Fort Bender Series by Layna James

Kayla Harris doesn’t have the time. A past heartbreak has pushed her to keep busy during college and as she enters her final year, one last job-filled summer stands between her and the internship of her dreams. When a cute tourist crashes into her life, Kayla has to reconcile her fear of another broken heart, and her determination to keep him at arm’s length with her growing attraction. Chase Wilmington is ready to relax... moreKayla Harris doesn’t have the time. A past heartbreak has pushed her to keep busy during college and as she enters her final year, one last job-filled summer stands between her and the internship of her dreams. When a cute tourist crashes into her life, Kayla has to reconcile her fear of another broken heart, and her determination to keep him at arm’s length with her growing attraction. Chase Wilmington is ready to relax. Finished with college, he’s excited to take it easy before jumping into the family business. Summer vacation is exactly what he needs and he’s ready to unwind… until he meets Kayla. All he wants is a moment of her time and she won’t give him the time of day. Chase is captivated and Kayla is trying to stay focused. When her world comes crashing down around her, Kayla has to rely on the very guy she’s tried to keep at a distance. Can Chase reach the girl who seems immune to his charm or will Kayla’s fears keep her from letting someone new into her life? Summer vacation only lasts so long and life, like love, can be complicated. less

Ashlie Willis is a disappointment. At least, that’s what she tells herself. Failed career, bad relationships, life—the former teacher can’t seem to get anything right. People pleasing is a tough habit to break, and pretending is easier than facing her fears. The only one asking what she really wants is her best friend, Hunter. Hunter Jackson doesn’t get attached. The data analyst has a new fling each week and bolts at the first sign of drama. No relationships. No feelings... moreAshlie Willis is a disappointment. At least, that’s what she tells herself. Failed career, bad relationships, life—the former teacher can’t seem to get anything right. People pleasing is a tough habit to break, and pretending is easier than facing her fears. The only one asking what she really wants is her best friend, Hunter. Hunter Jackson doesn’t get attached. The data analyst has a new fling each week and bolts at the first sign of drama. No relationships. No feelings. No exceptions, aside from Ashlie—the one woman he’s allowed close enough to matter. They’ve only ever been friends…except for the one night they don’t talk about. Family obligations send them back to Fort Bender, a place steeped in memories they promised to forget. With no more distractions, and personal demons pushed aside, their pretense crumbles into a night of noncommittal passion. But when a new suitor for Ashlie turns out to be the perfect match, fear and desire collide. Ashlie clings to the ruse of their past, while Hunter can only see one her. When the line between love and friendship blurs, the very things they’ve been running from may be exactly what they need. less

Willa Willis doesn’t need anyone. After years of self-discipline and staunch routines, she’s curated the life she always wanted. Her photography studio is a proud middle finger to her estranged family and everyone else who doubted her. But even a self-made woman has to let loose once in a while. A birthday trip is exactly the break she needs, until Mr. Too Perfect shows up. Trevor Jones lives life on the bright side... moreWilla Willis doesn’t need anyone. After years of self-discipline and staunch routines, she’s curated the life she always wanted. Her photography studio is a proud middle finger to her estranged family and everyone else who doubted her. But even a self-made woman has to let loose once in a while. A birthday trip is exactly the break she needs, until Mr. Too Perfect shows up. Trevor Jones lives life on the bright side. Despite a harrowing childhood, the former Coast Guardsman doesn’t sweat the small stuff and never holds a grudge—except for one. When the past comes back to haunt him, a weekend getaway serves as the perfect distraction. Running into the woman of his dreams is icing on the cake. Convinced they’re incompatible, Willa refuses to give him the time of day. Trevor’s determined to prove her wrong. When they end up in the same bar, one flirty encounter leads to an unforgettable night together. But the next morning she’s gone, forcing him to grapple with unanswered questions and radio silence. Willa’s intent on leaving the past where it is. .. until two little pink lines shake up all her plans. less