Contemporary Romance in Seattle

It is always fun reading novels about places you have been, are going, or want to be. I know that I feel even more involved in a story when I have been where the characters are standing, or at least have a feel for the area. It simply brings the story to life. Here are some contemporary romance novels set in and around the city of Seattle Washington.

The Shop on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber, and the rest of the Blossom Street series, centers on A Good Yarn store and occasionally the surrounding stores. This single street in Seattle is the center of knitting lessons, relationships of all sorts, crisis and life in general. These novels are all heart warming and uplifting, even when they deal with hard topics such as cancer and loss. Navy Wife begins another series from Macomber that is set in Seattle. Lindy Kyle is moving into her brother's apartment in order to get away from her old life and start fresh after a bad relationship. She was not prepared for her roommate, naval officer Rush Callaghan. When they fall in love will Lindy be about to handle with the troubles of being a Navy wife?

Sharp Edges by Jayne Ann Krentz follows the slick Art director Eugenia Swift as she goes to Frog Cove Island to catalog a collection and investigate the murder of a friend. Private eye Cyrus Chandler Colfax is on the hunt for a missing artifact. The pair pretends to be a married couple in order to meet their very different goals. However, there is a calculating murder there on Frog Cove Island, and more than one deception to clear up. Wildest Hearts by Jayne Ann Krentz is another romantic suspense that takers place in or near Seattle. In the novel, readers are introduced to Annie Lyncroft, a woman determined to save her missing brother's business out of creditor's hands. Her solution is insane, and she knows it. She suggests a marriage of convenience to Oliver Rain, a financial whiz with a powerful family, who can help keep creditors at bay until her brother is found. Oliver had already decided that he liked Annie, so he was far from against the match. That is until Annie begins to affect his normally well-ordered life. Other books I recommend by Krentz which are set in Seattle include Absolutely, Positively and Trust Me

See Jane Score by Rachel Gibson might sound like a stereotypical novel where plain Jane transforms and gets the guy, the humor and well-layered characters make this book much more. Jane Alcott is a smart and spunky reporter looking to move up from reporting only fluff news. One way she plans to do this is by traveling with and writing about the Seattle Chinooks hockey team. Luc Martineau is a career goal oriented goalie with a dislike for reporters and good reasons for wanting his image to improve. Before long sparks, snappy dialogue and complications rise up to keep the pair busy. If you enjoy this book, I also suggest other books by Gibson, particularly those featuring the Seattle Chinooks like Simply Irresistible and True Love and Other Disasters.

Ready by Lucy Monroe is a romantic suspense novel that takes readers on the run with author Lise Barton. She has moved from Texas to Seattle in an attempt to keep her family safe from her stalker. Former Army Ranger Joshua Watts is determined to bring Lise home for Thanksgiving, thinking that he is at least part of the reason that she has left. Josh and his friends might be able to save Lise from her stalker, but be poses a different kind of danger. This book is the first in a trilogy.

Accidentally Yours by Susan Mallery is a story of motherly love as well as how attraction and true love can come from unexpected sources. Kerri Sullivan will do anything for her sick nine-year-old son. This includes blackmailing a billionaire in order to fund the research that just might save his life. Nathan King is a real estate developer that lost his son to the same illness that is killing Kerri's son. He initially denied Kerri's request for funding, but exchanges her time to help improve Nathan's image in exchange for his help. Attraction and complications surround the pair as the story moves forward.

Cold Feet by Brenda Novak introduces readers to Madison Lieberman, who never believed that her father really was the serial killer known as the "Sandpoint Strangler". However, now that he id dead Madison wants to start a new life with your daughter. However, Madison discovers something in the attic crawl space that makes her question everything, and everyone around her. After there is another murder Caleb Trovato, a crime writer, wonders if Madison knows more about the murders than she is telling. He never wanted to put Madison's daughter in danger, or fall in love.

Cooking for Mr. Right by Susan Volland is a story that is funny and satisfying. Kate Linden still gets the craving to dye her hair crazy colors and play bass, but works as a chef in Seattle and does her best to be an adult. however, one day she loses her job in a large argument with her boss and her ex boyfriend announces that he is getting married. She feels life her options are starting to disappear and decides that the answer is to get her ex back. While the plan seems ideal at first, she did not plan of complications such as finding a man for who she would much rather cook. A real heroine that learns from her mistakes and some diverse characters make this book a delight for your taste buds, sense of humor and romantic heart.

Tell Me No Lies by Linda Hope Lee introduces readers to Seattle based mural artist Julie Foster. She has just been commissioned to paint in the nearby small town of Cooperville. Unfortunately, her late grandfather had a history with the town, having been accused of embezzling from the town's bank. Julie needs to keep her connection to the town a secret from her employer Millie Linscott, as well as her attractive grandson who does not approve of the money being spent on the murals. This novel explores the hidden past found in family secrets, and a character study of two families forever connected.