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What’s a girl to do when her pen pal’s parents assume they’re dating? Clear up the misconception. Or…. roll with it?
Caleb and I have been pen pals since he left Smuggler’s Hideaway to join the military.
Imagine my surprise when I discover the blond-haired, blue-eyed man who stars in all of my fantasies has returned to the island but didn’t tell me. Worse yet? He claims he doesn’t want to see me.
Ha! As if I’ll let my friend become a hermit. Not on my watch.
But when I show up at his cabin, he refuses to let me in. Until his parents arrive. When his mom spots the picnic basket I’m carrying, she assumes I’m Caleb’s girlfriend. To my surprise, he rolls with it.
After his parents leave, I get an even bigger surprise. Caleb wants me to pretend to be his girlfriend. His parents will worry less about him if he’s in a relationship.
I’ll be his fake girlfriend all day and all night long. Whatever the soldier needs, I’m there.
Too bad what he needs isn’t to fall in love with me.
This friends to lovers, fake relationship, small town rom com features a heroine who has been secretly in love with her pen pal for years, a military hero who’s been hurt and is lashing out at everyone he loves when he should be reaching out to them, a seal that doesn’t know it’s not a traffic stop, too many mermaid legends to mention, and a group of girlfriends who are considering a career change from brewery owners to matchmakers.
“Maya and Caleb made such an enjoyable story! I was moved by both of their pasts and it really made you feel connected to them and like you know them personally. As always, there is great humour worked throughout to give you a break from tense or sad moments.”⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
“This was a great addition to this series with all the usual crazy residents of this close knit town.”⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
“Another great story from Smuggler’s Rest. I loved this story, and all the characters from the previous stories, who are there for Maya.”⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
“This is a wonderful, engaging and fun next chapter of Smuggler’s Hideaway series. Here’s to Smugglers and the Mermaids that love them!! This one is a hit!!”⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
“What a great romantic novel. Maya and Caleb have the sweetest story that has such heart wrenching moments that it brings tears to your eyes. Really love the ending and am so excited for the next one!”⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
“A great addition to a great series. Steamy with some hilarious moments along with some serious ones. This author always gets the balance just right.”⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
“Complex, Heartfelt, Steamy Romance with Humor, Wit, and ALL the Feels I loved Maya and Caleb's story and could not put the book down - read it in one day.”⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
“Every time I start a book in this series is like going home to spend time with friends. Each book just draws you in and you just can't help feeling part of the story. The story is so complex, yet so heartfelt and just draws you to both characters.”⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
“a must read laugh out loud feel good read.”⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
“Caleb! You’re home!” I shout as I run to him and throw myself at him.
He catches me but immediately sets me back on my feet before retreating. “I knew I shouldn’t have come to this party.” He turns around and marches away without another word.
What? Why is he being a meanie? I chase after him.
“Caleb. It’s me, Maya. Your pen pal,” I explain as I try to keep up. He’s limping but he’s still he’s moving way faster than me. “Slow down.”
“Duck,” he mutters before stopping.
“Why are you limping? Are you injured? Is that why you’re home? When did you get home? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to see you.”
My eyes widen. “What? Why not?”
“It’s not personal.”
“Feels pretty personal when you tell me you don’t want to see me after twelve years of being pen pals.”
He scratches his neck. “I meant I don’t want to see anyone.”
“Not anyone? What about your family? They’ve missed you.”
He scowls. “My family is better off without me.”
“What are you talking about? They’re your family. They aren’t better off without you. They love you.”
“You’re better off without me, too.”
Pain crashes through my chest at his words. Better off without Caleb? Never. Caleb is everything.
“How about I choose whether I’m better off without you? It’s this new thing I’m trying out. Being an adult woman and making my own decisions. It agrees with me thus far.”
“I’m trying to protect you.”
