A Special Ops Scots prequel As a Royal Marine, I've taken on countless missions, but navigating life as a civilian might be the biggest challenge of all. I need to stay focused and figure out what the hell I'm doing with this early retirement. Then she crosses my path. A stranger on a train, she instantly captures my imagination. A beautiful, vibrant distraction I didn't know I needed. And maybe something more... When my charming companion faces unwanted advances, I step in, pretending to be her boyfriend. But the connection between us is too real to be an act. What might have been only a brief encounter turns into an unforgettable night as we both find far more than we were looking for, if only we both have the courage to hold on. ✅ fake relationship ✅ one night stand ✅ prequel

I should never have touched her. I didn't know she's my best friend's little sister. When I found out... well... My life went off the rails, and we didn't see each other again. Now three years later, we're in the same small town, and she hates my guts. But when her ex won't take no for an answer, it's me she improbably reaches out to for help. Sure we can fake a relationship to keep him off her back. We've done it before. Except there's nothing fake about the heat between us. Or the very real threat from my past that's the true reason I ghosted her. Maybe she'll finally give me the chance to explain. I'll do anything to protect her, even face down her brother for a second chance.

The last thing I need while trying to make a success of my outdoor adventure company is a beautiful distraction. It takes all my focus to fight off the demons that remain from the injury that ended my career as a Royal Marine and deal with the clients that make me want to climb the nearest mountain and never come down. But Parker Lawrence walks into our office, takes over a phone call, and changes everything. My desperate desire to keep her close has nothing to do with the fact that she's sunshine personified—sweet, capable, and completely unfazed by my grumpitude and total lack of charm. She’s also hiding something. I should mind my own business, but this bright Southern belle has gotten under my skin, and I want to save her every bit as much as it feels like she's saving me. When her secret catches up to her, I'll do anything to keep her safe, even if those overprotective instincts risk driving away the best thing that's ever walked into my life.