Strike team leader Sk'lar just wants to do his job well. Through long, painful experience, he's developed the skills to do just that. Until a strong, fierce human woman rocks his world. And then nothing else matters but her. She doesn't know it yet. But she's his. And he's hers. Forever. Focused, beautiful Phryne Manka doesn't do relationships. As the head of security for Vidia Birch, she barely has the time or interest to think about people. But there's something about Sk'lar that makes her relax her guard. Have fun. Feel like a woman, not a soldier. Good thing he's just a friend, right? Simpler that way. Easier. But when there's a threat to her life, he's the only one she can trust. And in the chaos that follows she has to ask, does really know what her heart wants? Sk'lar is the thirteenth book in the Conquered World science fiction romance series. Each book features the romance of a new couple, with alpha male alien warriors and women who don't put up with their nonsense. No cheating, no cliffhangers, HEA guaranteed!