Hometown Heroes Boxed Set: Hot, Hunky, & Hard to Resist

by Melanie Shawn

10 Fan-Favorite Novels Featuring the Heroes You Love Best -- the Sexy Men Who Live Next Door!  Hot firefighters, military men, contractors, doctors, single dads, and even athletes...all right here!!

--Melanie Shawn - My Only - Alex & Jamie

The Firefighter...Alex works hard and plays even harder, nothing can stop him when he sets his mind to something, and since meeting Jamie his mind is set on her. 

The Nurse...Jamie has a ten year plan that has no room for distractions, especially one as sexy as Alex Sloan. 

The Dilemma...Will Jamie be able to resist the irresistible Alex, or will her resolve crumble when Alex decides that his plan includes Jamie.

--Virna DePaul - What Love Can Do 

Ireland has always been home for the five O'Neill brothers, but after an unexpected discovery, former rugby player Quinn O'Neill heads to California wine country. Sparks instantly fly when he meets baker Lilly Parker, a woman who longs to travel. Can Quinn put down roots yet still help Lilly fly?

--Zoe York - Love in a Snow Storm 

Contractor and army reservist Jake Foster fell in love with Dani Minelli when she was a colt-legged high school senior. He knew he was too old to even look at her, let alone touch.

But now Dani's back in town and all grown up. More often than not, they wind up fighting, but one night their tense words lead to an unexpected kiss...and everything changes. 

--Kylie Gilmore - Not My Romeo 

Confirmed bachelor Vince Marino wants nothing more than to win the Clover Park library project and earn partner in his father's construction company. But a last-minute bid by Sophia Capello, the daughter of his father's life-long rival, throws Vince for a loop. The fiery pair create an uneasy alliance, but what happens when Vince, who doesn't believe in mixing business with pleasure, discovers Sophia has never truly experienced passion? 

--Molly McLain - Can't Get Enough 

Tony Dunn's panty-snatching days are over now that he has custody of a daughter he didn't even know he'd fathered. The last thing he needs is the distraction of a sexy, new neighbor--good plan, until she becomes his emergency babysitter. 

--PJ Fiala - Danny's War

Returning home from war forever altered is difficult for Danny Schaefer - losing his leg and then his girlfriend. Tammy Davis is a vivacious woman with a secret betrayal holding her back. Together they forge a path that helps both of them heal. 

--MJ Fredrick - Something to Talk About 

Noah Weston is emerging from his grief a year and a half after his wife’s death. Ellie Morgan draws him with her energy and positive attitude. As their friendship progresses, though, he wonders if he can risk loving and losing everything again, and she wonders if she can handle taking second place, this time to a ghost.

--Rachel Hanna - Running Hot

Rory Avery's got secrets, and it seems she can't outrun them even when participating in a 100 mile race through the Sierra Mountains. When she runs across Cody Green, a local hot firefighter, she intends to keep running even though he intends to save her from a fire that is taking over the area. But Cody has his secrets too, and Rory gives him a literal run for his money.

--Maryann Jordan - Laurie’s Time

Laurie Dodd was excited to create a new future with her first job in an elementary school. Falling for the town player was not in her plans, but Rob McDonald soon wanted to be the man she deserved. A fire at her school gave her the chance to see the hero in action. When illness and mystery strike, can the two opposites keep the love they have found?

--SJ McCoy - Laugh Like You’ve Never Cried

Timid librarian, Megan, just wants to be left alone to live a quiet little life. Until she meets Summer Lake’s doctor, single dad Michael. He is everything she's not, he's fun, funny, charming and outgoing--and oh, so sexy! He's about to turn her world upside down. If she sticks around long enough to let him.

Genres: Anthologies, Contemporary, Medical

Kindle Edition

First published January 19, 2016

About the author

NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Melanie Shawn writes HEAs filled with sweet and sassy heroines, heroes who are cinnamon rolls in the streets alpho-holes in the sheets, casts of supportive *cough: meddling* friends and family who put the fun in funny, toe-curling combustible heat, and sugary sweet “aww” moments that will have your hearts and e-readers melting.

Reviews

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is shaping up to be an amazing anthology! So far I have read three books of the ten and can't wait to finish some more!!

Laugh Like You've Never Cried ~ SJ McCoy
~ Once again SJ has hit it out of the park with this latest book in the Summer Lake series. “Laugh Like You've Never Cried” has all the elements that I loved in the other books; Romance, humor, emotion and steamy sex!
Megan is hiding, hiding from her past, hiding from the future. Preferring to stay invisible, moving to the small town of Summer Lake seems like the perfect place to disappear. Things were going according to plan until she caught the eye of the sexy and charming Michael!
Michael is back in Summer Lake after living in Australia for the past 15 years. He is ready to settle down with his 10 year old son, Ethan to a quiet life at the Lake. When the shy and frumpy local librarian walks into his life Michael is intrigued.
Megan can’t imagine what the good looking doctor would ever see in her but despite her misgivings Michael is persistent and determined to break down her walls! These two develop strong feeling fast but will their individual responsibilities prevent them from moving forward together.
These two have amazing chemistry and have a hard time keeping their hands off each other! Michael, who we had met in a couple other books, has always come across as a fun and playful guy but we really get to see a softer and sweeter Michael in this book as well. Megan has definitely had a not so easy life up to this point and it was really awesome to see her open up and gain her confidence with Michael's help.

This book was an absolute joy to read and as always, I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

Love In a Snow Storm ~ Zoe York
~ I just finished Jake and Dani's story and I absolutely loved it! This was a great read and I enjoyed every single page. I have read a few of Zoe's books now and everytime I finish one I always wonder why I haven't read more, I plan to rectify this right away! I think my favorite part of this book was Jake. this guy is just...ahhhhh
I definitley recommend this one and will be reading many more books from this author!

Can't Get Enough ~ Molly McLain
~
I have been eagerly awaiting this book for a long time and was so happy to finally have Tony's story on my Kindle! Molly did not disappoint, I loved every single moment of this book and can't wait for the next in the series.
Tony has had his life flipped upside down. Going from a single guy with minimal responsibilities and all the freedom in the world to becoming a father and not just a father but a single dad all at once! With everything happening as quickly as it did, Tony is still trying to get his footing with this whole working single parent thing.
Nicole is only in River Bend for 7 weeks. On route to escaping her past she just has to stop off in the small town she used to spend time in to settle her grandmothers estate and then she off to her new job in Chicago. But with car trouble and a tight bank account she needs to find temporary work.
When Tony's babysitter is suddenly ill he needs a replacement and he needs one now! When Nicole see's the ad for the job, it seems like the perfect fit while she's in town. Can these two keep their relationship strictly professional? Do they even want too? With Nicole leaving in a matter of weeks can they manage a fling with no strings attached?
First off Tony is just dreamy!! And Nicole and him together is amazing. They have incredible chemistry that made for some super sexy scenes as well as some extremely heartwarming ones. I was even in tears a few points in the story. I highly recommend this book and the other two in this series and cannot wait for Mark and Ally's book!!!

Can't wait to finish the rest of the books!

[Coral Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

--Melanie Shawn - My Only - Alex & Jamie
The Firefighter. Alex works hard and plays even harder, nothing can stop him when he sets his mind to something, and since meeting Jamie his mind is set on her. The Nurse. Jamie has a ten year plan that has no room for distractions, especially one as sexy as Alex Sloan. Will Jamie be able to resist the irresistible Alex, or will her resolve crumble when Alex decides that his plan includes Jamie?
An amazing read. Jamie has her life planned out and it includes no men, at all. She did not count on how attracted she was to Alex and how hard it is to tell him no. Alex is tired of running around and he must somehow convince Jamie he is true to his word.

--Virna DePaul - What Love Can Do
Ireland has always been home for the five O’Neill brothers, but after an unexpected discovery, former rugby player Quinn O’Neill heads to California wine country. Sparks instantly fly when he meets baker Lilly Parker, a woman who longs to travel. Can Quinn put down roots yet still help Lilly fly?
Neither Lily or Quinn are young, but Lily has not had to option to travel and seek out her dreams. Quinn has played Rugby and ran his parents restaurant and wants to settle down. They are traveling in different directions and must decide if their attraction is love and what they are willing to do for it.

--Zoe York - Love in a Snow Storm
Contractor and army reservist Jake fell in love with Dani when she was a high school senior and his friend's sister. He knew he was too old to even look at her, let alone touch. Dani's back in town and all grown up. More often than not, they wind up fighting, but one night their tense words lead to an unexpected kiss and everything changes.
Jake and Dani are both hiding their attraction from each other. Jake finally takes the chance and approaches her, but Dani wants to hide their relationship from their families. They also put off talking to each other about their relationship. It seems to be a bad habit they continue.

--Kylie Gilmore - Not My Romeo
Vince is ready to take over the family's construction company. He only has to get his father to agree ti hand everything over to him. Vince is set to prove his worth by completing the Clover Park Library project. Sophie places a last minute bid for the same project. She happens to be in charge of a rival construction company and their fathers do not get along at all. She only wants to help her father's company and agrees to partner with Vince. Vince is a confirmed bachelor and wants nothing besides a professional relationship with Sophie. If only he keeps telling himself that.
I enjoyed reading about Vince and Sophie. They are both lacking in their lives and take the chance on one another, professionally and personally.

--Molly McLain - Can’t Get Enough
Tony's drinking and womanizer days are over now that he has custody of a daughter he didn’t even know he’d fathered. The last thing he needs is the distraction of a sexy, new neighbor, Nicole. Good plan, until she becomes his emergency babysitter. Nicole is stopping in River Bend for two months to finalize her grandmothers estate before moving on to her new beginnings in Chicago. she has no time for any relationship, especially since she defiantly does not want a fling.
Tony and Nicole are both trying to avoid the attraction they feeling toward one another, especially since they both know that Nicole's days in town are numbered. Nicole is also wary and guarded. Tony wants her to open up but realizes that may take more time than he has with her and he does not want her to have any regrets. A wonderful story! I love that neither is looking for anything serious and both are mature and caring people.

--PJ Fiala - Danny’s War
Returning home from war forever altered is difficult for Danny - losing his leg and then his girlfriend. Tammy is a vivacious woman with a secret betrayal holding her back. Together they forge a path that helps both of them heal.
Danny and Tammy both have trust issues but upon seeing one another, they feel a connection. Danny is still trying to recover mentally and Tammy is having difficulties with work. A wonderful read and another author I am adding to my list.

--MJ Fredrick - Something to Talk About (3*)
Noah is emerging from his grief a year and a half after his wife’s death. Ellie draws him with her energy and positive attitude. As their friendship progresses, he wonders if he can risk loving and losing everything again, and she wonders if she can handle taking second place, this time to a ghost.
Ellie is frustrating because she is constantly worried about what other people think rather than what she feels and wants. This is at odds with her breaking up with her boyfriend. Noah and Ellie must face the gossip of their small town, especially because Ellie was a friend of Noah's deceased wife.

--Rachel Hanna - Running Hot (3*)
Rory's got secrets, and it seems she can't outrun them even when participating in a 100 mile race through the Sierra Mountains. When she runs across Cody, a local hot firefighter, she intends to keep running even though he intends to save her from a fire that is taking over the area. But Cody has his secrets too, and Rory gives him a literal run for his money.
A relationship built during a difficult time. The ending is quite abrupt.

--Maryann Jordan - Laurie’s Time (5*)
Laurie was excited to create a new future with her first job in an elementary school. Falling for the town player was not in her plans, but Rob soon wanted to be the man she deserved. A fire at her school gave her the chance to see the hero in action. When illness and mystery strike, can the two opposites keep the love they have found?
An awesome read! Rob is tired of his player ways but does not know how to stop the cycle until he sees Laurie for the first time and really wants to be a better man. Laurie is one her own for the first time and not looking for love, much less any relationship. Will Rob and Laurie both take a chance on each other, especially during difficult times at the beginning of their tenuous relationship.

--SJ McCoy - Laugh Like You’ve Never Cried
Timid librarian, Megan, just wants to be left alone to live a quiet little life. Until she meets Summer Lake’s doctor and single dad Michael. He is everything she's not, he's fun, funny, charming and outgoing--and oh, so sexy! He's about to turn her world upside down. If she sticks around long enough to let him.
Michael is not looking for a serious relationship after being burned by his ex-wife and now caring for their son on his own, until he sees Megan. She is not his usual "type", but that may be what is so attractive to him for someone permanent in his life. Megan takes a chance on Michael but is ready to leave town to be with her demanding, older sister. She is also doubtful that they have the same relationship goals in mind.

[Maria Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a review for two of the stories in this box set, which contains a wonderful selection of small town romances with feisty women and down to earth heroes.

Love in a Snow Storm by Zoe York
This sexy small town romance is the story of Dani and Jake. Dani's had a crush on Jake forever, but the 8 years separating them and the fact that he's her brother's best friend has meant she's spent a long time trying to get him out of her system. But when Jake is finally ready to ante up and show Dani that he's not going to run from his feelings for her anymore, is it too little too late?

I loved this story! Zoe has the knack of creating characters that the reader wants to know about - their hopes, their loves, their dreams and their failures. Though Dani started out with a teenage crush on Jake, it's morphed into something much more adult and finally (finally!) Jake admits to himself that he can't resist her pull anymore. I really liked that Dani was comfortable showing Jake that she wasn't a kid, that their love scenes were between two mature consenting adults. (and yes, those love scenes are steamy!). In any relationship there is the dynamic of family in the background, and with these two, that's a significant part of the story - how it affects them and how they deal with it is part of the attraction of the story for me. There are so many characters to like in this town, shared with us via witty dialogue and friendly camaraderie, with laughter and tears. Pine Harbour is a town everyone should visit. 5 stars for this entertaining and sexy read!

Can't Get Enough by Molly McLain
This sweet and sexy romance is the story of Tony and Nicole. Nicole is in River Bend for only a few months to wrap up her grandmother's estate, taking on the care of handsome and sweet single dad Tony's baby daughter Bri in a bid to raise some much needed funds. But when the lines between friend and something more blur, will Nicole be able to give up her plans of an independent life in the big city for a ready made family that wants her to stay?

I loved this story! It's the first I've read by this author and definitely won't be the last. Tony is portrayed as a dedicated single father, doing his best to juggle his career and full custody of a little girl he only recently learned about. He has his hands full, and when Nicole answers his ad for a caregiver, he hires her despite his full blown attraction to her, knowing that what's best for his daughter outweighs anything else. Nicole is an independent, caring and friendly woman, divorced from a controlling man and determined to finish her business in River Bend and move on with her life. She is equally attracted to Tony and the sexual tension between them simmers, pulling them into an affair that quickly leads to deeper feelings on both sides. The love scenes between them were steamy and emotional. I particularly liked how Tony was able to put the needs of his daughter first when dealing with her mother, making difficult but fair decisions. Secondary characters also played a key role in the story, with the dynamics of small town life accurately portrayed, adding humour and witty dialogue to the situations that Nicole and Tony find themselves in, and giving a real feeling of camaraderie between the groups of female and male friends.

Overall I found this to be a really fun read, with engaging characters, an interesting plot, a cute baby (awww) and a satisfying happy ending. 5 stars!

[Bobbie Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing box set. Definitely worth way more than the .99 its selling for right now. Even though I have read some of the books in this set previously, I had no problem purchasing it. Each book will keep you entertained for hours with hunky heroes, strong women, beautiful love story's and HEA's!

My Only by Melanie Shawn is the perfect romance story. The playboy that can get any woman he sets his sights on and the woman that has no time for any man with her 10-part plan. Nothing like love at first sight to upset any plans! Great story line and lots of love in this small town!

Love in a Snow Storm by Zoe York, how to give this book the review it deserves? This book was WONDERFUL! Such a tangled love story. Jake has always loved Dani and has spent the years hiding his feelings from everyone, most especially his best friend that happens to be Dani's big brother. But that all comes to a head when Dani gets it in her head that its time for Jake to notice her as a woman, not realizing that he ALWAYS notices her. Easy to read story but impossible to put down!

Can’t Get Enough by Molly McLain takes place in the town of Riverbend. I’ll just say I really want to move to Riverbend! Lots of hunks to go around for everyone. LOL Tony Dunn has recently been thrust into the role of fatherhood and is having some struggles with asking anyone for help. Nicole is stopping in town to take care of some family business and finds herself in need of money. At the same time Tony is in search of a sitter. The chemistry between these two is off the charts! They try to do the right thing, but sometimes we don’t always know what the right thing is. Tony and Nicole’s story has made them my favorite book couple.

Laugh Like You’ve Never Cried by Sj McCoy takes place in Summer Lake. There is something in the water of Summer Lake. Once you show up there, you bound to meet your soul mate. That holds true for Megan and Michael. Even though they were complete opposites, she is shy and quiet and he is the life of the party, they are drawn to each every time the turn around. Their love story upholds the old adage that opposites do attract. If I hadn’t already found my soul mate, I would be trying my hardest to find Summer Lake!

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great boxed set, 10 romance novels, something to please everyone's tastes. A great way to try new authors. I have read two of the stories so far and can't wait to read more!

Love in a Snowstorm by Zoe York
Zoe York has done it again, a book that I could not put down. The story of Jake and Dani. A mutual attraction from years back but due to the age diffidence Jake did not act upon it, plus it is his best friend's little sister. Now as adults they act upon this attraction, sizzling chemistry between the two of them. The only problem is that they keep it a secret from family and friends.

Can't Get Enough by Molly McLain
This is a book that you will not be able to put down. How can you not fall in love with Tony, a single dad raising his baby daughter. Molly, a nurse who is only in River Bend for a short time to sell her grandma's house, is willing to help Tony out temporarily on child care for the next six weeks. There is an instant attraction between these two, that is very hot. Can it only be temporary without hearts being broken.

[Jimnlori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome collection of hot, hunky and hard to resist heroes! I've only read Love in a Snow Storm by Zoe York, but I'm definitely looking forward to reading the rest of this great collection.

Jake has been in love with his best friend's baby sister since she was 17 years old, but since he knew that was so wrong he did everything that he could to stay away from her.
Dani is home now and working as an EMT with one of Jake's brothers. All of her life her brothers, Jake and his brothers were always fiercely protective of her since she was the only girl. Her feelings for Jake were anything, but sisterly and if that honest confession of Jake's that he made when she was home before her last year of college was true then his feelings weren't brotherly at all.
Jake can't deny his feeling any longer now that Dani is grown and back at home working and she isn't helping the situation at all with her smoldering looks and her brutal honesty about her feelings.

I was given an ARC for an honest review. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love In a Snow Storm is book 2 in Zoe York's wonderful Pine Harbour series. It takes place right after Love In A Small Town, so if you haven't read it, start there! (It's currently free on Amazon!)
Dani has loved her brother's best friend since she was a teenager. What she didn't know was that Jake feels the same way, but never acted on it because of her age and his relationship with Rafe. But now, they are finally in the same place in life....or are they? While most romances have the inevitable roadblocks to romance, especially when meddling family members are involved, Dani and Jake's journey is fresh and believable.
Add in wonderful and rich secondary characters and the just-want-to-move-there backdrop of Pine Harbour and Zoe York has yet another hit on her hands! Dive into this series now... You won't be disappointed!

Awesome bunch of authors, full length books, not just novellas. Push that one-click button now!

[Danni · Rating 5 out of 5]

P.J. Fiala has a knack for making her characters come to life & Danny's War is no different. Danny is a disabled vet, who feels less of a man, especially since his ex-girlfriend dumped him. Everything is about to change for him when he, not only is the recipient of a house renovation, thanks to the Rolling Thunder Benefit Ride, but meets Tammy, as well (who has her own issues she is dealing with). Take their rollercoaster ride with them, to see where it leads them.
I definitely recommend this book, if you're looking for a beautiful (&hot) love story. Thank you P.J. Fiala, for sharing these characters with us.
I'm so glad that Danny's War was included in this Hometown Heroes Boxed Set. He is truly a hometown hero!

[Carolyne Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading through these stories but not completed yet and I've got to say it is a great box set. Some amazing authors. SJ McCoy's laugh like you e never cried was the first of her books I've read and I've read everything she's write since then. I'm itching for her last one to come out. Including the whole summer lake series, once you start you just can't stop!!
Kylie Gilmore - not my Romeo, great start to a series, hot and entertaining, I will be reading the rest of the series!!
Molly McLain- can't get enough, loved it, again you've got a fan for sure.
I'm totally neglecting my work and chores as I can't stop reading this box set. Full length books, starts of a series so loads to keep me amused in the future.
Well worth a read.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of Can't Forget Her (which is included in this box set) this book in exchange for an honest review.

Ryan and Rosie were high school sweethearts but Ryan never knew the truth behind why Rosie left and never returned. Fast forward 9 years and they meet while Ryan is on holiday.

For me the best thing about this story is the maturity of the characters. When Ryan finds out the reason behind Rosie's departure he is rightly pissed but there is no over the top drama and the characters sort out their lives like adults.

Can't Forget Her is a sweet adult romance with a little bit if heat. A great read. I enjoyed this story so much I've purchased the box set. I look forward to reading the other stories.

[Mary Schuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hometown Heroes Box Set should not be missed. There are 10 full length novels from 10 different authors. SJ McCoy's Laugh Like You've Never Cried is one you shouldn't miss. You will visit Michael and Megan in Summer Lake and you won't want to leave. I'm looking forward to the next book by SJ! Books by Melanie Shawn, Kylie Gilmore, Molly McLain and many others should also not be missed. This is more than worth the $.99.

I received a copy for an honest review.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe has done it again with book two in the Pine Harbour series. Jake and Dani story is amazing. What happens when you fall in love with you best friends sister? Well Jake has been in love with her for the last eight yrs.... she's been crazy about him for as long as she can remember. Will they find their way into each others arms or will circumstances pull them apart?

[wendy knapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This box set is well worth the money and is days of entertainment ! So hard to put down , reading at work and home ! Perfect escape from the real world and a journey to where we all would like to be , if I have to pick one I would definately want to live my life at summer lake , Thanks to SJ McKoy for another awesome read!

[Rhonda Ziglar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hometown Heroes Boxed Set is so worth the money, you get 10 books by 10 wonderful authors. I loved every story, but there were some books that I enjoyed more. There is a book for anyone's favorite hero in this set. I highly recommend this set, it is so worth the money, please do not pass this up you will not be sorry.

I was given an ARC of this set, for my honest review.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great authors, fun stories and sexy men. This is shaping up to be a wonderful set. Zoe York brings the heart. Melanie Shawn and Kylie Gilmore bring the funny and Molly McClain is a combination of both. Something for every reader.

[Norah Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thus far, I've only read MJ Fredrick's SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT, which I loved! And I have read some of the other authors - just not the books in this collection - and found them really solid. I've got my reading cut out for me for a while.

[Mindy George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Box of Awesomeness

I loved this boxed set. So many great authors. Many of which I hadn't read before. This box is worth the price! I now have new authors to read and a lot of books to catch up on!

[Joanna Brocklehurst smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great collection of books. Some new authors to me also which i found refreshing.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this boxed set of ten stories! I found some new authors and revisited some I haven't read for awhile. All of the stories were so good! I am so glad that I bought this set!

[Natalie Kirkland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love box sets they are amazing you have all different authors with amazing stories and I loved this one

[Andrea Akers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

Ten authors and ten hunks, what could be better? This is a wonderful assortment of books to try but different authors. The assortment is intended for readers over 18.

[Kathleen Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection of books.

Terrific batch of great stories. Easy to get hooked on each series.
New authors to explore and sexy men and the women they love.

[julie satterlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome love stories...great characters.

The characters get into your heart so you can't help but want their happy ending. love stories at their best

[Peni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please see individual stories for review.

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed these books so much. this boxed set is what actually started me on some of the authors that I read all of their books they have out now. I am still looking for more of the titles from some of these authors from this boxed set.