Port Serenity Series by Ann DeFee

As the police chief of Port Serenity, Texas, and a single mom, Lavinia "Lolly" LaTullipe leads a busy life. But it gets even more hectic when she's hit by a double whammy– dead drug dealers floating ashore and Christian Delacroix, an undercover cop sent to investigate the murders. She doesn't need Mr. Tall, Dark and Dangerous on her mind–or messing with her lust-meter–while she's dealing with mayhem... moreAs the police chief of Port Serenity, Texas, and a single mom, Lavinia "Lolly" LaTullipe leads a busy life. But it gets even more hectic when she's hit by a double whammy– dead drug dealers floating ashore and Christian Delacroix, an undercover cop sent to investigate the murders. She doesn't need Mr. Tall, Dark and Dangerous on her mind–or messing with her lust-meter–while she's dealing with mayhem. On their first meeting Lolly makes quite an impression by zapping Christian with a taser–talk about shocking! Her dream is to meet a quiet, respectable man, not someone who wears a gun and deals with the dregs of society. Christian, on the other hand, is cozying up to Lolly's white picket fence kind of life with kids and a black shaggy dog. Set in a small beach town with an eccentric cast of characters, A Texas State of Mind is a fast-paced, fun story of love and family relationships. And BTW, who is that villain? "A Texas State of Mind is sexy, it's sassy, it's full of action and outrageous characters. The perfect summer read!" Debbie Macomber, New York Times bestselling author less

Dr. Olivia Alvarado, town vet and sometime coroner of Port Serenity, Texas, is nobody's fool. So when Sheriff C. J. Baker charged into her life, the last thing Livy expected was a broken heart. She should've known better. Because he seemed absolutely perfect for her -- and nothing's ever perfect. Finding out that C.J. was already married just about killed Olivia. But there's a lot she doesn't know about C.J.'s marriage -- like the fact that it was for Selena's protection... moreDr. Olivia Alvarado, town vet and sometime coroner of Port Serenity, Texas, is nobody's fool. So when Sheriff C. J. Baker charged into her life, the last thing Livy expected was a broken heart. She should've known better. Because he seemed absolutely perfect for her -- and nothing's ever perfect. Finding out that C.J. was already married just about killed Olivia. But there's a lot she doesn't know about C.J.'s marriage -- like the fact that it was for Selena's protection. Now that Selena's safe and he's safely divorced, C.J. wants Olivia back. When they're thrown together on a bizarre case, Livy can't avoid spending time with C.J. -- or falling for him all over again. But then Selena shows up in Port Serenity. So what's a girl to think? less

Marci Hamilton is a retired kindergarten teacher. So what’s she doing running around Texas in a snazzy convertible with her flamboyant sister chasing the prize in a series of barbecue-sauce cook-offs? Sponsored by J.W. Watson, the Barbecue-A-Rama is a Texas-wide contest to discover the newest sauce. The sisters get lost on their way to the first cook-off, and J.W. Watson happens to be mending fences on his ranch when the ladies pull up asking for directions... moreMarci Hamilton is a retired kindergarten teacher. So what’s she doing running around Texas in a snazzy convertible with her flamboyant sister chasing the prize in a series of barbecue-sauce cook-offs? Sponsored by J.W. Watson, the Barbecue-A-Rama is a Texas-wide contest to discover the newest sauce. The sisters get lost on their way to the first cook-off, and J.W. Watson happens to be mending fences on his ranch when the ladies pull up asking for directions. Smitten by the blonde in the convertible, he makes the mistake of introducing himself as Johnny Walker. Not a fan of country music, Marci doesn’t know that he’s famous. J.W. has had one disastrous marriage and he doesn’t plan to go for a second—but that’s before he meets Marci Hamilton. Marci’s last relationship hadn’t been optimal, either. But when unusual–and sometimes dangerous–accidents start happening at the BBQ kitchens, she turns J.W. for help and the romance starts to simmer. Can romance the second time around be hotter than a jalapeno BBQ sauce? less

Landry Valliere—New Orleans defense attorney—never thought that an innocent bet with his law partner would turn his life upside down. All he has to do is survive in Port Serenity, Texas, for a month without credit cards or cash. Much to his dismay he discovers that getting a job with his limited life skills is going to be a challenge... moreLandry Valliere—New Orleans defense attorney—never thought that an innocent bet with his law partner would turn his life upside down. All he has to do is survive in Port Serenity, Texas, for a month without credit cards or cash. Much to his dismay he discovers that getting a job with his limited life skills is going to be a challenge. It takes a couple of nights in a flea-bag hotel, and a dollop of desperation, for Landry to apply for the shampoo girl job at Sunny McAllister’s salon and dog grooming spa, Double Date. Sunny’s new employee is definitely eye candy, but there’s something off kilter about him. Her first thought was that he was running from the law. He’s too smart, too charming, too everything to be doing a menial job in her salon. And speaking of charming, add sexy to that description, and she’s hooked. The truth about Landry comes out when Sunny’s good friend is accused of murder and needs a hot-shot lawyer. Will Sunny kick him to the curb for his duplicity? And can a big city attorney and a small town girl have a chance at love? Of course, romances always have a happy ending. less