and Sophie are adorable together. Pace is outgoing, selfless, and always looking out for others as a firefighter, while Sophie is quiet, shy, and struggles with social anxiety. When fate - or rather, Sophie's list - brings them together, they gradually realise just how much they mean to each other. Pace is determined to help Sophie come out of her shell, but along the way learns that she can help him too.
Both carry their own insecurities and believe they aren't good enough for the other, which makes their journey all the more heartfelt. On the surface, they seem like complete opposites, but they bring out the best in each other and discover that, deep down, they have more in common than they realise.
It was wonderful to see Levi and Claire from All Shook Up play such an important role in the story. Levi and Pace's friendship feels genuine and authentic, adding another layer of warmth to the book.
I didn't want to put this one down and can't wait to see what's next for Cozy Creek.
While Keeping Pace is the second book in the Cozy Creek series, it works perfectly well as a standalone novel.
Both carry their own insecurities and believe they aren't good enough for the other, which makes their journey all the more heartfelt. On the surface, they seem like complete opposites, but they bring out the best in each other and discover that, deep down, they have more in common than they realise.
It was wonderful to see Levi and Claire from All Shook Up play such an important role in the story. Levi and Pace's friendship feels genuine and authentic, adding another layer of warmth to the book.
I didn't want to put this one down and can't wait to see what's next for Cozy Creek.
While Keeping Pace is the second book in the Cozy Creek series, it works perfectly well as a standalone novel.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
As a way to battle her severe social anxiety, Sophie puts together a “to-do” list of activities she would like to accomplish. When the town’s most eligible firefighter, Pace, accidentally comes across her list, he offers to help her meet her goal.
Keeping Pace is a stand-alone contemporary romance. This small town romance is set in Cozy Creek, so you will see some familiar characters from the Cozy Creek Collection series, but you do not need to read any of the previous books. There is some open-door content.
Sophie is such a great FMC. She has already come a long way in her mental health journey. Pace helps her gain confidence while also learning to give her space to do things at her own speed. The author does a wonderful job of showing just how exhausting anxiety can be. Overall, I appreciate the thoughtful but realistic way in which Piper Sheldon portrays social anxiety and just anxiety in general.
It was nice to be back in Cozy Creek and get to see what everyone is up to. I hope we’ll be seeing more of these characters in the future.
As a way to battle her severe social anxiety, Sophie puts together a “to-do” list of activities she would like to accomplish. When the town’s most eligible firefighter, Pace, accidentally comes across her list, he offers to help her meet her goal.
Keeping Pace is a stand-alone contemporary romance. This small town romance is set in Cozy Creek, so you will see some familiar characters from the Cozy Creek Collection series, but you do not need to read any of the previous books. There is some open-door content.
Sophie is such a great FMC. She has already come a long way in her mental health journey. Pace helps her gain confidence while also learning to give her space to do things at her own speed. The author does a wonderful job of showing just how exhausting anxiety can be. Overall, I appreciate the thoughtful but realistic way in which Piper Sheldon portrays social anxiety and just anxiety in general.
It was nice to be back in Cozy Creek and get to see what everyone is up to. I hope we’ll be seeing more of these characters in the future.
June 15, 2026
Piper Sheldon never disappoints. Keeping Pace is such a great read, full of heart and humor. Sohpie and Pace are a great match; he has big golden retriever energy, and she's an anxiety potato (complementary). I see so much of myself in Sophie, right down to wanting to know the exact situation I'm getting into, parking and all. I adored Pace's patience; that's exactly what it takes to love someone with anxiety. It's exhausting being mentally ill, and I'm sure it's equally exhausting loving someone with mental illness. Watching him listen and learn, and know when he'd pushed too far, and adjust plans/expectations, healed something in me. Of course, there's plenty of humor and amazing banter. Sohpie can be sassy, and I love that for her. Also loved the easter eggs from other books, it's so fun picking out all the characters I know. I can not recommend this book enough! Especially if there's someone in your life who has a lot of anxiety, this is a perfect look into their brain and the thought patterns/spirals that happen daily. 10/5 stars
June 4, 2026
Sophie and Pace are two halves to a whole. Pace is outgoing while Sophie struggles with anxiety. I will say that Pace also has anxiety but in a very different way. His need to help everyone drives him to constantly check-in with others and make sure their needs are met. After Sophie starts a To Do list as part of her therapy and loses it, Pace finds it and the story is off to the races. Pace joins forces with Sophie to help her cross items off her list and in the process finds love. This was a sweet book and Pace is a topnotch MMC. I enjoyed seeing these two come together and it was nice to see a book where love is not a cure all for mental health. Can't wait for the next one in this cozy town.
June 20, 2026
I adored Pace and Sophie’s story! They were both so easy to fall in love with.
Sophie made her list to face her fears thinking that she needed to change herself.
Pace keeps himself too busy helping everyone so he doesn’t have time to think of himself.
“Maybe everybody walked around with broken parts, and we were all pretending to be okay.”
The story is an adorable small town romcom that manages to deal with the characters’ mental health issues in an authentic and really touching way.
Keeping Pace is sweet and emotional while still bringing the humor and of course the heat I’m looking for in a romcom.
-5 Stars!-
-Diane-
Sophie made her list to face her fears thinking that she needed to change herself.
Pace keeps himself too busy helping everyone so he doesn’t have time to think of himself.
“Maybe everybody walked around with broken parts, and we were all pretending to be okay.”
The story is an adorable small town romcom that manages to deal with the characters’ mental health issues in an authentic and really touching way.
Keeping Pace is sweet and emotional while still bringing the humor and of course the heat I’m looking for in a romcom.
-5 Stars!-
-Diane-
June 14, 2026
Keeping Pace
Sophie is a socially anxious recluse who makes a list of things she wants to do in her life, from the mundane to the sexually explicit. Pace is the hot firefighter who runs around town helping everyone rather than facing his own fears.
He is also the guy who found the list when Sophie lost it, and has decided that she will be his next project.
A roller coaster of emotions for both them and the reader made this a compelling read.
Sophie is a socially anxious recluse who makes a list of things she wants to do in her life, from the mundane to the sexually explicit. Pace is the hot firefighter who runs around town helping everyone rather than facing his own fears.
He is also the guy who found the list when Sophie lost it, and has decided that she will be his next project.
A roller coaster of emotions for both them and the reader made this a compelling read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sweet, steamy sports romance!
Competitive runner Gemma clashes with arrogant star athlete Cole until they’re forced to train together.
Rivalry turns to slow-burn sparks, banter, and undeniable chemistry. Full of heart, heat, and found family vibes.
Fun, swoony, and perfectly paced perfect for enemies-to-lovers & sports romance fans!
Competitive runner Gemma clashes with arrogant star athlete Cole until they’re forced to train together.
Rivalry turns to slow-burn sparks, banter, and undeniable chemistry. Full of heart, heat, and found family vibes.
Fun, swoony, and perfectly paced perfect for enemies-to-lovers & sports romance fans!
June 5, 2026
Anxiety representation done well!
June 7, 2026
What a beautiful story about two people helping each other out with their mental health issues. Throw in an extreme attraction with each other too.
June 10, 2026
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I liked how Sophie and Pace both had their insecurities and how they helped each other. Both had not been with other people in a long time. Sweet read.
June 20, 2026
2.75⭐️
June 20, 2026
“Maybe everybody walked around with broken parts, and we were all pretending to be okay.”
Keeping Pace is sweet and emotional while still bringing the humor and of course the heat I’m looking for in a romcom.
-5 Stars!-
My Full Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Keeping Pace is sweet and emotional while still bringing the humor and of course the heat I’m looking for in a romcom.
-5 Stars!-
My Full Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
June 21, 2026
This is such a cute and cozy small town love story! I really appreciated how realistic the social anxiety rep is. Everyone has their struggles and everyone messes up (it’s just life, right?) and what I love about these characters is their rawness and realness in saying and doing the wrong things even though they know better. It makes them more relatable.
I can’t wait to go back and read Levi’s book. Thank you so much to Piper for the ARC!
I can’t wait to go back and read Levi’s book. Thank you so much to Piper for the ARC!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews