Even when I am too busy to read, I make time of Romance Novellas. 

Here are my The Best Romance Short Story/Novella of 2015.

My lists are never in any particular order because .... lazy cat... 

1. The Maid's Quarters (Crawford Family, #2.5) by Holly Bush

1893 . . . Alice Porterman is released from her duties as a maid and travels home to help her mother care for her sickly brother. But her mother and brother are not in their family home when Alice arrives and she learns the landlord, Albert Donahue, has evicted them into the harsh Boston winter. Alice goes in search of him and is surprised at what she finds.

Albert Donahue, an up-and-coming member of Boston’s elite, made his fortune through hard work and shrewd business deals. But his dreams of a family to share it with have not come true, perhaps until an impertinent young woman enters his home and won’t leave until she speaks to him.

2. Dragos Goes to Washington (Elder Races, #8.5)by Thea Harrison

Dragos Cuelebre, Lord of the Wyr, needs to throw a party without maiming anyone. That isn’t exactly as easy as it might sound. After the destructive events of the last eighteen months, the Elder Races are heading to Washington D.C. to foster peace with humankind. Not known for his diplomacy skills, Dragos must rely on his mate Pia to help navigate a battlefield of words and polite smiles rather than claws. With Dragos’s mating instinct riding close to the surface, his temper is more volatile than ever and the threat of violence hovers in the air. Then the human spouse of a prominent politician winds up murdered and Dragos and Pia must race against time to hunt down those behind it before they are held responsible for the crime.

3. Hades by Larissa Ione

fallen angel with a mean streak and a mohawk, Hades has spent thousands of years serving as Jailor of the Underworld. The souls he guards are as evil as they come, but few dare to cross him. All of that changes when a sexy fallen angel infiltrates his prison and unintentionally starts a riot. It’s easy enough to quell an uprising, but for the first time, Hades is torn between delivering justice — or bestowing mercy — on the beautiful female who could be his salvation…or his undoing.

Thanks to her unwitting participation in another angel’s plot to start Armageddon, Cataclysm was kicked out of Heaven and is now a fallen angel in service of Hades’s boss, Azagoth. All she wants is to redeem herself and get back where she belongs. But when she gets trapped in Hades’s prison domain with only the cocky but irresistible Hades to help her, Cat finds that where she belongs might be in the place she least expected…

4. My Only Sunshine by Mary Ann Rivers 

John Lake owes his label an album—and has for months. Alone in his farmhouse studio outside of Lakefield, Ohio, he hears the music, but he won’t write it down. All the songs remind him of her.

Fifteen years ago, Mallory Evans was a fairy-haired warrior-poet. John couldn’t figure out why no one in high school noticed. He noticed, and he came to her window every evening before darkness came and the private violence of her home life threatened. Then, inevitably, one terrifying night broke the sweet spell between them.

John hasn’t seen Mallory since, but he’s looked for her—in his audiences, in his dreams. Now he decides that if he can’t find the inspiration to finish an album, he can at least find Mallory and finish what has always been between them.

5. Ice Planet Holiday by Ruby Dixon

All this snow and no holidays? What's a stranded human to do?

Create a new holiday, of course. Georgie and the other women decide to bring some new traditions and cheer to the sa-khui. More babies are born, presents are exchanged, and a new romance blossoms between a human woman desperate for a change, and the alien determined to protect her.

6. Bear Attraction (Shifters Unbound, #6.5) by Jennifer Ashley 

As the military liaison between the human Shifter Bureau and Shiftertown, Walker is often stuck trying to appease both sides—and angering both. So when bear-Shifter Rebecca is captured taking a run in a restricted area, Walker has to talk fast to get her released. The compromise: if Rebecca helps him find a missing woman—thought to have been abducted by a Shifter—she won’t be charged and executed.

Mate-less Rebecca is not happy to be under Walker’s supervision. As a bear used to roaming for miles, she hates being confined and restricted, she distrusts anything involving humans, and—worst of all—the strong and handsome Walker starts triggering her mating need.

They have no choice but to work together, and as they continue their search for the missing girl, uncovering secrets neither Shifters nor humans want them to know, both Walker and Rebecca find it hard not to mix business with pleasure…

7. Homecoming by Beverly Jenkins

In 1883, Lydia Cooper is happily traveling back home to celebrate the simple joys of the holidays when an unexpected complication appears in the all-too-distracting form of Gray Dane, the man she loved as a girl; the man she left behind. Gray, a soldier, is finally returning home too. Seeing Lydia after fifteen years reignites all the temptations from years ago…and also the pain and regret.

But as Lydia and Gray make their way home together, they get a chance to mend the past, and rediscover the joy, trust —and passion — of before; to realize that love isn’t just sweeter the second time around, it’s downright decadent.

8. Magic Gifts (Kate Daniels, #5.4) by Ilona Andrews

It isn’t often that Kate Daniels and the Beast Lord Curran get to take a breakfrom protecting their pack and enjoy some time for themselves. So when Curran offers Kate a romantic dinner in town, there’s no way she’s going to pass.

But their quiet night doesn’t stay quiet for long. The trouble starts with a necromancer dying at a nearby table, continues with bloodthirsty vampires crashing though the windows, and ends with more blood on the walls than any dining establishment needs.

Pulled into a deadly game neither wants to play, Kate and Curran findthemselves dealing with the vile undead and tolerating a clan of maniacal, hard partying Vikings while desperately trying to save the life of an innocent child...

9. Numb by Viola Grace 

Given the chance to feel touch for the first time, she sacrifices her body for eternity in the arms of an immortal.

Gala suffered from lack of nerve response and had lived her life numb. Her lifetime was spent looking for damage to her body or avoiding it. When you can’t feel your limbs, anything can happen.

Given the chance to gain a sense of touch by giving her body to a planet for occupation, she becomes the Avatar of Rekfa without hesitation.

Rekfa shares her body and convinces her that she needs to seek out her own sense memories in whatever form they come.

Arez has been waiting for a mate of his own, and the Avatar is as close as he can come in this lifetime. He offers himself to her and is amazed when she takes him up on his offer to teach her what seduction can feel like when both parties are focused on the outcome.

10. Harlot (Prostitute, #1) by Victoria Dahl

HE CAME HOME TO MARRY AN ANGEL...
After working in the gold fields of California for two years, Caleb Hightower has come home to marry his childhood sweetheart, Jessica Willoughby. But when he returns, Caleb learns his refined bride-to-be is now a whore. Enraged by her betrayal, he can't reconcile this shameless woman with the sweet innocent he once deeply loved--but Caleb knows what to do with a harlot. He's determined to get everything from her that she's sold to other men. And he's prepared to pay for the pleasure of his revenge.

BUT ALL HE FOUND WAS SIN
Left penniless after her father's death, Jess made a deal with a devil. Now she must face her first love, whose scorn is no match for her regret. To make amends, she'll let Caleb quench his rage with her body. Their bargain strips them down to searing passion and naked vulnerability, and Jess can still glimpse her loving Caleb buried deep inside this rough cowboy. In the end, an unbearable truth emerges that could push them toward forgiveness...or could destroy their fragile bond forever.

Great Novellas already noted on my other Best Of 2015 List!

1. Craving Flight by Tamsen Parker 

2. Ninja at First Sight by Penny Reid

3. Under Her Clothes by Louisa Edwards

4. Sweet Agony by Charlotte Stein 

What are your favorite Romance Novellas? 

Contermporay Romance continued  to rule Romanceland this year. 

Here are my  Best Contemporary Romance 2015

In my best of the year, I already have a shout out to some these amazing Contemporary Romances in my best of the year list

My list are never in any particular order.     

1. Chocolate Cake for Breakfast by Danielle Hawkins

Helen McNeil is a vet in the small rural town of Broadview. While taking evasive action from a dull girl at a party one night she falls over - and fails to recognise - national sporting hero, Mark Tipene. For some mysterious reason Helen never really grasps, Mark finds this charming and appears the next day at the front counter of the vet clinic to ask her out.

A whirlwind romance follows and everything is going swimmingly until one little hiccup changes everything...

Chocolate Cake for Breakfast is the funny and heart-warming story of the pros and cons of dating a man whose shirtless picture adorns a wall in every second lunchroom in the country, of calving cows and crazy cat ladies, and of doing your best when life takes an unexpected turn.

2. Under Her Clothes by Louisa Edwards

When Colby St. James dresses like a man to prove she can succeed in the male-dominated world of professional cooking, she never expects to fall for the handsome chef who will decide her fate. They agree that nothing that happens after hours will affect Colby's chances in the competition and begin a secret affair.

It's been years since Dominic Fevre felt a sexual attraction toward another man. He thought he'd put thatstage of his life behind him when he focused everything on his career. But something about Colby St. James makes him want to break all his own rules…

3. All for You (Paris Hearts, #1) by Laura Florand

Some crushes aren’t meant to be.

When her older brother’s best friend left to join the Foreign Legion, eighteen-year-old Célie moved on to make a life for herself as a Paris chocolatier. Now, five years later, the last thing she needs is another man to mess up her happiness.

Let alone the same man.

But five years in the Foreign Legion is a long time for a man to grow up, and a long time to be away from the woman he loves.

Especially when he did it all for her.

Half strangers, more than friends, and maybe, if Joss Castel has his way, a second chance…

4. The Deal (Off-Campus, #1) by Elle Kennedy

he's about to make a deal with the college bad boy...

Hannah Wells has finally found someone who turns her on. But while she might be confident in every other area of her life, she's carting around a full set of baggage when it comes to sex and seduction. If she wants to get her crush's attention, she'll have to step out of her comfort zone and make him take notice...even if it means tutoring the annoying, childish, cocky captain of the hockey team in exchange for a pretend date.

...and it's going to be oh so good

All Garrett Graham has ever wanted is to play professional hockey after graduation, but his plummeting GPA is threatening everything he's worked so hard for. If helping a sarcastic brunette make another guy jealous will help him secure his position on the team, he's all for it. But when one unexpected kiss leads to the wildest sex of both their lives, it doesn't take long for Garrett to realize that pretend isn't going to cut it. Now he just has to convince Hannah that the man she wants looks a lot like him.

5. Rock Hard (Rock Kiss, #2) by Nalini Singh

Wealthy businessman Gabriel Bishop rules the boardroom with the same determination and ruthlessness that made him a rock star on the rugby field. He knows what he wants, and he’ll go after it no-holds-barred.

And what he wants is Charlotte Baird.

Charlotte knows she’s a mouse. Emotionally scarred and painfully shy, she just wants to do her job and remain as invisible as possible. But the new CEO—a brilliant, broad-shouldered T-Rex of a man who growls and storms through the office, leaving carnage in his wake—clearly has other plans. Plans that may be equal parts business and bedroom.

If Charlotte intends to survive this battle of wits and hearts, the mouse will have to learn to wrangle the T-Rex. Game on

6. Trade Me (Cyclone, #1) by Courtney Milan

Tina Chen just wants a degree and a job, so her parents never have to worry about making rent again. She has no time for Blake Reynolds, the sexy billionaire who stands to inherit Cyclone Systems. But when he makes an offhand comment about what it means to be poor, she loses her cool and tells him he couldn’t last a month living her life.

To her shock, Blake offers her a trade: She’ll get his income, his house, his car. In exchange, he’ll work her hours and send money home to her family. No expectations; no future obligations.

But before long, they’re trading not just lives, but secrets, kisses, and heated nights together. No expectations might break Tina’s heart...but Blake’s secrets could ruin her life.

7. Act Like It by Lucy Parker

This just in: romance takes center stage as West End theatre's Richard Troy steps out with none other than castmate Elaine Graham

Richard Troy used to be the hottest actor in London, but the only thing firing up lately is his temper. We all love to love a bad boy, but Richard's antics have made him Enemy Number One, breaking the hearts of fans across the city.

Have the tides turned? Has English rose Lainie Graham made him into a new man?

Sources say the mismatched pair has been spotted at multiple events, arm in arm and hip to hip.ÿFrom fits of jealousy to longing looks and heated whispers, onlookers are stunned by this blooming romance.

Could the rumors be right? Could this unlikely romance be the real thing? Or are these gifted stage actors playing us all?

8. Craving Flight by Tamsen Parker

Tzipporah Berger is thirty-seven and single, which is practically unheard of in the Orthodox Jewish community she now calls home. Her increasing religiosity and need for kink may have broken up her first marriage, but she’s decided it’s time to try again. And the rabbi’s wife has just the man in mind.

Elan Klein is the neighborhood butcher whose intimidating size and gruff manner hint at a deliciously forceful personality. But BDSM isn’t exactly something you discuss during an Orthodox courtship. Will a marriage to Elan solidify her place in the community that she loves and provide the domination and pain Tzipporah craves or will she forever have to rely on flights of fancy to satisfy her needs?

9. Sweet Agony by Charlotte Stein

New job, new boss, and he’s cold, strict, but terribly attractive. Does Molly Parker stay or does she go? Because beneath Cyrian’s chilly front, there may be a heat that’ll burn her up.

Giving in was vicious bliss.

The live-in position is an opportunity for Molly to earn and escape a problematic family. There’s just one drawback. Her employer is the most eccentric, aloof and closed off man she's ever encountered. His rules are bizarre and his needs even more so, and caring for his ramshackle Dickensian home is far more than she ever bargained for. Only their increasingly intense conversations stop her heading for the door. Cyrian Harcroft is a man of many mysteries and secrets, and the more she learns the greedier she is for each and every one. Especially when she discovers his greatest fear: any kind of physical contact. Now all she has to do is dig a little deeper, to unearth the passion she knows he can feel

10. Truth or Beard (Winston Brothers, #1) by Penny Reid

Beards, brothers, and bikers! Oh my!
Identical twins Beau and Duane Winston might share the same devastatingly handsome face, but where Beau is outgoing and sociable, Duane is broody and reserved. This is why Jessica James, recent college graduate and perpetual level-headed good girl, has been in naïve and unhealthy infatuation with Beau Winston for most of her life. His friendly smiles make her tongue-tied and weak-kneed, and she’s never been able to move beyond her childhood crush. Whereas Duane and Jessica have always been adversaries. She can’t stand him, and she’s pretty sure he can’t stand the sight of her…

But after a case of mistaken identity, Jessica finds herself in a massive confusion kerfuffle. Jessica James has spent her whole life paralyzed by the fantasy of Beau and her assumptions of Duane’s disdain; therefore she’s unprepared for the reality that is Duane’s insatiable interest, as well as his hot hands and hot mouth and hotter looks. Not helping Jessica’s muddled mind and good girl sensibilities, Duane seems to have gotten himself in trouble with the local biker gang, the Iron Wraiths.
Certainly, Beau’s magic spell is broken. Yet when Jessica finds herself drawn to the man who was always her adversary, now more dangerous than ever, how much of her level-head heart is she willing to risk?

11. True North (True, #1) by Liora Blake

What happens when a bad-boy celebrity rocker meets a small-town bestselling novelist? Find out in this first book in the sizzling new True series by Liora Blake!

While most novelists would consider jetting off to Hollywood for a TV interview rather exciting, small-town Montana writer Kate Mosely finds it all a bit exhausting. After losing her husband in a car accident where she was behind the wheel, Kate has finally found her bearings in the world again, rebuilding a simple but stable life. And even if that means a lot of lonely nights watching old movies and quiet days writing obituaries for her hometown newspaper, Kate’s not sure she’s ready for her life to change—again.

Until she shares the stage—and a whole heap of carnal gazes—with rock star Trevor “Trax” Jenkins. Despite his intimidating on-stage bravado, underneath it Kate discovers a man with a Rilke poem tattooed on his arm, an appreciation for cronuts, and a snarky wit that matches her own.

As she and Trevor explore their heated chemistry, the scarred parts of Kate’s heart begin to heal, making room for a love so passionate it makes her want long-forgotten things equal parts naughty, heart-swelling, and joyful. But when a searing exposé in a trashy gossip magazine sends Kate running, will it threaten their chances at forever?

What a wonderful year! What have your favorites been? 

When Colby St. James dresses like a man to prove she can succeed in the male-dominated world of professional cooking, she never expects to fall for the handsome chef who will decide her fate. They agree that nothing that happens after hours will affect Colby's chances in the competition and begin a secret affair. It’s been years since Dominic Fevre felt a sexual attraction toward another man. He thought he’d put that stage of his life behind him when he focused everything on his career. But something about Colby St. James makes him want to break all his own rules..

Review

I read this short intense romance a bit ago and the flavor of it has lingered. The love story is intense and compelling. Because the heroine is competing for the postion of Top Chef, the tone of the book takes on that hyper aware reality.

I find the play with the woman in pants (pretending to be a man) compelling and wonderful look at gender and love. I lvoe that the heroine just gets stuck in her pretend.

The poleaxed nature of the attraction between the two leads is necessary in such a short read and believable given each of the leads personailies.

The secondardy characters are all great. The villian is a bit flat, we don't get as much of a full out sexy times and an HEA as I would like but sensuality of this one is burning.

Its a great read.

I was given this book for my honest review so there you have it.

Yeah. This is the last list of 2014 Best of Cat's Booknest. I think...

I reread a lot but we are not even going to go there. I don't really pay much attention to when a book was published before I select to read it (barring the very old school). 

Here are my great new to me reads of the year. A mix of trusted authors that I just can't keep up with and the bliss of newly discovered writers. 

Click on the Stars to see the review and the book title for the Amazon link. 

Enjoy!

Contemporary Romance 

Painted Faces  by L.H. Cosway 5 Stars

The Rosie Project: A Novel (Don Tillman Book 1) by Graeme Simsion 5 Stars

Girl with the Cat Tattoo (Cool Cats Book 1) by Theresa Weir 4 Stars 

Geek with the Cat Tattoo (Cool Cats Book 2)  by Theresa Weir 4 Stars

Almost Summer (Fool's Gold series) by Susan Mallery 4 Stars 

Two of a Kind (Fool's Gold Book 11) by Susan Mallery 4 Stars 

Three Little Words (Fool's Gold Book 12) by Susan Mallery 4 Stars 

Talking Dirty With the Boss by Jackie Ashenden 4 Stars

Just One Taste (Recipe for Love) by Louisa Edwards 4 Stars

The Theory of Attraction by Delphine Dryden  4 Stars

The Principle of Desire  by Delphine Dryden  4 Stars

The Dom Project (LA Doms Book 1) by Heloise Belleau  4 Stars

Serendipity by Judith Mcwilliams 4 Stars 

Control by Charlotte Stein 4 Stars* (This should have made my best of list)

Rock Addiction (Rock Kiss Book 1) by Nalini Singh 4 Stars*

Taken with You: Book Eight of The Kowalskis by Shannon Stacey 4 Stars*

While It Was Snowing: a novella by Elyssa Patrick 4 Stars*

*a 2014 pub but not on my other lists)

Historical Romance

Coming Home for Christmas by Carla Kelly 5 Stars

Fool for Love (Duchess Quartet Book 2) by Eloisa James 4 Stars

Much Ado About You (Essex Sisters series Book 1) by Eloisa James 4 Stars

BOXING DAY by Jill Barnett 4 Stars 

Paranormal, Science Fiction, and Fantasy Romance

Hiding (Return of the Nine Book 3) by Viola Grace 4 Stars

Hunting (Return of the Nine Book 6) by Viola Grace 4 Stars

Designing (Return of the Nine Book 7)  by Viola Grace 4 Stars

Skypirate (The Coalition Rebellion Novels Book 2) by Justine Davis 4 Stars

Balm by Viola Grace 4 Stars

Entwined (Darkest London) by Kristen Callihan 4 Stars

Micro Lena by Viola Grace 4 Stars 

Flight and Fantasy by Viola Grace 4 Stars 

My Guilty Pleasure Read

Transcendence by Shay Savage 4 Stars

Time Travel Caveman Romance. Enough Said. Well, he is non verbal so really enough said. 

So far in the Back To School Romance Celebration, we have had

Back to School: Great College Student Heroes

Roomie: Falling in Love with Your Roomate

Tweed: Professors Heroes

Dissertation: Gradutate Students in Romance

Dorm: College Student Heroines

Let's see the those Professor Heroine, some are badass and some are absentminded but all are more than a match for their heroes.

1. Just One Taste by Louisa Edwards

Bad-boy chef Wes Murphy is dreading his final-semester cooking class—Food Chemistry 101—until he meets the new substitute teacher. Dr. Rosemary Wilkins is a feast for the eyes, though her approach to food is strictly academic. So Wes decides to rattle her Bunsen burner by asking for her hands-on advice—on aphrodisiacs…

Rosemary is a little wary about working with Wes, whose casual flirtations make her hot under the collar. But once they begin testing the love-enhancing power of chocolate, oysters, and strawberries, it becomes scientifically evident that the brainy science nerd and the boyish chef have some major chemistry together—and it’s delicious…

2. To Professor, with Love by Linda Kage 

unior in college. Star athlete. Constant attention from the opposite sex. 

On this campus, I’m worshiped. While seven hundred miles away, back in my hometown, I’m still trailer park trash, child of the town tramp, and older sibling to three kids who are counting on me to keep my shit together so I can take them away from the same crappy life I grew up in. 

These two opposing sides of myself never mix until one person gets a glimpse of the true me. I never expected to connect with anyone like this or want more beyond one night. This may be the real deal. 

Problem is Dr. Kavanagh’s my literature professor. 

If I start anything with a teacher and we’re caught together, I might as well kiss my entire future goodbye, as well as my family’s and especially Dr. Kavanagh’s. Except sometimes love is worth risking everything. Or at least, it damn well better be, because I can only resist so much. 

3. The Rookie  by Julie Miller

Suddenly something was more important to rookie officer Josh Taylor than busting a campus drug ring and making detective. Because when Josh's undercover investigation strangely intersected with his older and pregnant professor, Rachel Livesay, sparks of danger--and passion--ignited.

Rachel had no one to turn to until Josh vowed to protect her from the sperm donor who threatened to snatch her newborn child from her arms. But Josh was her "student," not a knight in shining armor--and falling for him could be deadly for them both!

4. The Last Viking  by Sandra Hill 

He wore nothing but a leather tunic, spoke in an ancient tongue . . . and he was standing in Professor Meredith Foster's living room.

The medieval historian told herself he was part of a practical joke, but with his wide gold belt, callused hands, and the rabbit roasting in her fireplace, the brawny stranger seemed so . . . authentic.

Suddenly Meredith was mesmerized by his bronzed, muscular form, and her body surrendered to the fantasy that Geirolf Ericsson really was a Viking from a thousand years ago, sent only to pleasure her. But as she tried to teach him to eat spaghetti and use a computer, she realized he knew an awful lot about the tenth century—and so little about this one. And as he helped her fulfill her grandfather's dream of re-creating a Viking ship, he awakened her to dreams of her own. Until she wondered if the hand of fate had thrust her into the loving arms of . . . The Last Viking

5. Backstage Pass by Olivia Cunning 

When Brian Sinclair, lead songwriter and guitarist of the hottest metal band on the scene, loses his creative spark, it will take nights of downright sinful passion to release his pent-up genius...

She's the one to call the tune...

When sexy psychologist Myrna Evans goes on tour with the Sinners, every boy in the band tries to seduce her. But Brian is the only one she wants to get her hands on...

6.  Homeport by Nora Roberts

nife held against her throat.

The unseen assailant stole her bags, slashed her tires . . . and disappeared. Shaken and bruised, Miranda was nonetheless determined to put the assault quickly out of her mind. Then comes a distraction in the form of a summons to Italy to verify the authenticity of a valuable Renaissance bronze of a Medici courtesan known as "The Dark Lady."

However, instead of cementing Miranda's position as the leading expert in her field, the job unexpectedly nearly destroys it when her professional judgment is called into question. Emotionally estranged from her mother, her brother immersed in his own troubles-and a bottle-Miranda, desperate to restore her reputation, has no one to turn to . . . except Ryan Boldari, a seductive art thief whose own agenda forces them into a reluctant and uneasy alliance.

7. Dark Desires After Dusk  by Kresley Cole 

Cadeon Woede will stop at nothing to atone for the one wrong that will haunt him forever. But once he secures the key to his redemption, the halfling Holly Ashwin, Cade finds that the woman he thought he could use for his own ends and then forget haunts him as much as his past. 

Raised as a human, Holly never knew that some frightening legends are real until she encounters a brutal demon who inexplicably guards her like a treasure. Thrust into a sensual new world of myth and power, with him as her protector, she begins to crave the demon's wicked touch. 

8. Shadow and Silk by Elizabeth Lowell 

Sometimes you have to risk your life to save it.

That was the choice facing Danielle Warren late one night on the streets of Lhasa. With a dead man in front of her, a living one shooting at her—and the hand of a stranger held out to her in the darkness. 

When Dani grabs Shane’s hand, he lifts her into a world of intrigue, danger, and love that she had never known before.

Shane Crowe was prepared for everything but his response to Dani’s honesty. And her sensuality. Shaped in war, honed in battle, searching for peace in Lhasa’s ancient monastery, he is again thrust into the line of fire.

Together Shane and Dani search for a fragile silk relic that has become the prize in an international tug of war. But to find it, they have to stay alive long enough to learn to trust themselves, each other, and love.

9. Wolf at the Door by Christine Warren 

ullivan Quinn didn't travel 3,000 miles from his native Ireland and his wolf pack just to chase rabidly after the most delectable quarry he's ever seen. Quinn is in America on a mission--to warn his Other brethren of a shadowy group willing to use murder and mayhem to bring them down. But one whiff of this Foxwoman's delicious honeysuckle fragrance and he knows that she is more than a colleague or a conquest…she is his mate.

Anthropologist Cassidy Poe is a world-renowned authority on social interaction, but the overpowering desire she feels around Quinn defies every ounce of her expertise. Working by his side to uncover The Others' enemies poses risks she never expected--to her own safety, to those she loves, and to her heart, as every encounter with Quinn proves more blissfully erotic than the last…

10. Grace Under Pressure by Melissa Schroeder

Small town college professor Grace Michaels’ normally boring life has become more than a sane woman can handle. First, her ex-finance shows up in town, then her parents park their RV in front of her house. It makes it kind of difficult to seduce her sexy new neighbor, Sheriff Ren Morello. Of course, having her office and home burglarized isn’t great either, but it does put her up close and personal with Ren. 

Ren wants nothing to do with Grace. So what if he can’t seem to stop thinking about her? She is a woman who would demand commitment and after his nasty divorce from his cheating ex-wife, Ren wants nothing to do with marriage. All he wants is hard fast sex. The problem is, the only woman he can picture it with is Grace. 

When the threats to Grace turn almost deadly, Ren finds himself in her company more often than not, and keeping his hands off her becomes impossible. But as the danger grows closer, the attraction grows deeper, and Grace must choose between protecting her heart or her life. 

My very favorite  Professor Heroines are in When He Was Bad by  Shelly Laurenston and Nobody's Baby But Mine  by Susan Elizabeth Phillips  but I thought it would be fun to list some lesser know scholar heroines for this list. 

To vote for the best of best of Professor Heroines, go to my Goodreads list: Profess: Professor Heroines of Romance