Under the pressure of competition crowding him out of his family’s pub and the need to protect his children from the ruins of a bad marriage, he barely breathes. The unconditional friendships it offers, the protective roof it provides, and the spark that its owner ignites in her-melting the frost off her heart, and slowly stripping away her resistance.His life flows from one crisis to the next.

Thinking herself beyond redemption, she tentatively grabs on to the slim thread of hope that unfolds inside of her. Holding her secrets close, she can’t resist the comforting draw coming from The Skipper. Pain punished her.The bottle numbed her.Guilt kept her trapped.In the dark alley of a pub, the words “Please don’t” take hold of her heart and break the silence she seeks. Not at all unpleasant, especially since her finger that used to hold a wedding ring is now bare. Her wild hair, boho style and silvery grey eyes suddenly hold a lot of promise.But when his office is pulled into an international investigation into the trafficking of rare books and manuscripts, the straight-laced SAC realizes he has to keep his distance from the woman who might well be involved.Easier said than done, since fate seems determined to throw them together. The pretty, feisty woman behind the counter is an unexpected surprise.

He doesn’t exactly bring good memories.FBI Special Agent in Charge, Damian Gomez is just looking for a decent cup of coffee when he walks into the small store offering books and brew. One that is looking better than ever. The sight of the tall man, with the familiar salt and pepper goatee pushing open the door of her store, sets her hair on end. Her failure of a marriage firmly in her rearview mirror and her recent business expansion a success, she is in charge of her own future. Bookstore owner Kerry Emerson finally seems to be back in control of her life.

A change in tide freya barker