Promise of Forever After Series by Joanna Barker, Arlem Hawks

He stole her inheritance. She stole his heart. Daphne Windham has depended upon one thing her entire life: inheriting her beloved great-aunt’s estate, Cheriton Hall. With her mother desperate to marry her off to the highest bidder, Daphne is relieved to escape to Cheriton for the summer—until she learns that her aunt has decided upon a different heir entirely. Cole Everard, the steward’s son and Daphne’s childhood friend. Former friend, that is... moreHe stole her inheritance. She stole his heart. Daphne Windham has depended upon one thing her entire life: inheriting her beloved great-aunt’s estate, Cheriton Hall. With her mother desperate to marry her off to the highest bidder, Daphne is relieved to escape to Cheriton for the summer—until she learns that her aunt has decided upon a different heir entirely. Cole Everard, the steward’s son and Daphne’s childhood friend. Former friend, that is. Raised on the grounds of Cheriton, Cole Everard never imagined he would be named heir, but he is determined to prove himself worthy of the position. Unfortunately, that is easier said than done, especially when Daphne arrives claiming he is anything but worthy. Instead of their close friendship, Cole is met with cold indifference—which would sting much less if he wasn’t entirely in love with her… Hurt and betrayed, Daphne believes her only choice is to undermine her new rival and reclaim what is rightfully hers. But that plan becomes increasingly difficult, what with Cole’s infuriating charm and kindness. When fate offers Daphne a second chance, will she take it or risk it all for the promise of love?Romancing Her Rival is the second in a series of books about five friends. The other four novellas will be written by authors Sally Britton, Megan Walker, Heidi Kimball, and Arlem Hawks. less

Love is a luxury she can't afford until he comes aboard.Lessons in propriety did little to prepare Marah Kinsley for life on board a creaky old boat. Now widowed, the boat is her livelihood, if she can only keep the navy from learning that she has shouldered the work of maintaining it. When a handsome lieutenant is granted command, Marah has to curb her growing attraction to keep him from uncovering the truth and taking away her means of supporting her family... moreLove is a luxury she can't afford until he comes aboard.Lessons in propriety did little to prepare Marah Kinsley for life on board a creaky old boat. Now widowed, the boat is her livelihood, if she can only keep the navy from learning that she has shouldered the work of maintaining it. When a handsome lieutenant is granted command, Marah has to curb her growing attraction to keep him from uncovering the truth and taking away her means of supporting her family.Lieutenant Collin Boyd is elated to finally have his own command, until he lays eyes on the decrepit Teaspoon. What’s more, the bosun is mysteriously ill, and the brig is being run by the bosun’s young and determined wife. Trying to stay optimistic, he agrees to let her continue serving as her husband’s replacement until Mr. Kinsley recovers. But when Marah is caught in her lie, Collin is faced with the choice to let her remain at her post and threaten his career or cast her out of his crew to fend for herself.As they work together patrolling enemy waters, their dependence on each other grows. A mistake and a court-martial threaten to separate them forever, forcing Marah to examine her heart. Can she give up her family’s dream to rescue her second chance at love? less