St. Martin's Press
ISBN-13: 9780312651312
ISBN: 0312651317
Love in a Nutshell
by Dorien Kelly with Janet Evanovich January 2012
Number one bestselling author Janet Evanovich teams up with award-winning author Dorien Kelly to deliver a sparkling novel of romantic suspense, small-town antics, secretive sabotage, and lots and lots of beer.
Kate Appleton needs a job. Her husband has left her, she’s been fired from her position as a magazine editor, and the only place she wants to go is to her parents’ summer house, The Nutshell, in Keene’s Harbor, Michigan. Kate’s plan is to turn The Nutshell into a Bed and Breakfast. Problem is, she needs cash, and the only job she can land is less than savory.
Matt Culhane wants Kate to spy on his brewery employees. Someone has been sabotaging his company, and Kate is just new enough in town that she can insert herself into Culhane’s business and snoop around for him. If Kate finds the culprit, Matt will pay her a $20,000 bonus. Needless to say, Kate is highly motivated. But several problems present themselves. Kate despises beer. No one seems to trust her. And she is falling hard for her boss.
Can these two smoke out a saboteur, save Kate’s family home, and keep a killer from closing in…all while resisting their undeniable attraction to one another?
“Evanovich is known for her humor, and she and Kelly skillfully combine comedy with romance and suspense to make a story sure to please readers.”— Booklist
“Blending classic romance archetypes with an edge of mystery, the duo of Evanovich (Sizzling Sixteen, 2010, etc.) and Kelly is sure to appeal to fans of both genres with reader-friendly writing that mirrors its characters' all-American appeal.” — Kirkus Reviews
This Time, Forever
by Pamela Britton and Dorien Kelly December 2010
Over the Topby Pamela Britton
Geared up to make his triumphant return to racing, NASCAR legend Linc Shepherd can't afford any mistakes. Any Marley Sizemore is trouble with a capital T. No longer the tomboy with a major crush on him, his boss's baby sister is now an alluring woman. Will their relationship jeopardize Linc's chances of victory on the track? Or can Marley help him show the world he's still got what it takes?
Talk to Meby Dorien Kelly
Veteran NASCAR star Ben Edmonds has one driving goal: to get his career and marriage back on track. He adores his wife, Susie—their family means everything to him. But somehow life has put distance between them. If Susie will cheer him on, anything's possible. And Ben's more determined than ever to take back the prize. Because everything's riding on this one….
Shades of Love
by Dorien Kelly and Barbara Dunlop August 2010
Winner Takes Allby Dorien Kelly
Former NASCAR driver Derek Garner wants only to run his youth program for inner-city kids. But impassioned teacher Claire Sablan has her own ideas for her students…and she never mixes business with pleasure. Except this time she's finding dark and sexy Derek hard to resist. If she's not careful, she'll be giving in to all his ideas—including the one about their future together!
From the Outsideby Barbara Dunlop
The racing world is Caleb Gentry's whole life. But when the top tire changer is assigned to help Olivia Eason with a sports study, life off the track gets a lot more exciting. The upper-crust doc may not be his usual type, but Caleb knows there is more to her than meets the eye. Now all Caleb has to do is show her how good life in the fast lane can be...
“Kelly draws readers in with witty dialogue and genuine chemistry….” (4.5 stars) — Romantic Times Magazine
Racing Hearts
by Dorien Kelly, Vicki Lewis Thompson, Nancy Warren February 2010
She's plotted the course
Car chief Roni Kenway has a plan. She'll save her racing team and (hopefully) convince her crew chief, Judd Timmons, that she's the perfect mix of business and pleasure. But will she coast down Victory Lane…or crash into the wall?
She's in Daytona
Haunted by a sadistic book about last-chance love, Lucy Vanderwal hopes a trip to Daytona will end with love. But when she discovers her "last chance" guy is a lemon, Lucy meets rookie driver Sawyer Patton…and learns even a late starter can be a winner!
And she's behind the wheel!
Driver Megan Carter just got back from a dream vacation—sun, sand and a sizzling fling with Chris Donahue. Now all she needs is to prove herself on the race track. But how can she do that when Chris turns up in her garage—in her real life—and says he's there to stay?
The Littlest Matchmaker
by Dorien Kelly October 2009
Smart
Great Sense Of Humor
Hardworking
Kind To Children And Stray Dogs…
Did she mention handsome? Mind-bogglingly sexy? Single mom Lisa Kincaid doesn't want to be attracted to Kevin Decker. She knows the sexy, caring construction-company owner will always be there for her, and up until now friendship has suited her just fine.
But suddenly she isn't looking at her husband's former boss in the same way…and neither is a certain four-year-old Cupid.
For the past three years Kevin has felt responsible for Lisa. He knows the accident that left her a widow wasn't his fault, but that doesn't stop him from wanting to help. Except his feelings go beyond mere friendship. And her little boy thinks Kevin and his mom are perfect for each other.
Now, if Kevin can only get Lisa to believe it, too!
“Kevin is fabulous — if he's not the perfect male, he's close — and Kelly makes good use of attraction between the characters and Lisa's emotional wariness as they draw closer in this singularly intense romance.” (4.5 stars) — Romantic Times Magazine
Retired NASCAR champion Steve Clayton is no stranger to risk. Still at the top of his game, the world-renowned wine grower is willing to take chances--in everything but love. Then he meets Sarah Stanton. The fiercely independent college professor is totally different from the women he usually dates. Yet he can't get her out of his mind....
Sarah has given up on finding the right man to share her life and give her the child she yearns for. The former racecar driver and paparazzi-loving playboy is wrong for her in every way. So why is Steve pursuing her as if this were the most important race of his life?
When his father's sudden death forces Nathan Cargill to take over management of his family's racing team, he's determined to ratchet up their performance. That's why he's just hired fitness trainer Stacy Evans, who's tempting the Cargill-Grosso Motors interim manager to break his cardinal rule: never mix business with pleasure.
Coaching Nathan's over-the-wall crew is Stacy's chance to be part of the racing world. But with Nathan under suspicion and a scandal brewing that could blow the NASCAR world wide open, Stacy is determined to fight for her future with the man she loves....
“Complex characters facing multiple challenges make this novel a page-turner.” (4 stars) — Romantic Times Magazine
When Mei Lin Wang met young radical social activist Wei Chan she knew it was fate. She didn't know that less than three years later she would be left widowed with a newborn son after a suspicious illness claimed Wei's life. Now, still convinced of their shared destiny, Lin is determined to avenge Wei and continue his work, but she must also protect her son from those responsible for her husband's death.
For months Lin has secreted her son below deck on the cruise ship Alexandra's Dream, under cover of her job. It's turned into a game of hide-and-seek with the ship's security officer, Gideon Dayan, whose interest is piqued by the mystery that surrounds her. But through his attraction, Gideon sees his own haunted past when he looks at Lin—and she can't let her past go. Will they finally be able to face the future—together?
“Dorien Kelly's characters are fascinating, and the push/pull of their attraction/conflict works beautifully….” (4 stars) — Romantic Times Magazine
The Boys Are Back In Town An Anthology
by Dorien Kelly, Jane Graves and Tanya Michaels July 2006
Who knew Texas bad boys could be so good?
Falling for Youby Janes Graves
Stuntman Kirk Mckenzie is back in town. It's Dr. Amanda Stevens's second chance to convince the daredevil that no rush could be better than the thrill he'd get if he fell for her instead.
Forward Passby Dorien Kelly
It's Matt O'Connell's turn to apologize to Jamie Delisle, who's never forgiven the ex-quarterback for a teenage prank. Now that he's trying to kiss and make up, revenge tastes unbelievably sweet.
Ready and Willingby Tanya Michaels
The black sheep of a wild bunch, Noah Tanner is always living down his family name -- until he meets Bree McCormick. They discover that being bad isn't always a crime.
Sometimes achieving happiness means following your own compass...no matter where it takes you....
Faced with forging a new life map, habitual accommodator Tessa Wright agrees to share a palatial Costa Rican vacation home with Kate, her former boss. But the gorgeous Playa Blanca house perched over the ocean hides more revelations — and inhabitants — than Tessa ever anticipated.
Hot Whispers of an Irishman Ballymuir Trilogy, Book Three
by Dorien Kelly November 2005
Has Vi Kilbride finally met her match?
When Ballymuir's sharp-witted artist Violet Kilbride, who inherited the gift of second sight from her beloved grandmother, decides to sell her nan's cottage in Duncarraig, she returns to a town that holds complicated memories. Vi fell in love with Liam Rafferty there one teenage summer and has never gotten over their failed romance. When she runs into Liam — now a divorced dad — the attraction flares anew. But just as quickly, their reignited passion is threatened by Liam's quest for the legendary treasure known as Rafferty's gold, which was entrusted to an ancestor of Vi's who was also scorned by a Rafferty man. Determined to find the gold herself — and to see that it ends up in a museum — Vi pits her second sight against Liam's fancy gold-hunting gadgets. But the lure of lost treasure doesn't stand a chance against a love like this...or does it?
“This finale to Kelly's Ballymuir trilogy is funny and warm, with a bit of mystery too. The characters are well-developed, with fascinating family dynamics that keep the reader involved till the end.” (4 stars)— The Oakland Press
“Kelly's terrific story has just the right mix of angst and passion to make it a book you'll want to read without distraction.” (4 stars)— Romantic Times Magazine
Winner of the Booksellers' Best Award
Winner of the
Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence
Winner of the
Aspen Gold Award
Named one of 2005's Best Romances by The Oakland Press
Annie Rutherford wants to be as successful as the rest of her overachieving family, but she draws the line at her boss's latest brainstorm. Not that her hard-earned MBA doesn't qualify her to launch an Irish pub. For the record, she's way too fond of her pints -- as long as they're of the ice cream variety.
If this weren't enough, now she has to deal with an Irish "consultant." Yet when the gorgeous Daniel Flynn arrives, Annie isn't sure if she's extremely lucky or cursed.
The irony of the whole situation? As much as Annie would like to fight his incredible charm, she really wants to be in like Flynn....
Second place in the romantic comedy division of the More Than Magic contest
Finalist for the Madcap Award for series romantic comedy
Hot Nights in Ballymuir Ballymuir Trilogy, Book Two
by Dorien Kelly March 2004
Playboy businessman Devlin Gilvane arrives in Ballymuir secretly intent on acquiring the beloved historical landmark Muir House for a lucrative real estate venture. No one recognizes him for the threat he is--except Jenna Fahey, the beautiful American chef who turned Muir House into an international destination for gourmands. Jenna spent years working at the finest European restaurants before establishing her own and even though the lease is coming to a close, she isn't about to give up without a fight. But even as Jenna thwarts Dev's pursuit, she can't resist his rakish charm. With Dev and Jenna locked in a dispute--and a game of temptation--there are bound to be some hot nights in Ballymuir...
“(A) charmer from the talented Kelly. The sights, smells and atmosphere of Ireland permeate this appealing tale.” — Jill M. Smith, Romantic Times BOOKclub
Finalist for the First Annual Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence
If the gods decided to grant Cara Adams one "do-over," the choice would be a no-brainer-she wouldn't have been sucked in by Mark "the Shark" Morgan. Back in law school, Cara had "dumbed down" to catch Mark's eye. Thanks to her stunt, she lost a plum job at a Wall Street firm, and the Shark is enjoying life in the Big Apple.
Now Cara's thirty and doing just fine, thank you very much. Positive she's a shoo-in for a partnership at her prestigious Michigan law firm, Cara's bought herself a new loft, paid off her student loans and is ready for the success she deserves. But the gods are laughing now. Her ally in the law firm bolts in the middle of the night, her secretary gets fired for using the file room as her own boudoir, and…Mark the Shark has come home. Really, the gods must be crazy.
Will Cara go down without a fight? Not this time. “Romance/chick lit hybrid done right... I was impressed with how much Kelly was able to do in a brief 216 page series romance. A very good book with an unusual level of characterization and a distinctive voice, I think it'll surprise you, too.” — Leigh Thomas, All About Romance
RT Top Pick
Finalist for the 2004 Holt Medallion
Finalist for the 2004 Orange Rose Award
Finalist for the 2004 Aspen Gold Award
Finalist for the 2004 Beacon Award
Chosen as a "Buried Treasure" by All About Romance
The Girl Most Likely To...
by Dorien Kelly April 2003
They were the least likely couple...
After years of being called the wild child of Sandy Bend, Michigan, Dana Devine has pretty much confirmed that rumor by sleeping with Cal Brewer. Yes, she's always had a thing for the new police chief, but she never meant to live out her fantasy. Now that reality's hit, she knows they can't continue the relationship--it simply wouldn't work. What she doesn't realize is that Cal himself was living a fantasy of his own....
When Dana asked Cal to "come up for a drink" after running into him in Chicago, he knew where the evening was headed. But he never anticipated falling for Dana the way he did. Now she's barely speaking to him, and Cal's not sure if their one perfect night was just a mistake. Problem is, he can't stop thinking about her...or about spending another night with the wild beauty.... “Dorien Kelly's first Temptation, The Girl Most Likely To... is a lighthearted, sexy story with an outstanding heroine and a hero who is more than her match.” (4 stars)— Catherine Witmer, Romantic Times BOOKclub
Second place in the Booksellers' Best Award competition
The Last Bride in Ballymuir Ballymuir Trilogy, Book One
by Dorien Kelly March 2003
Kylie “Soon-to-Be-a-Saint” O’Shea teaches at the local All-Irish school, helps her neighbors and volunteers for every good cause. No one in Ballymuir can figure out why she keeps the interested lads at bay, but they all warn her she’s in danger of fulfilling a local legend: becoming the last bride in Ballymuir. When a stranger named Michael Kilbride comes to the village, wild rumors surround his every move. But Kylie lets herself go where Michael leads her—into an awakening of dreams and desires...even if it means exposing her beloved village’s and her own darkest secrets. Prior to its sale, The Last Bride in Ballymuir (formerly known as The Homecoming) was the recipient of the:
Maggie Winner 2000 - Single Title
Molly Winner 2000 - Single Title
Southern Heat Winner 2000 - Single Title
TARA First Impressions Contest 2000 - 2nd Place Single Title
Marlene Contest 2000 - 2nd Place Single Title
Laurie Contest 2001 - 2nd Place Mainstream
The Girl Least Likely To...
by Dorien Kelly February 2003
After seven years, former accident-waiting-to-happen Hallie Brewer returns to her quirky hometown of Sandy Bend, Michigan to face her past. Her only wish? That her high school crush, Steve Whitman, will see her as something more than the "Horrible Hallie" of town legend. “[A] good blend of laughter and drama, and its quirky heroine is great.” (4 stars) — Romantic Times BOOKclub
Prior to its sale, The Girl Least Likely To... (formerly known as Holding Onto Hallie) was the recipient of the:
TARA First Impressions Contest 2001 - 2nd Place Short Contemporary
WisRWA Fabulous Five Contest 2001 - 3rd Place Short Contemporary
Rowan Lindsay was on a Boy Vacation. No men. She'd been hurt in the past, and with two five year olds to take care of, just couldn't risk further heartbreak. But when her kids tackle hot neighbor Jake Albreight, Rowan questions the intelligence of her decision. Is Jake the man of her dreams or is he cut from the same cloth as all the others?
“Ms. Kelly has a rare talent for writing amusing and realistic dialogue.” (4 stars)— Catherine Witmer, Romantic Times BOOKclub
Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award Nominee Best Duet of 2002
