Raising the Bar

By: Stephanie Rose

Narrated by: Moira Song, Lee Samuels

Did you hear the one about the woman who gets fired, then busted for speeding on a country road, and falls for the cop who pulled her over?

Sergeant Jude Davis barely has enough hours in the day to protect and serve the small town of Kelly Lakes and take care of his ailing father. After his bitter divorce, he learned the hard way that he doesn't have time for romantic relationships.

If only he could get everyone to stop trying to set him up on blind dates…

When the grouchy officer pulled over a speeding driver, he wasn't prepared for Claudia. The sunshiney beauty is only in town long enough to nurse her professional wounds before heading back to Brooklyn. She's gorgeous, fiery, and everything he doesn't have time to enjoy.

Jude can't afford to get close to her, so no one is more shocked than he is when he finds himself asking her for a favor. A few fake public cuddles and longing looks should be enough to put off his determined matchmakers, right?

For the first time in years, this grumpy cop has something to smile about as the friendship develops certain benefits. But when Claudia's temporary stay takes a turn for the permanent, Jude has to face facts. He can't be the man she deserves…but he's definitely not willing to watch her end up with someone else.

©2023 Stephanie Rose (P)2024 Podium Audio

Cheers to second chances!

Imagine a dirty-talking, swoony book boyfriend finally confessing his feelings for your down-to-earth, sassy bestie. That's the heart of 'Raising the Bar.' It's a low-angst, fake dating romance—a comforting read that feels like a warm hug. But it's more than that.

Jude, scarred by past relationships, learns to love again. Claudia, practical and intelligent, discovers fresh starts after bad endings. Their steamy small-town romance is heightened by suspense and external conflict. And then there's George—the wise catalyst who adds depth to the story.

I adored the narration, it added an extra dimension to the story, and I felt like I was present in the story, sitting at the bar, taking a stroll in the park….or speeding down the highway towards my HEA!

Set in Kelly Lakes, this standalone novel invites you in, but beware: once you're part of this community, you'll crave more stories from Stephanie Rose. And I wholeheartedly recommend her entire back catalog to you!

Beautiful, Heartfelt and Steamy Romance!

I loved this tender, sweet and steamy Kelly Lakes romance! Jude is an intense, broody police officer and Claudia is strength and sunshine. Their first meet cute didn't go well but the connection they felt only grows when they see each other again. Claudia is at a crossroads in her career and life. She is staying in Kelly Lakes with her best friend to figure out where her life is going. Jude is fresh off a bitter divorce and is focused on taking care of his elderly father. He doesn't want to open his heart to love right now but the cheerful city girl, who is here temporarily, makes him want to break all his rules. When Claudia finds an opportunity to stay in Kelly Lakes, will they take the risk on love, if when it possibly goes bad, it could be so heartbreaking to be close in this small town? I loved Jude and Claudia, they were complete opposites who were so perfect together! Jude was caring, protective and totally swoony, and Claudia was independent, friendly, and funny. They were both afraid of the powerful feelings they had for each other, but they supported their choices and helped each other trust and find their forever love together. I loved the way their journey unfolded, and the love and support they had from friends and family.
Moira Song and Lee Samuels are pure magic as Claudia and Jude! I was mesmerized by Samuel's smooth, deep voice that perfectly characterized the surly, protective police officer with a soft, tender, loving side. Song effortlessly brought out the strong yet vulnerable Claudia, and her accent and voice changes for the different characters were amazing. I was totally lost in their storytelling.
This is a beautiful, heartfelt and steamy story that captured my heart and I loved every moment!