Step into the heart-pounding world of the Colorado High Country series, where rugged mountains, steamy romance, and small-town charm collide in a whirlwind of adventure! Written by Pamela Clare, a USA Today bestselling author, this romantic suspense series whisks readers away to the fictional Scarlet Springs, Colorado, a quirky mountain town inspired by real-life locales. With its blend of passion, danger, and heartfelt redemption, it’s a must-read for fans of love stories with a thrilling edge.
Clare’s knack for crafting vivid characters and pulse-racing plots shines through each novel, drawing you into a community where love conquers all—whether it’s a second chance at romance or a battle against the odds. Ready to explore the rocky trails and cozy cabins of Scarlet Springs? Let’s dive in!
How Colorado High Country Began
Pamela Clare, a former investigative journalist and editor-in-chief, turned her storytelling prowess to romance after a career filled with national journalism awards. Her love for history, archaeology, and the rugged beauty of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains inspired the Colorado High Country series. Launched in 2016, the series draws from Clare’s experiences in small mountain towns, particularly Nederland, which she reimagines as Scarlet Springs—a haven of love, resilience, and community spirit.
Clare’s journalistic background lends authenticity to the series’ search-and-rescue missions and firefighting scenes, while her passion for romance infuses each story with emotional depth. What started as a shift from her high-octane I-Team series became a beloved saga that balances contemporary romance with just enough suspense to keep readers on edge.
The Heart of Colorado High Country
The series kicks off with Barely Breathing (2016), where Lexi Jewell returns to Scarlet Springs after a 12-year absence, only to face Austin Taylor, her high school sweetheart. Their second-chance romance unfolds amid search-and-rescue missions, blending humor, heartache, and a suspenseful subplot that ties their past to their future. In Slow Burn (2016), fire chief Eric Hawke meets Victoria Woodley, Lexi’s best friend, sparking a fiery attraction that forces Victoria to rethink her big-city life.
Falling Hard (2017) introduces Ellie Meeks, a Gold Star widow raising twins, and Jesse Moretti, a former Army Ranger battling PTSD. Their slow-burn romance, set against Scarlet Springs’ tight-knit community, explores healing and hope. The series’ final novel, Bound to Fall (2022), follows champion climber Sasha Dillon and detective Darius Silva as they unravel a mystery that threatens Sasha’s life, proving love can thrive even in danger.
Themes of redemption, community, and resilience weave through each book, with the Rocky Mountains as a breathtaking backdrop. Clare’s style mixes steamy romance with authentic details—like climbing jargon or firefighting protocols—making Scarlet Springs feel like a real place you’d want to visit. The series’ focus on everyday heroes, from park rangers to wildlife vets, adds relatability, while suspenseful twists keep the stakes high.
Why Colorado High Country Resonates
The Colorado High Country series has carved a niche in romantic suspense, earning praise for its well-researched plots and vibrant characters. Fans on Goodreads and romance blogs rave about Clare’s ability to balance spicy romance with emotional depth, often comparing Scarlet Springs to the cozy yet thrilling worlds of Jill Shalvis or Lori Foster. The series’ emphasis on community and second chances resonates with readers seeking stories of hope in turbulent times.
Clare’s crossover with her I-Team series, featuring cameos from fan-favorite characters, adds layers of connection for longtime readers. Though less action-heavy than her earlier work, Colorado High Country’s blend of small-town charm and suspense ensures its lasting appeal, making it a gem for romance lovers craving adventure with heart.
- First Book: Barely Breathing (2016)
- Latest Book: Bound to Fall (2022)
- Total Books: 10
- Setting: Scarlet Springs, Colorado
Ready to lose yourself in Scarlet Springs? Grab Barely Breathing and discover why Colorado High Country is the perfect blend of romance, suspense, and mountain magic!