Alpine Ridge Series by Melanie A. Smith

From award-winning and international best-selling author Melanie A. Smith comes a standalone steamy contemporary romance about life choices, love, and finding yourself in between. Sometimes you need a bit of tough love to get where you’re supposed to be … Mia Anderson has been living a life that was chosen for her. But her impending thirtieth birthday is the wake-up call she needed to stop wasting time on all the wrong pursuits... moreFrom award-winning and international best-selling author Melanie A. Smith comes a standalone steamy contemporary romance about life choices, love, and finding yourself in between. Sometimes you need a bit of tough love to get where you’re supposed to be … Mia Anderson has been living a life that was chosen for her. But her impending thirtieth birthday is the wake-up call she needed to stop wasting time on all the wrong pursuits. Just as she’s figuring out what she wants to do about it, her beloved grandmother falls ill and Mia drops everything to be with her. What she didn’t expect to find in her grandmother’s tiny mountain town is the courage to quit working for her father, supplied by a little tough love from her Gran. Now faced with an uncertain future, the last thing on her mind is finding love. Nate Edwards is living a solitary life deep in the Cascade Mountains of Washington. He’s content, or at least he thinks he is — until the granddaughter of a good friend shows up and he starts having feelings he thought he’d never have again. But Mia’s future isn’t in Alpine Ridge, so acting on it would lead to nothing but heartbreak. Still, their connection is undeniable and circumstances continue to push them together, despite their resistance. Will Mia stick to her decision to carve her own path? And if she does, will it be with Nate? Or is he doomed to an isolated life? less

Sometimes you have to risk everything to find where you belong… Joanie Morris thought she had it all figured out — a successful career as a lawyer, lavish vacations, and a no-strings-attached approach to relationships. But when she abruptly parts ways with her firm, Joanie finds herself wondering what comes next... moreSometimes you have to risk everything to find where you belong… Joanie Morris thought she had it all figured out — a successful career as a lawyer, lavish vacations, and a no-strings-attached approach to relationships. But when she abruptly parts ways with her firm, Joanie finds herself wondering what comes next. Seeking a distraction in her best friend Mia's idyllic mountain town of Alpine Ridge, Joanie never expected to find herself drawn to the rugged charm of the local community center director.Greg Tyler is content with his quiet life in Alpine Ridge, far from the chaos of the city. But when Joanie blows into town like a hurricane, he can't help but be captivated by her quick wit and fiery spirit. As they work together to navigate the challenges of incorporating the town, their connection deepens. But their journey isn’t without its challenges. Will the quirks of small-town life scare Joanie off her new path? Or will family drama and legal battles keep Greg from taking a leap of faith? Both will have to choose whether their love is worth fighting for in this dramatic tale of navigating life’s path and recklessly following your heart. less

Sometimes you have to go off-script to find your true role in life ... Carrie Anderson has always put others first, following the path that was expected of her over her own desires. But when she finds herself jobless and disillusioned, she takes a chance on a new venture in the charming town of Alpine Ridge, discovering a strength she never knew she had... moreSometimes you have to go off-script to find your true role in life ... Carrie Anderson has always put others first, following the path that was expected of her over her own desires. But when she finds herself jobless and disillusioned, she takes a chance on a new venture in the charming town of Alpine Ridge, discovering a strength she never knew she had. As she helps shape the town’s future, Carrie finds herself drawn to the last person she ever expected to find in a small, out-of-the-way town in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State – Hollywood heartthrob Evan Edwards.Evan thought he had it all — fame, fortune, and a successful career as an action movie star. But when a scandal threatens to derail his career, he retreats to his brother’s mountain hideaway to escape the spotlight. In Alpine Ridge, he finds a simpler life and a connection he never thought possible with the town's ambitious political consultant. As Evan grapples with his future in Hollywood, he realizes that true happiness might lie far from the red carpet.As Carrie and Evan navigate their growing feelings, they must confront their fears and overcome the challenges of their different worlds. Will Carrie find the courage to step into the spotlight of Evan's world? Or will Evan be willing to leave behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood for a chance at real happiness? In this heartwarming tale of love, self-discovery, and small-town charm, Carrie and Evan must learn that sometimes the greatest love stories are unscripted. less

Sometimes the love you thought you lost is the one that leads you home... Rae Donovan thought she had love all figured out … until, after a tragic accident, her high school sweetheart Luke left town, breaking her heart. In the decades since, Rae has put the past behind her, content with her quiet life working at the local bakery her family started in the charming mountain town of Alpine Ridge. But when Luke returns, Rae's world is turned upside down... moreSometimes the love you thought you lost is the one that leads you home... Rae Donovan thought she had love all figured out … until, after a tragic accident, her high school sweetheart Luke left town, breaking her heart. In the decades since, Rae has put the past behind her, content with her quiet life working at the local bakery her family started in the charming mountain town of Alpine Ridge. But when Luke returns, Rae's world is turned upside down.Luke McMillan never forgot his first love, even as duty took him far from home, and tragedy made him a single father. Now back in Alpine Ridge as its new fire chief, he's determined to win Rae's trust — and her heart — once again. But a secret from his past threatens to destroy their second chance at happiness.As Rae and Luke navigate the challenges of reuniting, they must confront their histories and decide if their love is strong enough to overcome the wounds of the past. Will they find their way back to each other, or will the scars of yesterday keep them apart forever? In this emotional tale of forgiveness, growth, and second chances, Rae and Luke must learn that sometimes the most elusive love is the one you never truly lost. less