Wrangling lumberjacks for Star Lake’s Fall Fest has wedding and event planner Annabelle Franklin ready to saw some serious wood. When her best friend suggests a staycation, she’s all in. Too bad the cabin she books is already occupied—by a brawny Scot who just won’t budge.
The good news? Callum “Maverick” McBride has abs to spare and a voice that could fell trees (and drop panties). Did I mention he owns two kilts? Recuperating from surgery, the Arizona linebacker just wants privacy. And since he was there first, he refuses to give an inch.
As sparks start melting the ice between them, they concede to sharing the cabin. But after crashing a wedding—and waking up hungover with matching gold rings—any boundaries established are quickly forgotten.
Turns out Annabelle and Callum’s marriage is legit. And fate has another wee surprise in store. They discover that sometimes the best mistakes in life are the ones you choose to keep.
Like his brothers, Zach Young has recently moved home to Maine after the untimely death of his father. In addition to helping his mom maintain Lobster Cove, the family’s beloved property, the Navy cook has big dreams of opening his own restaurant…but, for now, has reluctantly settled for a lobster shack. Not exactly what he had in mind, though a new lobsterwoman in town has made his daily trips to the docks worthwhile.
Having been literally bullied out of her last port city a little farther down the coast, Marit Phillips isn’t in Rockville long before the familiar grumblings begin…hardened lobstermen thinking a petite woman can’t possibly do the job, no matter how experienced. Fortunately, her new boss judges her based on work ethic…and the handsome cook who visits their boat every day? He seems to see things in Marit that even she doesn’t.
But as much as Zach builds her up, there’s another man in town, his polar opposite, trying to tear her down. And he proves more determined than the couple thought possible…
This book delivers another heartfelt, protective-alpha romance in the Alpha Cove series by Susan Stoker. Returning to Rockville, Maine, readers reunite with the lively Young family while diving into Zach and Marit’s swoon-worthy love story.
Marit, a fiercely independent lobsterwoman seeking a fresh start, is instantly captivating. Her strength is quiet but unshakable, forged by past disappointments and long days at sea. Zach, recently home from the Navy after his father’s passing, is the classic Stoker hero—protective, devoted, and completely smitten. Their chemistry is immediate and effortless, creating a relationship that feels both tender and intense.
The story thoughtfully explores themes of belonging and gender bias within the lobstering community, adding emotional depth and tension. Marit’s struggle to fit into both the industry and the boisterous Young family feels authentic and relatable. Mama Young, as always, is a standout—warm, welcoming, and fiercely loving.
While the final act grows a bit dramatic, the resolution is satisfying and heartfelt. With strong characters, meaningful growth, and just the right touch of spice, The Sailor is a compelling addition to the series.
My Sanctuary 