Mara

I’ve been living a quiet, simple life in my hometown for years. After a bad relationship with an ex who didn’t want to leave me alone, my plans to stay in the Coast Guard and travel the world were derailed. I wanted to feel safe again. I’ve adjusted well enough. But a crush on a world-traveled volunteer at the local animal shelter makes me yearn to stretch out of my comfort zone. Which is why after a hundred invitations to visit my best friend in Alaska, I finally say yes. I go to North Haven, hoping to win over my crush by posting exciting photos that prove I’m not super boring. But what I don’t expect is for Jonas Black to be so…muscular and sexy. Or to make me feel things you’re definitely not supposed to feel about your best friend. Even when they do things to you that make you feel alive and desirable. So desirable. I think I might be in trouble when it comes to Jonas. Big trouble.

Jonas

I’ve been in love with Mara West since the first day I met her, more than a decade ago. When we were both stationed together. But I quickly fell into the friend zone. Despite my attempts to find someone else, I can never help comparing them to Mara. She and I stayed friends after she left the Coast Guard. But I haven’t seen her in years. Which is why when she finally agrees to fly to Alaska, I decide I’m going all in. Until she tells me about her plan to win over some beach bum. I hate the thought of anyone else with her. But I go along with it only because I see the way she looks at me. It’s not the way you look at a friend. I’m determined to wear her down. To make her beg for my touch. To make her fall in love with me so I can finally claim what’s been mine all along.