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Alpha Cove #2

The Sailor

Not yet published
Expected 3 Mar 26

Win a free kindle copy of this book!

13 days and 14:18:13

100 copies available
U.S. only
Rate this book
Alpha Cove, a former Navy chef meets his match in a woman who holds her own in a man’s world… and he wants her to be a part of his.

Like his brothers, Zach Young has recently moved home to Maine after the untimely death of his father. In addition to helping his mom maintain Lobster Cove, the family’s beloved property, the Navy cook has big dreams of opening his own restaurant… but, for now, has reluctantly settled for a lobster shack. Not exactly what he had in mind, though a new lobsterwoman in town has made his daily trips to the docks worthwhile.

Having been literally bullied out of her last port city a little farther down the coast, Marit Phillips isn’t in Rockville long before the familiar grumblings begin… hardened lobstermen thinking a petite woman can’t possibly do the job, no matter how experienced. Fortunately, her new boss judges her based on work ethic…and the handsome cook who visits their boat every day? He seems to see things in Marit that even she doesn’t.

But as much as Zach builds her up, there’s another man in town, his polar opposite, trying to tear her down. And he proves more determined than the couple thought possible…

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 3, 2026

2849 people want to read

About the author

Susan Stoker

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New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Tennessee where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, Indiana, and Tennessee. She's married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah Slusarczyk .
602 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 26, 2026
🦞 The Sailor 🦞

The next installment of the Alpha Cove series by Susan Stoker is here! We are back in the small-town of Rockville Maine with the Young family and all the craziness that they are. As always, I recommend reading a series in order to get the most out of it, but each book can be read as a standalone in an interconnected series.

We start our story with Marit, a seasoned lobsterwoman who loves her job, but tends to keep to herself. She is newer to town after a not so great experience with her last job, she has relocated to Rockville hoping for a fresh start. Her life is her job and with it brings long hours on the ocean, but she has a passion for it, and is damn good at it as well. When she arrives at work one day and is introduced to Zach, she is momentarily stunned. Their connection seems immediate, strong and takes them both off guard at first. Zack has returned home along with his other three brothers after their fathers passing to help their mother with the family business and land. After serving in the Navy, coming back home is a welcome change of pace, not to mention having all his family together again. When Zack meets Marit, he’s first surprised by her small size ( she’s tiny) and then by the job that she does. When he asks her out for a date, she agrees their relationship takes off. The ease between the two of them is a shock for both of them, they seem to fit almost perfectly. The pair quickly grow their relationship and all seems well. Too well.

The main conflict in The Sailor comes into play first with Marit and her unease around Zack’s family, and then later with the gender bias that comes from the surrounding lobsterists. Zack and Marit quickly come to terms about one of these issues, but the latter grows into something much more serious. As the plot unfolds we see characters from book one (The Soldier) and get a little peek on what is going on with the Young family. Their family dynamic is all about controlled chaos, but also unconditional love. Marit is new to this, and it does overwhelm her at times, but it comes to mean everything to her. Zack makes it his mission to feed Marit at every turn and with his passion for food, who could say no to that.

Zack and Marit are a total kick in the pants! Zack is an over protective alpha for sure, but Marit, even though she is a strong character, knows that being that way is something that Zack needs so she lets him. Mama Young is by far one of my favorite characters, I love her and the way that she loves her family. She accepts Marit so easily and gives her the love that she so desperately needs. The last half of the book gets a little nutty, but as always we end up where we want to be, and even get a little surprise there at the end. Marit overcomes so much with the help of Zack and the Youngs, but she also relies on herself, she knows herself and what she is capable of. Zack is more like back-up, which really made me smile. The spice is a nice addition to the book, but the characters really take the spotlight. I hope to see more of Kash soon, he’s such a sweetheart, I have a feeling that Linc is going to play a key role in his life.

5 ⭐️
3 🌶️

Tropes

🦞 Found Family
🦞 Small-town Romance
🦞 Protective MC/Strong FMC
🦞 Lobster Cove
Profile Image for Katie.
109 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 7, 2026
Lobsterwoman Marit is new to Lobster Cove, Maine. She crosses paths with ex-Navy cook Zach, the owner of a local restaurant. The pair quickly fall for each other as Marit works through her professional and intrapersonal challenges.

Though it was a little cheesy at times, this was super readable! The writing style was great. It is clear the author is no stranger to writing romance novels. I was quickly intrigued by Marit and Zach. I liked their natural connection - she supplies the lobsters he cooks at his restaurant.

The pair quickly established affection and trust for each other, which unfortunately kind of made it feel like there was nothing to look forward with their relationship. They fit together almost a little too perfectly, too quickly. No one had to grow much to make the relationship work. Yes, Marit had to process through her initial distrust of Zach’s family because her own brothers were trash, but that didn’t seem to take too much effort (Zach’s family was clearly loving and stable). Really, the main conflict of the book centered around the gender prejudices surrounding lobstering.

Things went bonkers in the last quarter of the book… It reminded me a little of Catherine Cowles’ books but not as foreboding and tense. I skimmed some of the action at the end because it felt sort of thrown in there and I could pretty easily guess how things would work out.

Overall, not a bad romance novel. I am not jonesing to reread it, but it was definitely enjoyable the first time through. If you like costal town romances, insta-love connections, women in traditionally male dominated fields, loving families, you’d probably like this book. I am also super intrigued by Linc and what looks like will be an enemies to lovers book coming next!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for a free e-ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Profile Image for Veeka.
99 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 13, 2026
There’s just something about Susan Stoker books that I love so much. Her books are always top reads for me, and this one was no different!

I was so excited to see that this is Zach’s story. After meeting him in the first book, I couldn’t wait to learn more about him and his background. Zach owns a small lobster shack and ends up meeting Marit, a female lobsterman. One thing I always love about Susan’s books is her strong, bad ass female main characters. Seeing everything Marit has gone through and the harassment she deals with daily simply because she works in a male-dominated field felt both incredibly relatable and empowering to read. It’s frustrating seeing how this is something women have to deal with on a regular basis, but also so satisfying to read because we get to see her stand her ground and Zach and his family also stick up for her too.

Speaking of Zach, this man is head over heels for Merit from the very beginning. He always checks in with her to make sure she is comfortable. Plus, he constantly looks out for her and sticks up for her, especially in situations where she’s told she shouldn’t be doing her job. This man was literally packing her lunches and making her meals that he knew she would enjoy. The quiet acts of care mini tropes are always my favorite in books. I loved how safe and comfortable he makes her feel, especially after finding out how hard it is for her to open up, given her past and the struggles and trauma she has from her brothers.
This is a quick, easy-to-read, insta-love story where he falls first, but she falls harder. Not only is it a quick and fun read, but it has a little bit of everything, including:
- Strong FMC
- Touch her and die
- Found Family
- Female lobsterman
- Chef MMC
- Suspense
- Spice
And so much more!

Thank you Netgalley & the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
772 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 26, 2026
A thrilling and emotional story.

Reading The Sailor by Susan Stoker was like coming home to Rockville, ME. I was captivated by our hero Zach Young, a former Navy cook, who has returned home (along with his three brothers) to help his mother after the death of his father. He is honorable, kind, and protective, all things that make an alpha hero swoonworthy. He meets Marit Phillips, a lobster woman, who has recently made Rockville her home. Marit carries a past that she would rather not expose and isn’t interested in forming attachments. Zach is intrigued and steps right in, opening up an amazing, emotional, and suspenseful relationship.

I love reading a Susan Stoker book. She creates characters that fit together perfectly, whether they see it immediately or not. The building relationship is always patient, kind, and caring. Whether it is immediate or a slow burn, it always feels special and honest. She excels in creating a world I would love to live in, no matter where we are. The banter between the siblings and between the main characters is enjoyable and crisp. I loved how they enfold the young boy, Kash, into their world without suspicion, but with openness and love. Mrs. Young is delightful, and I really enjoy her character so much. I think I’d like to be her when I grow up. The sensitive themes of bullying and women’s right to work are handled with grace and thoughtfulness. As always, Ms. Stoker brings out the best in her heroes and the worst in her villains. I love immersing myself in her world and can’t wait to see what happens with the next Young brother.
Profile Image for Anna Christodoulou-Vega.
349 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 29, 2026
⭐ ARC Book Review: The Sailor by Susan Stoker ⭐

⚓🦞💙 The Sailor is a heartfelt, swoony small-town romance wrapped in Susan Stoker’s signature protective-hero magic. Set along the rugged Maine coast 🌊, this story blends healing, resilience, and quiet strength in the best way.

Zach Young is a Navy cook 👨‍🍳⚓ who’s returned home after the loss of his father, putting his big restaurant dreams on hold to help his mom and keep Lobster Cove afloat. Running a lobster shack isn’t where he thought life would land him—but meeting Marit makes those dockside days a whole lot brighter 🥰.

Marit Phillips 🦞💪 is everything I love in a heroine—experienced, hardworking, and tough as nails, even when the town tries to break her. After being bullied out of her last port, she’s determined to prove she belongs, despite judgment from old-school lobstermen who underestimate her because she’s small and female. Watching Zach truly see her—her strength, her talent, her worth—was incredibly satisfying ❤️.

🔥 The romance is tender, supportive, and slowly built on trust, encouragement, and genuine admiration. But Susan Stoker doesn’t stop there—danger creeps in, and when someone threatens Marit, Zach’s protective instincts kick into full gear 😤⚠️.

💙⚓ The Sailor is about finding home again, standing your ground, and loving someone who lifts you up instead of tearing you down. If you love small-town romance, strong heroines, protective heroes, and coastal vibes, this one is a must-read.
Profile Image for Beth Von Voigt.
134 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 22, 2026
The second installment of the Alpha Cove series did not disappoint. Zach moved home after serving in the Navy to help his mother run their family’s property and businesses after the passing of his father. He uses the cooking skills he gathered from the Navy to open a lobster shack with a fancy twist. While picking up his daily order from the docks, he meets Marit, who automatically intrigues him. Not only is she attractive, but she is a rarity in the male dominated lobster fishing world. When Marit is harassed by a lobsterman with a grudge, Zach can’t help but step in.

I loved reading Zach and Marit’s story. Alpha males and strong women are so fun to see connect. Marit’s history is devastating and will have your heart breaking and also rooting for her happily ever after. I loved seeing the continued involvement of Zach’s brothers in each story. As always, the author’s ability to pair characters is on point. With this one, I would have liked to see a bit more of Zach’s protective side come out. This series leans away from the author’s military emphasis and more on the romance side. It definitely was the easy, interesting read that I’ve come to love from this author and captivating in its own way. I can’t wait for the next book! *Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for Shelley C.
2,987 reviews65 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 11, 2026
The Sailor😍

The Sailor is the next book in the Alpha Cove series and let’s just say I’ve been so excited to get my hands on this and couldn’t read it fast enough🙌

Zach has returned home to Rockville, Maine after the death of his father, along with his brothers, so they can help their mother run the businesses they’ve set up in Lobster Cove. Zach opens his own restaurant and goes to the docks each day to get fresh lobster 🦞 This is where he meets Marit…he knows just from meeting her that she is special and he wastes no time in asking her out.

Unfortunately, Marit hasn’t had the best life but she’s making it on her own. She was run out of Portland by another lobsterman and is just finding her feet, when she meets Zach and accepts his date invitation☺️

I love this family and their moments together which are some of the best “memories” that they can make. I like how they are with Kash, the boy from the neighbouring household and how they take him under their proverbial wing. Great story, great characters and a series you will not want to miss out on🤩

I can’t wait to read The Pilot next, which is Linc’s story🙌 I received an advanced copy via Netgalley and voluntarily leave my honest review❤️

Profile Image for Jenn the Readaholic.
2,197 reviews72 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 11, 2026
This series continues to deliver. Marit is a tad unexpected, but I mean that in the best ways. While she’s used to going it alone, she’s still smart and strong and incredibly kind to others. Even when she’s pretty sure she’s only tolerated at best, she doesn’t lash out at anyone. So when Zach sets his sights on time with Marit, she’s a little surprised by it because she’s certain he’s far out of her league.

Zach, however, feels the same about Marit. He knows he’s punching above his weight class with her and he’s still going to try to be everything she wants and needs in life. He’s willing to go at her pace, to match her energy for the most part, and prove to her that family loves, no matter what. He does a good job, too, while also learning more than he thought he needed to know about love and loving someone so strongly that you literally can’t see your next breath without them.

Even when it all seems to go sideways, both of them have hope. It helps that a curmudgeonly old man knows the secrets of the water and likes Marit, of course. But the refusal to give up gets everyone through this and now I’m pretty sure we’re about to find out more about said grump and why he is the way he is. Or so I think…I’m here either way!
Profile Image for Kim (Chipperbooks) .
1,320 reviews26 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 20, 2026
The Sailor
Alpha Cove Series Book 2
Susan Stoker

Zach and Marit

In case you haven’t read book 1, The Soldier, you learn that this series follows four brothers who have returned to their hometown in Maine. Book 1 was Chad and Britt and now Zach and Marit.

Each brother has a different past and how it lead them back to Lobster Cover. Now that they all reside in Maine, each has to find what their new passion is and where they fit in. Zach always loved cooking and has opened up a lobster shack.

Marit has recently moved to this area of Maine, where she is a lobsterwoman. A male dominate job, not everyone is happy to see a female doing their work.

In both books, Britt and Marit have recently moved to the small town and meet a Young brother. Neither are accustomed to the support and love of a family but it is just what they need. The Young family are always there for each other, and the men have all been taught how to treat and respect women.

Both books have been a lot of fun to read. Love when the brothers get together, always a good time. Add a little suspense in addition to the relationship and you have a very entertaining book. Look forward to the next.
Thank you #Netgalley and #Montlake
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,197 reviews28 followers
February 4, 2026
Captivating and Heartfelt from Page One!

Susan Stoker's The Sailor is one of those rare books that pulls you in from the very first page and refuses to let go. I was completely captivated by this story and found it impossible to put down.

The characters are the heart of this novel—they are wonderfully developed, with personalities so full of depth that they feel like old friends. Their connections felt incredibly genuine, making every emotional moment land perfectly. I'm already looking forward to seeing where their journeys go in future books.

What made this story even more special for me was the magical setting, which beautifully evoked the feeling of growing up in New England and added a rich layer of nostalgia to my reading experience. The Sailor was everything I could have wanted: a fast-paced, heartfelt, and unforgettable story.

If you're looking for a captivating, heartfelt read with characters you'll be rooting for, look no further. This book was everything I wanted and more. I can't recommend it enough!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Sailor (Alpha Cove #2) by Susan Stoker
Publisher: Montlake
Genre: General Fiction (Adult) | Romance
Expected Publication Date: March 3, 2026

3,137 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 13, 2026
Marit Phillips moved to Rockville, Maine after being forced to leave Portland. She works on a lobster boat as a lobsterwoman. She may be small but she’s tough and can hold her own. Zach Young was in the Navy but returned home after his father passed away. Zach’s brothers came home too to help their mother. He opened a little lobster shack with hopes of having his own restaurant someday. Zach meets Marit when he goes buy lobster on the docks and asks her out. They start seeing each other and fall fast. Marit is having problems with another lobsterman who thinks women shouldn’t work on the boats. The brothers go talk to him and he seems to have stopped. But one morning when Marit goes to work, Zach gets a call wondering if she’s coming to work. Zach knows something has happened and starts searching along with everyone else. Can they find Marit before something bad happens?

Great story. A woman who doesn’t know what family really is and works in a male dominated field. A guy who wasn’t ready to settle down until he meets the right girl. Steamy. Kidnapping.

* VOLUNTARILY READ AND REVIEWED FOR NETGALLEY *
Profile Image for RateTheRomance.
1,035 reviews118 followers
January 13, 2026
Normally, I would like to rate this book 4-STARS. However, there is a portion of the book which is grossly harmful. I reached out to the author with my concerns, which I will also share here. If this portion of the book is amended prior to publication I will happily give it a 4-STARS.

WARNING: my issue relates to sexual assault

When she's kidnapped, the hero worries that the heroine could be sexually assaulted by her kidnapper. The hero's brother says "You think [heroine] would let that happen?" As a sexual assault survivor, I found this sentence incredibly harmful. No woman has any choice when she is assaulted. None of us "let that happen", nor can any amount of moxie make a difference in wether a woman can prevent such an assault. To suggest that this character can not "let that happen" by some sort of sheer will or determination is really an awful suggestion. More than 1 in 5 will be sexually assaulted and therefore it is a certainty that other women reading this book will have been victims of SA (like me). This sentence, and the idea that a woman can decide to not "let that happen", is sure to trigger readers as much as it triggered me.
Profile Image for Yureli ✨.
103 reviews12 followers
January 30, 2026
The Sailor by Susan Stoker
3.25/5 ☆
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for review.
This was a very fast paced, ista-love romance between Zach (former Marine) and Marit (lobsterwoman).
As the second book in the Alpha Cove series, I was very excited to be able to receive this ARC because I enjoyed the first book so much. However, I didn’t enjoy this one as much… only because it was insta-love. I think if their relationship had more lead up, showing the characters getting to know each other for even a little bit before they both had feelings for the other, I could have liked this more. Especially since the literally met and had their first date where she meets his whole family all in the same day.
On the other hand, I did like both of the main characters, each felt real and sufficiently developed for this kind of romance book. No miscommunication, no third act breakup, fun side characters were all a plus for me.
I am looking forward to book three in this series (hello, Linc) because I am a fan of the town and the Young brothers.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book .
297 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 17, 2026
I enjoyed this story and especially appreciated the way the author writes Marit and Zach as fully grounded, believable characters. Marit’s strength comes through in quiet, consistent ways, and the writing allows her independence and resolve to develop naturally through her actions rather than overt explanation. Zach is written with equal care—steady, thoughtful, and observant—making him a strong counterpart without overshadowing Marit’s agency. The prose is smooth and approachable, with well-paced scenes that let the relationship unfold organically. The coastal Maine setting is woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding atmosphere without distracting from the character work. When the story shifts into moments of tension, the pacing tightens effectively while keeping the emotional focus intact. Overall, this is a well-constructed romance that balances character development, setting, and suspense with clarity and confidence. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thank you to Montlake, NetGalley, and Susan Stoker for the ARC; all opinions are my own
Profile Image for MaguiWorld.
1,153 reviews69 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 26, 2026
Habíendo leido el primero de Alpha Cove, venía con muchisimas ganas de leer este libro y me encontré con algo que no suelo disfrutar mucho. Insta-love y más alla de el insta-love es el insta-relación y es algo que no suelo disfrutar mucho. Pero claramente esto es algo totalmente personal.

Por fuera de esto, la lectura me encantó. Me gusta como la autora nos presenta a los personajes, como los desarrolla, como no todo es spicy y cómo también hay una historia que contar. Es lo segundo que leo de Susan y me alegré mucho de saber que podía leer el segundo libro de la serie. ¿Estoy esperando el tercer? Claro. Me gusta mucho la autora y como crea sus historia, como quiero contar algo. Y eso es algo que valoro mucho.

El found family que encontramos en esta serie es todo lo que esta bien y claramente hay mucho más para contar y acá voy a estar para leerlo.

Muchas gracias Montlake por el ARC que leí en Netgalley a cambio de una reseña honesta. El libro se publica en marzo.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,435 reviews26 followers
February 7, 2026
I must admit that Susan Stoker is an automatic buy for me anytime she releases a book. And while this one was good, the insta-love trope is not one of my favorites. Even so, this was still a pretty good book. This is the second book in the series and if you haven't read the first book you will still easily be able to follow along with this one.
Marit is a lobsterwoman that has recently moved to town. As one of the few women in the profession, Marit is often subject to harassment and ridicule. In fact that is why she moved to this new town, hoping for a fresh start. So, when Zach Young starts showing interest in her, she is skeptical. But despite that skepticism, there is no denying the attraction.
This book was lighter on the suspense element than most of Stoker's other works but it was still there. Plenty of romance, and a touch of suspense make this book the perfect escape on a cold winter afternoon.
Profile Image for Candace P..
1,152 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 11, 2026
Overall, I enjoyed Zach and Marit's story. The pacing was good and I liked seeing the characters from book 1 of the series. The author did a great job keeping this a standalone while still giving some information on the events from book 1.

Another thing I enjoyed in the story was how down to earth the characters were. Zach was determine to make his Lobster Shack work and Marit was set on being a lobsterwoman in male dominated field. Little things throughout the story made the characters easy to connect to, like Zach wanting to try recipes out on Marit, and Marit loving to unwind at the end of the day streaming TV shows.

There were a couple times in the book where the reactions of the characters felt a little over the top and it took me out of the story a bit. Marit being overwhelmed by the idea of family but not speaking up more when Zach took her over to his family's place with all his brothers and mom was one example I could think of.
Profile Image for Paula.
1,981 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 13, 2026
I volunteer to read and review The Sailor through Net Galley . This is the second story in this series . I really enjoyed reading The Sailor . I found this story so interesting and full of romance and suspense . Former Navy Cook Zach Young moved back home to Maine to help out his mother and brothers after their beloved father passed . Zach purchased a lobster shack and plans to serve upscale food . While purchasing lobster from a local lobster boat he meets the new lobsterwoman
Marit Phillips . Marit has been bullied because most men don't think a woman can do the job . Thankfully her new boss appreciates her and her hard work . Zach finds her interesting and beautiful . As they spend time together their feelings intensify but so does danger from another bully . Marit finds herself fighting for her life while the young family and the citizens of the town pull together to save her . This story is amazing . I highly recommend taking the time to read.
Profile Image for Linda Quick.
1,331 reviews30 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 7, 2026
Loved this book! I couldn't put it down and read it in one day. Alpha Cove is a great series and this novel is Zach's story. I loved his relationship with Marit. She's a strong woman working in a man's field, and has the emotional scars to prove it. When another lobsterman begins harassing her, she doesn't like it, but takes in stride. When it escalates, she's knows she can take care of herself, but would like to know her personal alpha sailor can race to the rescue if needed.
If you like strong women in tough situations, you will love this book. The characters are filled with depth that made them come alive on the page. I felt invested in their story and wanted them to get a HEA ending.
Fans of the genre will love this book. While part of a series, this is a stand alone novel. The author is on my must read authors' list.
67 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 21, 2026
Zach has returned home to Maine to be near his family after his father's death and has opened up a lobster shack in town. Merit has moved to Rockville to work on a lobster boat after facing some issues in Portland. They meet and the love/lust was immediate.
Full disclaimer, I'm not a regular reader of the romance genre so I know that has played into how I felt about the book. I've no doubt that regular romance readers will enjoy this more than I did.
The story wasn't bad but to me the relationship between Zach and Merit was too perfect. She has some past trauma that's brought up a lot but doesn't really effect how she feels about Zach or his family which made me wonder why she was written to have this trauma to begin with.
The fellow lobsterman harassing her and the last few chapters were the most interesting part to me.
Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC.
1,653 reviews16 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 24, 2026
I loved the next story of the Young family. This one was about Zachary who owns The Lobster Buoy. He had been a cook in the Navy and wanted to own his own restaurant, but started out small. His town was small but very friendly. Everyone knew their family and his Lobster Buoy was very popular. Merit was a young woman who worked on a lobster boat. She was small, but very muscular and good at her job. She and Zachary got to know each other and he introduced her to his large family which intimidated her as she was raised by two brothers who abused her quite a bit and told her how worthless she was. There was another owner of a lobster boat who gave her a very hard time and would cause a huge problem later in the story. I loved how Zachary's mother just adopts all these young women. She is so sweet

I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review
Profile Image for Lindsay Watson.
4 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 25, 2026
If you want a romance about what love and support should look like, this is the book for you.

The Sailor is about overcoming trauma, found family, and survival. Marit is a lobsterwoman who faces discrimination due to her male-dominated career. After moving to a new town to escape a toxic work environment, she meets Zach, a former Navy cook turned small business owner. Although Zach seems perfect for her, Marin has a hard time accepting his love because of her general experiences with men.

Overall, the story is engaging and highlights the impact family and upbringing can have on people. The romance between Zach and Marit is sweet and includes a couple of very spicy scenes.

My only issue with the novel is that it, at times, feels repetitive and somewhat predictable. Regardless, it’s worth reading if you love romance.
78 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy
January 29, 2026
I really loved this book. NetGalley is the absolute best. Susan Stoker is one of my favorite suspense/protector authors, and this one didn't disappoint. I also read the prequel to this book, The Soldier over the summer( I also got it on NetGalley). This is a group of brothers who returned to Maine after their dad died. All of them are military. Zach is the youngest, and he was a cook in the Navy, and now is running a Lobster Shack, his love interest is a rare commodity. She is a women lobster fisher. They have an explosive relationship, but Marit is having issues with another fisherman because they don't believe she should be working in this industry. How do you think Zack will handle it? Will they be able to survive all of the craziness? How's everyone at lobster cove, are the holding down the fort?
Profile Image for Emma.
364 reviews49 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 14, 2026
This is the second book in the Alpha Cove series and having read all of Susan Stoker‘s previous works. I was excited to dive into this story. This book focuses on Zack who has returned home to Rockville, Maine following his father’s death. Zach is excited to open his own restaurant in lobster Cove. Of course running a restaurant means he needs to go down to the docs every day to get fresh lobster and this is where he meets Marit. Marit he’s trying to make it on her own in a world where she isn’t always welcomed. He asked her out and she tentatively accepts and from there they start to explore the sparks that ignited when he shook her hand. Being a Susan Stoker book the story also has some suspense and danger to overcome. I enjoyed reading this and would recommend this book.
Profile Image for Sarah.
176 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2026
3 ⭐️

I will read and enjoy just about anything Susan puts out.

Marit is a lobster fisher with a rough past. After being pushed out of the fishing scene in Portland, she moves up to Rockville where she hopes to find better luck. What she’s not expecting to find is

Zach has recently moved back to his home town in Maine to help his family and start up his own restaurant. For now, he’s operating a lobster shack and getting his supply from the woman who’s caught his eye.

When another lobster fisherman decides to make Marits life incredibly difficult, she finds herself in a dangerous situation

This book has similar vibes to the first book in the series and I enjoyed up until the last chapter (I need a TW for pregnancies)



***ARC review
Profile Image for Amanda Blanche.
378 reviews43 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 3, 2026
3.5/5

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC review - out March 2026

Book 2 in the Alpha Cove series - this time it is focused on a different brother - Zach. Zach is back home from the navy, opening up his own restaurant/ lobster shack and trying to make his own way. One day on the dock, he meets the new lobsterwoman Marit. They immediately have chemistry, full on insta love. But Marit comes with a lot of baggage, and is weary of commitment and family (both of which are huge to Zach). As they start to explore their connection, Marit just starts to feel settled - when someone starts trying to push her out of town - the same thing that happened in her last town - men believing she has no place on a lobster boat. But now with Zach by her side, she must decide to stay and fight, or run.
Profile Image for Anna.
43 reviews8 followers
February 13, 2026
Gotta say, I am not loving the Alpha Cove series. A lot of Ms. Stoker's new stuff is just falling flat for me, but particularly this series. The military backgrounds of the brothers aren't really relevant in any real way to the story, so I'm not even sure why it's included, to be honest.
I am generally not a huge fan of insta-love, but sometimes it can be done well - unfortunately, this wasn't one of those times. The characters and their relationship were boring; you can see the villain coming from a mile away, and I felt like the villain's motivation was pretty lame.
I do want to read Linc's story, because I like the backstory with Harper, but I think this series may be a dud for me.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC - all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Amy -coldbrew.fiction.
68 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 14, 2026
Susan Stoker, as always, has delivered another perfect real life feeling story with The Sailor. I was deeply moved by the attention to the real life issues Marit faces. Her journey feels incredibly authentic. I truly loved the relationship between Marit and Zach. Seeing a partner provide support with no reservations is so powerful and healing. It’s a beautiful reminder of the difference it makes to have someone truly in your corner. Stoker adds just the perfect amount of heat so that doesn’t overshadow the heart of the story. I didn't realize until I was part way through that this is Book 2 in the Alpha Cove Series. I will be going back for book 1!

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jennie Stiehl.
129 reviews2 followers
February 15, 2026
I had not read the first book in this series, and was my first time reading anything by this author. I really enjoyed this book a lot.
The instalove between Marit and Zach was not cringy at all, and actually really super sweet. I loved that Marit was this tiny girl with this super dangerous job.
The book was well balanced, and the only reason I didn't give it a five star was because the end thriller portion of the book was just a little underwhelming but also felt really drawn out a bit. That being said the rest of the book was awesome, and will definitely go back and read the first book and all the other books in this series as they release.

Thank you NetGalley, Montlake, and Susan Stoker for letting me read this book in advance in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for Jess.
3,192 reviews27 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 10, 2026
Zach has recently moved back to Maine after his father passed away to help his mother along with his three brothers. He’s now the proud owner of a lobster shack so of course he needs fresh lobster. Sparks fly when he shakes lobster woman Marit’s hand.
He decides to ask her on a date and she hesitantly accepts since she too felt the sparks when their hands touched.
I enjoyed the story about these two characters and actually enjoyed how it was a little less suspenseful than the other stories by this author. (Even though I absolutely love when the woman is rescued by the alpha male!) I greatly enjoyed getting to know his brothers more and I can hardly wait for Linc’s story now!
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