In terms of grand Romantic Gestures, I thinking having a song written for you tops the lists.

 

Here are some wonderful Romances whose heroes or heroines are songwriters. 

 

My list are never in any particular order. 

 

1. Song of Seduction by Carrie Lofty

 

Austria, 1804

Eight years ago, composer Arie De Voss claimed his late mentor's final symphony as his own and became an icon. But fame has a price: fear of discovery now poisons his attempts to compose a redemptive masterpiece. Until a new muse appears, intoxicating and inspiring him...

 

Mathilda Heidel renounced her own musical gift to marry, seeking a quiet life to escape the shame surrounding her birth. Sudden widowhood finds her tempted by song once more. An unexpected introduction to her idol, Arie De Voss, renews Mathilda's passion for the violin—and ignites a passion for the man himself.

 

But when lust and lies reach a crescendo, Arie will be forced to choose: love or truth?

 

2. The Taming of Billy Jones by Christine Rimmer

 

When a little bundle of energy and an intriguing woman arrive at Bad Billy Jones's door, Billy thinks the child looks like a Jones, but in order to get to know his son, he will have to play by Prudence Wilding's rules.

 

3. Cool Shade by Theresa Weir

 

Jobless, flat broke and itching for some new scenery, disc jockey Maddie Smith figures a trip to Nebraska to see what's going on with her flaky, estranged sister is as good a plan as any. It seems that after a brief encounter with sexy reclusive Eddie Berlin, baby sister vanished without a trace.

 

4. Sonata for a Scoundrel by Anthea Lawson

 

Life in London’s poorest quarter is hard, but gifted composer Clara Becker scrapes a living writing music under her brother’s name. When celebrated musician Darien Reynard notices her work, it seems fortune is smiling on the Becker siblings at last. But Clara must keep her distance from Darien if she hopes to protect their secret—and her heart.

 

 

 

5. A Light at Winter's End by Julia London

 

Holly Fisher opens her door one day and finds her estranged sister Hannah standing there with a glassy look and her nine-month old baby on her hip.  Before Holly knows what is happening, Hannah has left her baby with Holly and disappeared.  Three months later, fresh out of rehab for addiction to painkillers, Hannah shows up sober, contrite, and wanting her son back.  But Holly is in love with the baby and not willing to give him up to the mother who abandoned him.  

 

Into the middle of this extraordinary conflict between two sisters walks a lonesome cowboy, Wyatt Clark (Summer of Two Wishes) who knows a thing or two about childcare and fractured families.   He’s had his own troubles and has stayed away from women the last couple of years, but he can’t resist Holly and the baby.  But when Holly is delivered a devastating blow and returns the baby to his mother, Holly is too distraught to continue her relationship with Wyatt.  It will take an extraordinary turn from Hannah to bring Holly and Wyatt together so that they both may find the happiness that has eluded them.   

 

6. Land of Dreams by Kate Kerrigan

 

Irish immigrant Ellie Hogan has finally achieved the American Dream. But her comfortable bohemian life on Fire Island, New York, is shattered when her eldest adopted son, Leo, runs away, lured by the promise of fortune and fame in Hollywood. Determined to keep her family intact, Ellie follows him west, uprooting her youngest son and long-time friend Bridie.

 

In Los Angeles, Ellie creates a fashionable new home among the city’s celebrities, artists, and movie moguls. She is also drawn into intense new friendships, including talented film composer Stan, a man far different from any she has ever met, and Suri, a beautiful Japanese woman and kindred spirit, who opens Ellie’s eyes to the injustices of her country.

 

While Leo is dazzled by Hollywood’s glitz, Ellie quickly sees that the golden glamour masks a world of vanity and greed. Though she tries to navigate them around the dangers of their new home, she will not be able protect them from an even more terrifying threat: war.

 

7. Good Time Bad Boy by Sonya Clark

 

Wade Sheppard was the king of country for nearly ten years. Now he can’t get Nashville on the phone, much less another record deal. When yet another drunken night onstage gets him fired from a casino gig, Wade is pulled off the road by his manager and sent home. Being back in the small town where he was born and raised, his every screw-up fodder for gossip, isn’t helping any. His family knows him too well, and the pretty, sharp-tongued waitress who catches his eye doesn’t want to know him at all.

 

Daisy McNeil has more baggage than most her age but she’s finally pulling her life together. College classes will be her ticket out of poverty and instability. She doesn’t mind waiting tables for the time being, but she could do without the rowdy rednecks who sometimes get handsy. When one of them crosses the line, she snaps and gives him and his stupid ten gallon hat the telling off he deserves, but causing a scene gets her fired.

 

Wade didn’t mean to cost Daisy her job. Chastened, he decides he doesn’t want his train wreck of a life to crash into anybody else. He offers the bar owner a summer of free shows if Daisy can have her job back. Now they’re spending nights together trading barbs and fighting a growing attraction. With a sexy smile and a powerful voice that can make any song his, Wade’s determined to show Daisy that he’s more than just a good time bad boy.

 

8. Composing Love by Audra North

 

Composer Minh Jackson needs her big break. Fast. Gifted, dedicated, and ambitious?none of it means anything if she can't compose a film score. So when she finally gets her big break, it should be the best day ever. But film studio owner Chris Reichert isn't exactly gung-ho about Minh. And with one look at the blond, tattooed hunkity hunk, Minh's dream suddenly feels distinctly off-key...

 

Secretly, Chris is completely attracted to?and distracted by?Minh. He also knows better than to get involved in anything serious. Yet as the days pass and the score begins to take shape, Minh finds herself noticing that there's more to Chris than she thought. And it's not long before their initial physical attraction comes blazing to life. Now they've both crossed the line between professional and very personal.

 

But all it takes is one small mistake to not only end this precarious new relationship, but bring their careers to a crashing finale...

 

9. Defender by Catherine Mann

 

When a USO boat goes down in flames, pilot JimmyGage pulls a scantily clad Chloe Nelson out of shark filled waters. Chloe isn’t looking for a jet-jock to be her bodyguard—until she finds herself side by side with Gage on a dangerous mission.

 

10. Let it be Me by Kate Noble

 

Bridget longs to meet a gentleman who doesn’t mention her beautiful sister upon shaking her hand. But since being branded a shrew after a disastrous social season, Bridget knows she’s lucky to even have a man come near her. It’s enough to make a lady flee the country…

 

So Bridget heads to Venice for music lessons with the renowned Italian composer Vincenzo Carpenini, with whom she’s been corresponding. But not only is Carpenini not expecting her, he doesn’t even remember her! His friend, theater owner Oliver Merrick, does, though. And one look into her tantalizing green eyes has him cursing his impulsive letter-writing, which brought her across the continent. Yet before Merrick can apologize, Carpenini has ordered her away.

 

Little does either man know that they will soon be embroiled in a wager that will require the beautiful Miss Forrester’s help—or that there’ll be far more at stake in this gamble than money…  

 

Did I miss your favorite? Let me know!

 

 

Vote on the best of the best on my Goodreads list: Songwriters in Romance Novels.

Want a quick fun HEA? Try these Odd Couples: Opposites Attract in Catagory Romance Novels.

 

My lists are never in any particular order. Enjoy! 

 

1. Speaking of Love by Ophelia London

 

The matchmaker has finally met her match.

Speech teacher and successful matchmaker Mackenzie Simms decides to find a woman for her friend, handsome newspaper tycoon Rick Duffy. Though they've been each other's go-to dates for the past month, Mac and Rick couldn't be more different: she is outspoken, sarcastic, and completely loathes his privileged lifestyle. He's laid-back, unassuming, and seems comfortable at an upper-class charity function. So why can't she stop thinking about him?

 

Rick knows he and the opinionated-though-adorable Mackenzie are better off as friends, so he agrees to the double-date getaway Mac plans at his family cabin. But seeing Mac cuddle up with her "friendly" date rankles Rick beyond reason, and Mac regrets her matchmaking scheme the minute she sees the way her beauty-queen cousin looks at Rick. Can Mac 'fess up to what's really in her heart, when speaking her mind puts everything at risk?

 

2. The Midnight Rider Takes a Bride  by Christine Rimmer

 

DO YOU…HAVE TO GET MARRIED, ADORA BEAUDINE?

That's what all the town gossips were asking—and what else could she expect? Ladylike Adora was supposed to settle down to a life of solid respectability, and instead she was about to say "I do" to a motorcycle-riding outlaw named Jed Ryder. What, everyone wondered, had gotten into her?

 

What indeed? She told herself she was marrying Jed so he could get custody of his little sister. For the child's sake, she insisted, she was about to give up every shred of her respectable reputation. It had nothing to do with the unrespectable way she felt when he swept her into his arms….

 

3. The Redemption of Matthew Quinn by Kathleen O'Brien

 

Ex-con Matthew Quinn has plenty of trouble in his life right now. He doesn't need to take on more. And there's no question that Natalie Granville—with her crumbling mansion and her canceled wedding—is capital-T trouble. But that doesn't stop him from accepting a job from her.

He can handle it. All he needs to do is follow some rules:
Remember she's your boss, nothing else.
Don't start letting the arrangement get all cozy and domestic and personal.
Don't notice, don't want, don't feel and definitely don't touch.

But apparently, when it comes to Natalie, rules are meant to be broken….

 

4. Gabe by Lori Foster

 

Gabe Kasper, heartthrob of Buckhorn County, could have had any woman he wanted— if he'd had a mind to settle down. Which he didn't. The freedom of being a jack-of-all-trades with no one to answer to suited him just fine. And then a prickly, uptight, red-haired college woman showed up.— 

 

Elizabeth Parks needed Gabe to complete her thesis on heroism, but he didn't seem to think saving a couple of lives made him a hero. She was inclined to agree that he seemed like the exception to the rule. Until he rescued her heart and soul with his fearless passion.

 

5. Dream Nights with the CEO by Kathy Lyons

 

Hotel chain CEO and millionaire Wyatt Monroe is a stick in the mud. Sure, he's hot as sin, even with the tie, but free-spirited assistant Megan Bradford refuses to jeopardize their perfect working relationship. Why mess that up with sex? She knows he's the love 'em and leave 'em type, and she's determined to find a family man.

 

Wyatt would never cross the line between boss and employee with Megan, no matter how hard it might be to resist the temptation. But when they visit a mysterious B&B in a bid to acquire the property, he starts having erotic dreams about the sexy brunette that make it hard to resist her in daylight. 

 

Soon the line between reality and dreams further blurs when they learn they were sharing the same erotic dreams...

 

6. A Convenient Arrangement: The Italian's WifeThe Spanish Groom by Lynne Graham

 

THE ITALIAN'S WIFE
Holly Sansom has hit rock bottom. She has no way to care for herself or her eight-month-old son. Then a chance encounter with handsome CEO Rio Lombardi changes everything. Suddenly she's living in luxury, and if she accepts Rio's proposal, all her worries will be forever behind her. But is it really the perfect life if she doesn't have his love?

THE SPANISH GROOM
Dixie Robinson hasn't been good at much. The one thing she's done right is to befriend an elderly man. She'll do anything for Jasper—except marry his godson. After all, Cesar Valverde doesn't even like her. But as Jasper is rushed to the operating room, Dixie is rushed to the altar. Is this yet another mistake, or the smartest thing Dixie has ever done?

 

7. Wrong Bed, Right Guy by Katee Robert

 

Prim and proper art gallery coordinator Elle Walser is no good at seducing men. Heck, she's been throwing hints at her boss for months, but he's completely clueless. Desperate to escape her mother's matchmaking efforts, she comes up with a plan--buy some lingerie and climb into her boss's bed. The plan goes brilliantly…until she accidentally seduces a sexy stranger instead. Bad boy nightclub mogul Gabe Schultz just had the best almost-sex of his life. Too bad the smoking hot blonde thought he was his brother and bolted before he could finish what they started. Though her holier-than-thou attitude puts a serious damper his mood, Gabe's never been one to give up on something he wants. And he wants Elle. But does a man who lives on the dark side really have a chance with a proper lady?

 

8. Talking Dirty With the Boss by Jackie Ashenden

 

Marisa Clair wants to get her artist dreams back on track after a life detour. That means no partying, no shopping…and definitely no men to distract her. Should be easy, but there's something about her hot and exceedingly uptight boss and she can't seem to stop herself from ruffling Mr. Tall, Dark and Irritating.

 

Financial consultant Luke McNamara lives his life strictly by schedule - his OCD simply won't allow him to do anything else. And the very last thing he needs is a sassy blonde putting lipstick on his collar and messing with his routine. She annoys the hell out of him so why can't he stop thinking about the color of her panties…and how free he feels when he's with her? 

 

Marisa and Luke's plans to steer clear of one another are shot to hell after a hot office encounter. Now the two of them will have to learn to get along as they face a much more permanent reminder of their lack of self-control - a pregnancy.

 

9. An Officer and a Rebel by Cindi Madsen

 

Doing the wrong thing has never felt so right...

The last person police officer Nate Walsh expected to discover stranded in a snowstorm is his brother's ex—and former town rebel—Kelsey Cooper. His complete opposite in every way, Kelsey’s the girl he never allowed himself to want. But when she agrees to stay with him until the storm passes, he definitely finds himself wanting the gorgeous, tattooed woman. Too bad Nate’s sure his brother is still in love with her…

 

Kelsey had only meant to drive through her tiny hometown, not end up spending time there. With a cop. But despite her issues with authority figures, even she can admit Mr. Serious looks pretty hot in his uniform. Unfortunately, she’s sworn off relationships—and she’ll never be the girl for a nice guy. 

 

10. The Fall of Shane MacKade by Nora Roberts

 

Shane MacKade loved women. He loved the look of them, the smell of them, the taste of them—everything about them. So the last thing he expected was to become a one-woman man. And even more surprising was that it was the Ph.D.-toting academic Rebecca McKnight that had him heading for a fall. Are Shane's days as a bachelor over? It's a possibility..

 

Got more? Gimme! Vote on my Goodreads list: Odd Couples: Opposites Attract in Catagory Romance Novels

 

The Good Girl's Second Chance - Christin... There is nothing sexier than a man who is focused on being a good father. Quinn Bravo is intent on making his daughter happy and keeping his business successful. Chloe has decided to start over in a different environment. Focus on work and rebuilding her life should keep her from repeating past mistakes. Then again, anything is possible when a Bravo is involved. I love the Bravo's. Have followed the series from the very beginning. Through different generations and branches of their family tree. What I like most about this family is that they are good people that bond together through good times and bad. And they aren't above a little matchmaking either. Christine Rimmer always writes stories that mix family, emotion and enchanting characters in all her workings.
I received an ARC of The Good Girl's second chance in exchange for an honest review. With this family I always come back for more.

Series: Bravos of Justice Creek (Book 2)
           Bravo Family Ties (Book 44)

The Littlest Matchmaker Of Them All…

 

Quinn Bravo is a committed single dad -- emphasis on single. The millionaire bachelor is focused on his four-year-old daughter and his fitness business. So while he's intrigued by his beautiful new interior decorator, Quinn resolves to keep the chemistry at a simmer. Until one night together causes their attraction to burst into flame…

 

After her ex-husband betrayed her, local good girl Chloe Winchester returned to Justice Creek, determined not to risk her heart again. Still, maybe she can live out some teenage fantasies with sexy Quinn while redecorating his house. But first Chloe will have to avoid falling for one adorable little girl and the man of her dreams!

 

Very good book. Quinn and Chloe knew each other as kids, but Quinn was the bad boy and Chloe the good girl. They were interested in each other as teens, but expectations and reputations kept them apart. Now both have moved back to Justice Creek.

 

Quinn has a four year old daughter and a growing fitness business. He's not looking for a relationship right now, but he's drawn to his beautiful neighbor. Chloe came back home after divorcing her cheating and abusive husband. She has her own interior design business that is also starting to grow. She's not in any hurry to risk her heart again.

 

Late one night, when neither can sleep, they meet in the darkness. There is an instant attraction and connection that they see no reason to fight. Though the original plan was for one night, neither wants to give up on whatever it is they have. Though their physical relationship has a quick and hot start, that's not all they have together. I loved seeing the way that they talk together often and have shared pieces of their painful pasts with each other. 

 

Quinn quickly realizes that he wants Chloe in his life permanently. He proposes marriage, then gives Chloe the time she needs to be sure of what she wants. Quinn is very protective of those he cares about, and when he discovers that Chloe is having issues with her ex, he wants to help. Chloe knows that she's fallen for Quinn and wants to be with him. But it has taken time for her to get her life together after her divorce, and to find her independence. When she was younger she had allowed her mother to have a lot of negative influence on her life and she's working to overcome that. When she starts getting creepy messages from her ex, she is determined to deal with it herself.

 

This causes some conflict between Quinn and Chloe. He wants to protect her and care for her, and he is extremely frustrated by her refusal to allow him to help. I could understand, because he was worried about her safety. I had a great deal of respect for Quinn, because though he didn't like it, he promised Chloe to stay out of it. There's still a part of Chloe that blames herself for her problems with Ted, and that part is determined to solve her problems herself, without leaning on Quinn. I liked seeing the way that she was confident enough in Quinn to ask him to honor her wishes. She knew what she was doing bothered him, but she really felt that she wouldn't deserve Quinn if she didn't take care of it herself. The ending was intense, but both Chloe and Quinn came through with flying colors.

 

I really enjoyed the secondary characters also. Quinn's daughter was a real sweetheart. Quinn's love for her was obvious and I loved seeing how he could be soft and tough with her at the same time. His worries about her are one of the things that brought he and Chloe together. Chloe fell for Annabelle almost as fast as she fell for Quinn. I really liked the way they connected over the fairy dress that Annabelle wanted. I liked Quinn's friend/helper Mannie and his part in pushing Quinn and Chloe together. It wasn't very subtle, but it was effective. I also liked seeing more of Quinn's family, especially his sister Nell. The face off she had with Chloe was pretty amusing, but it really showed the love and support that the Bravo family has for each other. The only character I didn't like (besides Ted) was Chloe's mother. She was a real piece of work and I hated the way she talked to Chloe. I loved seeing Chloe stand up to her and stand her ground. She redeemed herself a little bit at the end, so I hope she continues to improve.

 

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Home is where the heart is thus the popularity of housekeepers as romantic partners in romance.

 

I always wonder if the heroine still gets to draw a salary after becoming the wife or if she gets a housekeeper. You will see that there is an overabundance of those not good at housework becoming housekeepers. I would love to see some competetance around housekeeping. I could only gasp in wonder. 

 

Here are some Contemporary Romance Novel that explore this theme. 

 

My lists are never in any particular order. Enjoy!

 

1. Let's Misbehave by Lisa Plumley

 

With no skills besides scoring the perfect stilettos, maxing out her credit card, and partying till dawn, Marisol Winston is about to get a lesson in the real world—and in love... 

After years of perfecting her party-girl image, Marisol wants to open an L.A.-based deluxe boutique. Unfortunately her father refuses to foot the bill until she agrees to do a stint in shopaholic rehab. Surely she can survive a few weeks without Dior, right? But part of Marisol's anti-retail remedy entails getting a real job as a nanny/housekeeper in Podunkville, Arizona. Suddenly she’s knee-deep in PB&Js and dirty laundry, surprised to find herself just a teensy bit smitten with her three sticky-fingered charges—and their deliciously distracting Dad (even if he does wear discount denim). 

Quarterback Cash Connelly has one last shot at being re-signed to the pros, which means he needs a nanny who runs a tight ship. Marisol seems to know way more about Tiffany’s than T-ball, and she has more miniskirted sex appeal than is strictly 
necessary for laundering jockey shorts. But his kids seem positively smitten. Well, who wouldn't love a woman who serves up ice cream for breakfast? Now if only Cash can find a way to stick to his strict hands-off-the-nanny policy...

 

2. Once in a Lifetime by Gwynne Forster

 

With a young daughter to support, recently divorced Alexis Stevenson jumps at the chance to become household manager for wealthy businessman Telford Harrington and his two brothers. Though she knows it won't be easy turning their bachelor-pad mansion into a home, she is determined to handle any obstacles, while maintaining a separate life for herself and her daughter. But Alexis isn't at all ready for the red-hot chemistry crackling between her and Telford—or the fact that she's suddenly caught in a maze of unexpected secrets and deep mistrust. But if she and Telford find their way through it—together—can they both embrace the love they so deeply desire?

 

3. The Twelve Nights of Christmas by Sarah Morgan

 

His housekeeper, or his Christmas present? Unexpectedly homeless for the festive season, and exhausted from transforming the penthouse of the hotel where she works into a dazzling winter wonderland, chambermaid Evie Anderson secretly sleeps over. Woken by an outrageously sensual kiss, Evie feels her body come alive...until she realises her seducer is Rio Zaccarelli, her dangerously attractive new boss! This Christmas, it's imperative Rio's reputation appears spotless - but innocently enticing Evie is a temptation he can't resist! Their scorching chemistry leads to twelve nights of endless pleasure. But will it last once the decorations come down?

 

4. Unexpected by Karen Tuft

 

Eleven years ago, Ross McConnell was devastated by the betrayal of the woman of his dreams. Time does not heal all wounds, and after more than a decade, Ross is no closer to finding love. When his well-meaning family attempts to play matchmaker, he concedes by creating a list detailing his perfect mate: A member of the Church. Beauty-queen looks. College educated. Never married. Perhaps he’ll give love another try, if such perfection exists . . . 

 

Natalie Forrester is no stranger to heartache. After two failed marriages, the beautiful single mother of three is determined to make it on her own. Without a college degree, she starts at the bottom: working as a housekeeper may not be glamorous, but it’s her first exhilarating step toward independence. And Natalie’s most recent cleaning job is ideal—the guy is always out of town, and the pay will go a long way toward supporting her missionary son. Maybe luck is finally on her side. And then Ross and Natalie meet . . . and meet again. And following a series of awkward encounters, Ross is shocked by his growing attraction for this woman. Natalie couldn’t be further from his ideal woman, and she is firm in her determination to keep her heart closed to love. But as their tenuous friendship develops and deepens, will the unlikely pair have the courage to set aside the disappointments of the past to catch hold of a bright new future?

 

5. Housekeeper's Happy-Ever-After by Fiona Harper

 

Ellie Bond's heart has ached ever since she lost her beloved husband and little girl. Now her head is telling her it's time to get her life back on track. Her first small step: answering big-shot music executive Mark Wilder's Housekeeper Wanted advertisement!

Outwardly Mark is supercool, überpowerful and can make or break careers, but it's the compassion beneath his public exterior that's reawakening Ellie's zest for life.  

 

6. No Less Than a Lifetime by Christine Rimmer

 

FROM A MODEL EMPLOYEE…

For ten years Faith Jones had waited for Price Montgomery to see her as anything but the efficient employee she was. For ten years she'd kept not only his house, but his secrets—all the while hoping that one day he would see her as a woman, not a worker.

…TO A BRIDE IN TRAINING?

But time was up—and Faith was ready to call it quits. And suddenly Price was noticing that his prim and proper housekeeper had a softer side. One he'd like to get to know better—if only he could convince her to stay. After all, good help is so hard to find….

 

7. Jackson's Jewel by N.J. Walters

 

The last thing Jackson Connors wants is a housekeeper. He likes his life just as it is—solitary and uncomplicated. Emerald Jewel is a New York designer with a stalker on her trail. She needs a place to hide out and Jackson’s farm is the perfect solution to her problem. The last thing she wants is to be attracted to her sexy new boss. Neither of them is prepared for the explosion of passion that flares between them. They try to resist, but the desire will not be denied. Jackson knows Emerald’s life is in New York and his is on the farm. He’ll eventually have to let her go, but he’s not about to let her face this threat on her own. But the stalker is getting closer to finding Emerald and will stop at nothing to possess her. As the threat around her escalates, she must face leaving Jackson to draw the danger away from the man she’s coming to love.

 

8. The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella

 

Workaholic attorney Samantha Sweeting has just done the unthinkable. She’s made a mistake so huge, it’ll wreck any chance of a partnership. 

Going into utter meltdown, she walks out of her London office, gets on a train, and ends up in the middle of nowhere. Asking for directions at a big, beautiful house, she’s mistaken for an interviewee and finds herself being offered a job as housekeeper. Her employers have no idea they’ve hired a lawyer–and Samantha has no idea how to work the oven. She can’t sew on a button, bake a potato, or get the #@%# ironing board to open. How she takes a deep breath and begins to cope–and finds love–is a story as delicious as the bread she learns to bake. 

But will her old life ever catch up with her? And if it does…will she want it back?

 

9. The Ring on Her Finger by Elizabeth Bevarly

 

eiress Lucinda Hollander is in something of a bind. After being proposed to by a man in a Bozo the Clown suit—who jams a ring on her finger the size of Gibraltar and then disappears—she's accused of a murder she didn't commit and is forced to go on the lam. Although she's never touched a dust mop, never mind used one, she hides out as Lucy French, housekeeper, on an elegant estate far from the scene of the crime. Hey, she knows her way around big houses, and making floors sparkle sure beats making license plates.

She finds more than she bargained for in the servants’ quarters, however, not the least of which is Max Hogan, the car guy. He’s gorgeous and sexy, and, wow, does he know how to work with his hands. But he’s more than a little silent about his past, which makes Lucy wonder what he’s up to—and what will happen when he discovers her own secrets. Throw in a fiery nanny, a scandalous horse breeder, and a lonely little girl, and Lucy has more than enough to take her mind off her troubles. Until one of those troubles becomes falling in love with Max. How will she ever be able to put things to rights?

And how can she get that darned ring off her finger...?

 

10. The Heart Won't Lie by Vicki Lewis Thompson

 

Just get up and ride… 

Much to his family's displeasure, Michael Hartford pens popular Western paperbacks. But despite his cowboy image, he's more Central Park West than Wild West. With a major photo shoot coming up, he'll need to be a cowboy—not just look like one! And Michael has only a week at the Last Chance Ranch to get the giddy-up in his game…. 

 

After a girl-fight scandal, socialite-turned-housekeeper Keri Fitzpatrick is cheerily unrepentant as she waits for the dust to settle. It's not long before she discovers Michael's secret and a whole lot of similarities…including an irresistible temptation to play Naughty Naked Cowboy! 

 

But does this scrappy socialite have what it takes to ensure her would-be cowboy is both saddle sore and satisfied?

 

Vote for the best of the best on my Goodreads list: Feather Duster: Housekeepers in Contemporary Romance