How to Read the MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary Series
Written by bestselling author Shirleen Davies, the MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary series is a modern spinoff of her beloved historical western romance series. Set in the fictional, charming ranching town of Fire Mountain, the series follows the modern-day descendants of the original MacLaren family as they navigate intense romances, family obligations, and suspenseful situations. While each book is written to be enjoyed as a standalone novel, reading them in order allows you to follow the overarching family dynamics, character growth, and recurring subplots that run throughout the town of Fire Mountain.
The Recommended Reading Order
To experience the evolution of the MacLaren and Sinclair families in modern times, it is highly recommended to follow the publication order. Here is the complete reading path for the contemporary series:
- Second Summer (2014): The series begins with Heath MacLaren, the patriarch and head of the MacLaren Cattle Co. When his long-time platonic friend, Annie Sinclair, needs help, their comfortable friendship shifts into a deeper, unexpected romance that forces both of them to confront their guarded hearts.
- Hard Landing (2014): This high-stakes installment follows Navy pilot Trey MacLaren and fellow pilot Jesse Evans. Their professional partnership turns deeply personal, but their future is threatened by a life-altering letter and unresolved secrets.
- One More Day (2014): The spotlight shifts to Cameron Sinclair and Lainey Devlin. Cameron is focused on rebuilding his life, while Lainey is on the run from a dark and troubled past, leading to a passionate and protective romance.
- All Your Nights (2014): A suspenseful entry featuring DEA Agent Kade Santiago Taylor and Brooke Sinclair. Tasked with protecting Brooke from a ruthless drug cartel, Kade must balance his duty with the intense chemistry growing between them.
- Always Love You (2015): Follows Eric Sinclair and Amber Anderson. Eric's protective instincts are triggered when Amber enters his life, leading to a story of mutual healing, trust, and second chances.
- Hearts Don't Lie (2015): Focuses on Mitch MacLaren and Dana Ballard. Dana is determined to keep her past hidden, but Mitch is equally resolved to uncover her secrets and prove that their connection is real.
- No Getting Over You (2016): This romance features Cassie MacLaren and Matt Garner. Cassie is a fiercely independent woman who has resisted settling down, but her bond with Matt forces her to reconsider what she wants.
- 'Til the Sun Comes Up (2017): Skye MacLaren, a fierce rodeo stock provider, finds herself locking horns with business rival Gage Templeton. Their professional competition quickly turns into an explosive romantic clash.
- Foolish Heart (2017): The final book of the contemporary series centers on Ernesto "Nesto" Salgado, an ex-Special Forces operative and former U.S. Marshal who takes a security job at MacLaren Enterprises. He is shocked to find Paige Wallace, the woman who broke his heart, working at the same company, forcing them to confront their past under dangerous circumstances.
The Connection to the Historical MacLarens Series
One of the most common questions readers have is how the contemporary series relates to the original MacLarens of Fire Mountain (Historical) series. The historical series is set in the 1800s on the American frontier and follows the wild west adventures of the original MacLaren brothers. The contemporary series is a direct sequel set in the present day, featuring the modern-day descendants of those historic pioneers. While the historical series provides rich world-building and shows how the MacLaren ranching legacy was built, you do not need to read the historical books to understand the contemporary ones. However, fans of family sagas will find it incredibly rewarding to see how family traits, names, and lands carry over across generations.
Practical Reader Advice
Here are a few quick tips to help you get the most out of your visit to Fire Mountain:
- Start with Second Summer: Although the author designs each book to stand on its own, the relationships between the MacLaren and Sinclair families are complex. Starting with the first book establishes the core family dynamics and introduces characters who will appear as supporting cast in later books.
- Watch for the Sinclairs: While the series is named after the MacLarens, several books focus on members of the Sinclair family (such as Cameron, Brooke, and Eric), who are closely tied to the MacLarens by marriage, friendship, and business.
- Tone and Suspense: Unlike some traditional sweet Western romances, Shirleen Davies frequently infuses her stories with elements of romantic suspense, including law enforcement, DEA investigations, and security details, making for a faster-paced reading experience.