Shirley Penick

Follow to get new release updates and improved recommendations

About Shirley Penick

What does a geeky math nerd know about writing romance?

That's a darn good question. As a former techy I've done everything from computer programming to international trainer. Prior to college I had lots of different jobs and activities that were so diverse, I was an anomaly.

None of that qualifies me for writing novels. But I have some darn good stories to tell and a lot of imagination.

I have lived in Colorado, Hawaii and currently Washington. Going from two states with 340 days of sun to a state with 340 days of clouds, I had to do something to perk me up. And that's when I started this new adventure called author. Joining the Romance Writers of America and two local chapters, helped me learn the craft quickly and was a ton of fun.

My family consists of two grown children, their spouses, two adorable grand-daughters, and one grand dog. My favorite activity is playing with my grand-daughters!

When the girls can't play with their amazing grand-mother, my interests are reading and writing, yay! I started reading at a young age with the Nancy Drew mysteries and have continued to be an avid reader my whole life. My favorite reading material is romance in most of the genres, but occasionally other stories creep into my to-be-read pile, I don't kick them out.

Some of the strange jobs I have held are a carnation grower's worker, a trap club puller, a pizza hut waitress, a software engineer, an international trainer, and a business program manager. I took welding, drafting and upholstery in high school, a long time ago when girls didn't take those classes, so I have an eclectic bunch of knowledge and experience.

And for something really unusual... I once had a raccoon as a pet.

Join with me as I tell my stories, weaving real tidbits from my life in with imaginary ones. You'll have to guess which is which. It will be a hoot.

Lauren Landish

Lori Wilde

Liz Alvin

Katie Lane

Janice Whiteaker

Leslie North

Are you an author?

Help us improve our Author Pages by updating your bibliography and submitting a new or current image and biography.

Learn more at Author Central

1 11 1

$0.00

Kindle Edition
$4.99

Kindle Edition
$4.99

Kindle Edition
$4.99

Kindle Edition
$4.99

Kindle Edition
$4.99

Kindle Edition
$0.99

Kindle Edition
$0.99

Kindle Edition
$2.99

Kindle Edition
$4.99

Kindle Edition
$3.99

Kindle Edition
$4.99

Kindle Edition

Author Updates

Titles By Shirley Penick

All Formats Kindle Edition Audible Audiobook Hardcover See more

A Cowboy for Alyssa: Burlap and Barbed Wire Jan 18, 2018

by Shirley Penick

( 94 )

$0.00

Looks can be deceiving, and a cowboy only gets one chance to make a good impression.

Alyssa Jefferson is ready to start her veterinary internship at the Rockin' K ranch, in the beautiful Colorado Rockies, where she will be assisting with the births of over three hundred pregnant cows. It’s a dream come true, and she’s so excited the joy is oozing from her. As icing on the cake, it appears the brothers that own the ranch are sexy as can be. A few months with some eye candy, is just what the doctor ordered.

Beau Kipling sees the sweet young thing coming for her riding lesson, and feels a kick to his gut. What is this hot young woman doing dating a man old enough to be her father? He’s so ticked off, he can’t stop himself from being an ass to her. He’s never, in his whole life, felt the instant attraction he feels for this female, and she’s some old guys arm candy.

When the truth is revealed, that Alyssa is his intern for the spring, and not the sheriff’s new girlfriend, Beau knows he’s blown it. And he can’t even explain why he was so mean. No woman wants to hear a guy thought she was a gold digger. Now they must work together all spring. Can he convince her to give him a second chance?

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Hardcover , Paperback

Taming Adam: Burlap and Barbed Wire Mar 28, 2018

by Shirley Penick

( 44 )

$4.99

The heart wants what the heart wants, even when the head says Noooo!

There are five brothers. Each one of them have killer good looks. One is engaged to her best friend. That leaves four to flirt with, four hot men, so why does she only have eyes for the oldest grumpiest one in the bunch. Rachel Reardon has to question her own sanity when she’s enthralled with a man she can hardly stand to speak to. A first-class jerk and sexy as sin.

Adam Kipling can’t believe his bad luck when his soon-to-be sister-in-law’s best friend arrives. She is smoking hot and too damn young for him. He has responsibilities as the oldest sibling and they do not include flirting with young women.

There isn’t enough land on this Colorado ranch to keep them far enough apart. An explosion of some sort is inevitable.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Paperback

Emma's Rodeo Cowboy: Burlap and Barbed Wire Jun 30, 2019

by Shirley Penick

( 49 )

$4.99

He’s never even kissed the woman, but her son is clearly, without a doubt, his.

Zach McCoy has been on the rodeo circuit for six years and is making a damn fine living at it. When he comes home, for the first time, to be in his best friend’s wedding he’s got one helluva surprise waiting for him in the shape of a five-year old boy who is his spitting image.

Emma Kipling took matters into her own hands six years ago, before the man she was crazy about took off to join the rodeo. She didn’t care one bit that he was two years older and she was still in high school, she wanted one night with him before he left to compete in a dangerous sport. When he didn’t come back after she found herself pregnant she knew he had abandoned her and her son.

Now he’s back for her brother’s wedding, and by the look on his face, sparks are going to fly. She’s ready and willing to go toe to toe with him and give him a piece of her mind.

Other Formats: Paperback

Roping Cade: Burlap and Barbed Wire Sep 6, 2018

by Shirley Penick

( 41 )

$4.99

A fake relationship is the plan.

Summer Attwood has been hiding in baggy clothes and ugly glasses for nearly ten years. When the town hottie asks her to be his faux girl-friend for a couple of weeks she decides it’s time to put away the disguise and shine.

Cade Kipling can’t believe the beautiful woman that emerges from the cocoon of overalls and over sized glasses. If he wasn’t dead set on taking a few months to get his head on straight, after his long time abusive girl-friend dumped him, he’d be after Summer in a heartbeat.

Two weeks of dating will either kill them or change their lives forever.

Click now to see which one it will be.

Other Formats: Paperback

Tempting Chase: Burlap and Barbed Wire Jul 1, 2018

by Shirley Penick

( 37 )

$4.99

Friends forever.

Chase Kipling and his twin brother Cade have been best friends with Katie since grade school. They hang out together all the time, riding horses, playing cards, going to movies and sporting events. A fun friendship for all three of them. Until a new guy in town mentions what a sexy woman she is. Chase sees red at the comment, how dare some guy lust after his best friend. Sure, she’s beautiful and sexy and has a great laugh… and now his eyes are opened and there’s no turning back.

Katie Jackson has known Chase since first grade, she’s had a crush on him since middle school, and loved him since, well, probably forever. But he’s got her firmly in the friend zone and she has no idea how to change that. Or if she even wants to risk changing it. After all friends is better than nothing. Isn’t it?

Can they go from best friends to lovers? Find out in this fun story.

Other Formats: Paperback

Trusting Drew: Burlap and Barbed Wire May 18, 2019

by Shirley Penick

( 34 )

$4.99

A death-bed promise turns lethal.

Lily Smith is kidnapped and held captive to prevent her from participating in a beauty pageant her best friend begged her to enter. But she is no passive little miss to let someone else determine her future. Unfortunately, during her flight to freedom, she hits her head on a rock and can't remember her own name, let alone why she is running through the Colorado mountains barefoot with no coat.

Drew Kipling rides to the rescue of the pretty woman who needs to get warm and have her injuries taken care of. When she can't remember her name, he vows to protect her, until she knows who she can trust.

What will they find at the pageant? More trouble or the love of a lifetime? Maybe both.

Join Lily and the Kipling family as they take New York City by storm and show them the cowboy way is the only way to catch a scoundrel.

Other Formats: Paperback

Sawdust and Satin: A Firefighter Romance (Lake Chelan Novel #1) Nov 21, 2016

by Shirley Penick

( 27 )

$0.99

Too busy for love? Hell no!

Chris Clarkson has a lot on his plate. As a volunteer firefighter in their small town, there is always something needed. He's also creating an amusement park to build tourism, so their town doesn't fade away. Plus Chris needs to work on his marriage. Something is wrong, he doesn't quite know what, but he's determined to figure it out.

Barbara Clarkson has heard way too many doom-and-gloom ten-year-itch stories. As they near their ten year anniversary she knows something is missing. Will they just become another statistic? Not if she has anything to say about it.

They will battle scheming women, deep seated fears, injuries and the demands of their careers. Can they do it, are they committed enough? Or will they allow their love for each other to be broken and drift away?

Join Chris and Barbara Clarkson as they face the biggest challenges of their lives. Love... is it worth everything they have?

Other Formats: Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

Valentine Kisses (Romance Café Collection Book 10) Feb 14, 2021

by Shirley Penick , Guinevere Jordan , E.J. Masden , Amanda Faye , Angela Kady , Kim Mills , Hannah McKee , Callie Fletcher

( 19 )

$0.99

Escape into sparkling romance with a generous side of spice.

Breast cancer affects one in four women. Here’s your chance to read a swoon-worthy book and help others at the same time.

Curl up in your comfy chair and know that every book purchased, and every page read raises money for breast cancer research.

This Valentine’s Day collection has it all:

Curvy heroines
Friends to lovers
Forced proximity
Workplace romance
Multicultural couples
Fire fighters & rugby players – ooh!
Small towns, golden beaches, the land Down Under
And cats!

Grab Valentine Kisses for romance with all the feels.

***ALL proceeds go to fund research in the fight against breast cancer. ***

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

The Rancher's Lady: A Lake Chelan Novella Sep 23, 2016

by Shirley Penick

( 62 )

$2.99

A single dad, a matchmaking eight-year-old daughter, and a sexy new third grade teacher is an explosive combination in this holiday romance.

On the second anniversary of her mom’s death eight-year-old Alyssa ditches Scouts to take some time for herself to remember her mom. When her dad, Hank, finally finds her after a hectic search, she is convinced it’s time for him to remarry. And she thinks her new third grade teacher would be perfect.

Hank Jefferson is a busy rancher with three kids. Since the death of his wife two years ago, he works hard to be both mother and father. Making lunches, spending quality time with each child, and managing the house, while also running his cattle ranch. He doesn’t have time for a relationship.

Alyssa’s third grade teacher makes his blood heat, but he knows it would be wrong for him to date his daughter’s teacher.

Ellen Truehart has moved to this new town in a remote location on Lake Chelan to make a fresh start, she loves both the town and her class. Her past has taught her to be cautious around men and not to trust the system. When Alyssa starts acting out in class, Ellen has no choice, but to call in the smoking hot father.

Together they must discover what's wrong with Alyssa.

Join Hank and Ellen as they explore new territory.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

The Fire Chief's Desire: A Firefighter Romance (Lake Chelan #5) Jan 28, 2019

by Shirley Penick

( 23 )

$4.99

Trapped in the friend zone.

Greg Jones has a great life. He’s assistant chief of the town’s volunteer fire department, he owns his own profitable tavern, he’s got a pre-law degree, and never has trouble finding a willing female to spend time with. The only problem in his perfect life is the woman he’s loved for over a decade has him firmly in the friend zone. Not just any friend, but the best friend of her younger brother.

Sandy Anderson is at the top of her career as a video game designer. Her creation Adventures with Tsilly has had three successful releases with plans for more. She’s got a great career! Fortunately, when her mother has an accident and ends up with a broken leg, Sandy has the freedom to spend the summer in her home town helping run her mother’s Bed and Breakfast. It’s easy to work remotely and communicate with her team in Seattle.

Greg sees Sandy’s return home for the summer as his chance to convince her that he can be more than her brother’s best friend, and the three-year age difference between them is nothing but numbers. He’s got three months to go from friend to lover. The time starts now.

Join Sandy and Greg as they circle around each other and their desires.

Other Formats: Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

The Rescuer: Saddles and Secrets Series Jul 17, 2020

by Shirley Penick

( 9 )

$3.99

Milly Astara fled Chicago to escape her violent ex-boyfriend, landing in the small town of Bedford, Wyoming. Thank God they’d never married. But he’s somehow gotten her phone number and is sending her harassing texts. He’d be breaking parole to come after her, so she should be safe. The sheriff is unaware of this current campaign to torment her, maybe it’s time to clue him in.

Tim Jefferson is new to town and only there for a week before calving season starts in his hometown in Chedwick, Washington. His first encounter in this roadside Wyoming town is with Milly, the pretty hostess of the restaurant where he’s meeting the woman wanting him to produce a bunch of small sculptures for her non-profit. Tim can’t help but notice the tension on Milly’s pretty face when she seats him. He sure would like to help ease that.

But what good can he do in a short seven days?

Other Formats: Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

Designs on Her: A Police Romance (Lake Chelan Novel #2) Mar 13, 2017

by Shirley Penick

( 31 )

$4.99

Kristen Mathews is a snarky self-sufficient woman who lives alone on the top of a mountain with her faithful dog as her only companion. She changes her own oil, runs a backhoe and designs jewelry. Kristen goes into town occasionally to see her sister and mail packages, she's perfectly happy with those tiny bits of socialization.

Until a forest fire forces her to evacuate. Coming down the mountain casts her into the town problems and sucks her into all the chaos of opening an art gallery. Her an art gallery owner? Preposterous... but true.

Police officer Nolan Thompson is tasked with the evacuation of the few residents on the mountain. Getting this crazy but beautiful jewelry designer out of harm’s way is not the easiest thing he’s ever done. He manages to get her to safety, but can't resist driving by to make sure she doesn't need some help adjusting to town life. When he gets caught in her gallery plans, he knows his life may never be the same.

Nolan turned his back on his talent forever when his sister was murdered. Caught back up in the art world, he’s torn between creating and the curse his art seems to have on those he loves.

When Nolan and Kristen act on their attraction, the world may never be the same. But can he keep her safe from the curse that seems to hang over him?

She's not the least bit interested in some silly idea of a curse.

Click now to see who wins this battle of wills in Designs on Her.

Join in the fun as the recluse teaches the man what life and love is all about.

Other Formats: Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

More Information

Are you an author? Visit Author Central to change your photo, edit your biography, and more

See Author Pages Frequently Asked Questions

Anything else? Provide feedback about this page

Similar authors to follow

About Shirley Penick

Customers Also Bought Items By

Are you an author?

Author Updates

More Information