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Act on Instinct : Mission to Serve | Book 1
Nairie
I’m a twenty-three-year-old virgin still living with my parents and working a soul-sucking job. I promise it gets better. The virginity thing and career are a work in progress. I started dating one of the nude models from my art class, so I’m already killing two birds with one stone. Now I can live a little before my parents marry me off to whatever suitor matches their criteria.
Besides, I’m not looking for the perfect guy. He doesn’t even exist. I mean, he does, but he doesn’t know I exist. It’s not like my best friend’s hot, older, Scottish half brother is remotely even an option. The one I’ve been in love with since I was seven. Yeah, not gonna happen. Last time we saw each other, I was sixteen and he was enlisting in the royal service.
I never thought we’d see each other again, but when my best friend’s mom passes away and we need help picking up the pieces, he’s the first person I call.
William
Since getting out of the special forces, I haven’t had a minute to just think. I opened up a bed-and-breakfast in Inverness with my mum, and business has been good, but that’s left little room for anything else.
The last thing I need is to be taken away from work, but when I hear about my American half sister’s mum passing, I drop everything to help her. Getting her business back on track is the least I can do. I know her best friend, Nairie, has been helping her take care of things.
She was always a nice enough lass and a good friend.
But when the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen opens the door, I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to leave. Nairie is all grown up and as sweet as I remembered. Of course, I’ll eventually have to go back to the UK. My life is in Scotland, and there are dangers back home I could never expose her to. But a part of me wishes I was good enough for her, that us being together was worth all the risks.
TropesCurvy FMCScottish MMCShe falls first, he falls harderIt's always been youFriends to loversOpen-door scenesSuspenseForced proximityGrumpy sunshineBest friend’s brotherCozy innHEARecommended for audiences 18+
I’m a twenty-three-year-old virgin still living with my parents and working a soul-sucking job. I promise it gets better. The virginity thing and career are a work in progress. I started dating one of the nude models from my art class, so I’m already killing two birds with one stone. Now I can live a little before my parents marry me off to whatever suitor matches their criteria.
Besides, I’m not looking for the perfect guy. He doesn’t even exist. I mean, he does, but he doesn’t know I exist. It’s not like my best friend’s hot, older, Scottish half brother is remotely even an option. The one I’ve been in love with since I was seven. Yeah, not gonna happen. Last time we saw each other, I was sixteen and he was enlisting in the royal service.
I never thought we’d see each other again, but when my best friend’s mom passes away and we need help picking up the pieces, he’s the first person I call.
William
Since getting out of the special forces, I haven’t had a minute to just think. I opened up a bed-and-breakfast in Inverness with my mum, and business has been good, but that’s left little room for anything else.
The last thing I need is to be taken away from work, but when I hear about my American half sister’s mum passing, I drop everything to help her. Getting her business back on track is the least I can do. I know her best friend, Nairie, has been helping her take care of things.
She was always a nice enough lass and a good friend.
But when the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen opens the door, I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to leave. Nairie is all grown up and as sweet as I remembered. Of course, I’ll eventually have to go back to the UK. My life is in Scotland, and there are dangers back home I could never expose her to. But a part of me wishes I was good enough for her, that us being together was worth all the risks.
TropesCurvy FMCScottish MMCShe falls first, he falls harderIt's always been youFriends to loversOpen-door scenesSuspenseForced proximityGrumpy sunshineBest friend’s brotherCozy innHEARecommended for audiences 18+
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2025
About the author
Brigitte Lucine
1 book20 followersFor several years, I worked on a romance book inspired by men in the British special forces and the women who bring them to their knees.
But it took three consecutive layoffs and two miscarriages to give me the courage to actually self-publish.
In a little over a year, I reached 1,000,000 page reads on Kindle Unlimited and ranked in the top 50 for both military and friends-to-lovers categories. For an indie debut, I knew I had something special.
I’m inspired by curvy women with depth, men with integrity, and journeys to self-discovery.
My motto? Write romance with plot AND spice.
Currently, I’m completing my 5-part contemporary military romance series, Mission to Serve, and plan on writing more standalone happily ever afters.
Outside of work, you can find me doing yoga in the park, walking my dog, and spending cozy nights in with my husband.
Follow me @brigittelucineromance
But it took three consecutive layoffs and two miscarriages to give me the courage to actually self-publish.
In a little over a year, I reached 1,000,000 page reads on Kindle Unlimited and ranked in the top 50 for both military and friends-to-lovers categories. For an indie debut, I knew I had something special.
I’m inspired by curvy women with depth, men with integrity, and journeys to self-discovery.
My motto? Write romance with plot AND spice.
Currently, I’m completing my 5-part contemporary military romance series, Mission to Serve, and plan on writing more standalone happily ever afters.
Outside of work, you can find me doing yoga in the park, walking my dog, and spending cozy nights in with my husband.
Follow me @brigittelucineromance
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
September 23, 2025
This was such a fun, quick read—I flew through it! Nairie and William were always meant to be together, and watching them finally get their HEA was so sweet. The journey to get there? Absolutely wild, but in the best way.
I loved seeing Nairie grow and really learn to stand up for herself, and William confronting his past gave so much depth to his character. The way they fought for each other just melted me.
And okay, the spice?? Off. The. Charts. 🔥 William’s filthy mouth 😏 had me grinning the whole time—it added so much to their chemistry.
Overall, such a satisfying romance. Solid 4 stars from me!
Thank you for sending me a copy of this book Brigitte!
I loved seeing Nairie grow and really learn to stand up for herself, and William confronting his past gave so much depth to his character. The way they fought for each other just melted me.
And okay, the spice?? Off. The. Charts. 🔥 William’s filthy mouth 😏 had me grinning the whole time—it added so much to their chemistry.
Overall, such a satisfying romance. Solid 4 stars from me!
Thank you for sending me a copy of this book Brigitte!
November 6, 2025
It’s cute and it’s not bad - it’s just not great. I think the author will continue to improve. The plot involving the brother wasn’t developed enough to really have the punch or intrigue it needed to be credible. She tried to do too many things in one book and doesn’t do any of them really well.
July 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Where do I begin? This is a debut novel for Brigitte Lucine, and I loved watching her Scotland vlogs promoting this book.
Act on Instinct hit me in so many ways. I related to Nairie’s relationship with her family and putting family traditions and culture first over herself. She wants more in life than just to please her parents, and I cried when she confronted her parents. It was a big moment for her.
I’m getting ahead of myself, so the FMC Nairie is used to doing everything for her family and taking care of others instead of herself. Putting her dreams on hold and hiding from her family about what she truly loves, which is art.
William Alder, the MMC, who is Scottish (I struggled to imitate his accent in my head when reading his pov 😅😂), owns an Inn in Inverness (a beautiful place, I recommend you all visit). He is also part of the SAS. They have known each other since childhood, and Nairie has been in love with him since she was seven. They both have their family struggles, and she feels happy whenever he visits, but then those summer visits stop, and she hasn't seen him in years until he comes back to help his half sister, Elspeth, recover from her mother’s death. Nairie’s feelings come back, and there’s tension, jealousy, heartbreak, courage, and some action and a foul-mouthed MMC in the bedroom. The spice was HOT! 🥵
I loved this book and could not put it down, from Nairie standing up to her family and facing them to William confronting his past, they are perfect together and fight for each other. And shoutout to Aunt Lilit, who encouraged her to never give up on her dreams and to live her life for herself.
I can’t wait to read William’s friends' books.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Where do I begin? This is a debut novel for Brigitte Lucine, and I loved watching her Scotland vlogs promoting this book.
Act on Instinct hit me in so many ways. I related to Nairie’s relationship with her family and putting family traditions and culture first over herself. She wants more in life than just to please her parents, and I cried when she confronted her parents. It was a big moment for her.
I’m getting ahead of myself, so the FMC Nairie is used to doing everything for her family and taking care of others instead of herself. Putting her dreams on hold and hiding from her family about what she truly loves, which is art.
William Alder, the MMC, who is Scottish (I struggled to imitate his accent in my head when reading his pov 😅😂), owns an Inn in Inverness (a beautiful place, I recommend you all visit). He is also part of the SAS. They have known each other since childhood, and Nairie has been in love with him since she was seven. They both have their family struggles, and she feels happy whenever he visits, but then those summer visits stop, and she hasn't seen him in years until he comes back to help his half sister, Elspeth, recover from her mother’s death. Nairie’s feelings come back, and there’s tension, jealousy, heartbreak, courage, and some action and a foul-mouthed MMC in the bedroom. The spice was HOT! 🥵
I loved this book and could not put it down, from Nairie standing up to her family and facing them to William confronting his past, they are perfect together and fight for each other. And shoutout to Aunt Lilit, who encouraged her to never give up on her dreams and to live her life for herself.
I can’t wait to read William’s friends' books.
August 29, 2025
✨ Act on Instinct by Brigitte Lucine ✨
⭐️ 4.5/5
🌶 Spice: 4/5
If you love childhood crushes, protective MMCs, and FMCs finding their independence, this one will have you hooked!
Nairie has always had a crush on William, her best friend Elspeth’s half-brother. Summers together left their mark, but William carried heavy shadows from his brother Angus’s dangerous past, and swore off relationships to protect others from his world.
Years later, William returns to the U.S. for Elspeth’s mother’s funeral, only to find Nairie grown into a strong, kind, and stunning woman. As sparks reignite, they’re drawn together in mutual attraction and childhood familiarity while William gets the family pub set to rights.
Nairie’s journey of self discovery and setting boundaries is a journey I adore. She’s an artist under the weight of cultural expectations set by her parents and community. However, she slowly learns to set boundaries, stand tall, and claim the life she wants. With the help of her aunt, and through her art, she steps into her own power.
William was the perfect mix of broody and protective, and Nairie’s growth was fun to follow.
The flirting and steamy tension was there from the start and the spice was spicin’! 🥵
This book had me in a chokehold from start to finish, the characters are lovable, and the banter and dialogue is fun! I had a smile on my face through the majority of the book!
⭐️ 4.5/5
🌶 Spice: 4/5
If you love childhood crushes, protective MMCs, and FMCs finding their independence, this one will have you hooked!
Nairie has always had a crush on William, her best friend Elspeth’s half-brother. Summers together left their mark, but William carried heavy shadows from his brother Angus’s dangerous past, and swore off relationships to protect others from his world.
Years later, William returns to the U.S. for Elspeth’s mother’s funeral, only to find Nairie grown into a strong, kind, and stunning woman. As sparks reignite, they’re drawn together in mutual attraction and childhood familiarity while William gets the family pub set to rights.
Nairie’s journey of self discovery and setting boundaries is a journey I adore. She’s an artist under the weight of cultural expectations set by her parents and community. However, she slowly learns to set boundaries, stand tall, and claim the life she wants. With the help of her aunt, and through her art, she steps into her own power.
William was the perfect mix of broody and protective, and Nairie’s growth was fun to follow.
The flirting and steamy tension was there from the start and the spice was spicin’! 🥵
This book had me in a chokehold from start to finish, the characters are lovable, and the banter and dialogue is fun! I had a smile on my face through the majority of the book!
August 11, 2026
I love when the FMC is a full figure girly because in my opinion, she’s more relatable. And it also shows that anyone, any size can find love too.
I think everyone deserves to have a friendship like Nairie and Elspeth. It’s proof that blood doesn’t make you family, it’s who you choose to spend your time with and who’s willing to stay by your side through the good and the bad.
I really liked the natural progression of Nairie and William’s relationship. Obviously knowing someone since you were a kid, and having a crush on your best friends brother, isn’t always an ideal situation. But the fact that Elspeth pretty much gave her blessing for them to be together definitely made things easier.
It wouldn’t be a love story without a little bit of chaos and I like the way it was written in. It was the perfect amount of drama and didn’t drag throughout the book.
Overall, I loved this book and I’m so glad I stumbled across this author. I can’t wait for book 2!
I think everyone deserves to have a friendship like Nairie and Elspeth. It’s proof that blood doesn’t make you family, it’s who you choose to spend your time with and who’s willing to stay by your side through the good and the bad.
I really liked the natural progression of Nairie and William’s relationship. Obviously knowing someone since you were a kid, and having a crush on your best friends brother, isn’t always an ideal situation. But the fact that Elspeth pretty much gave her blessing for them to be together definitely made things easier.
It wouldn’t be a love story without a little bit of chaos and I like the way it was written in. It was the perfect amount of drama and didn’t drag throughout the book.
Overall, I loved this book and I’m so glad I stumbled across this author. I can’t wait for book 2!
March 23, 2026
Boy can Bridgette Lucine write Spice!! I give act on instinct 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5! I am obsessed with how this woman’s writes! I was hooked from the very beginning.
This was a contemporary romance between are 2 leads Naire and William. Their banter was off the charts, and boy do they know how to flirt!
This was a great friends to lovers! It was written so well and her feelings for William pulled out my heart and had me kicking my feet! This is a BFF’s Brother trope where our FMC has been crushing on him FOREVER!
This was a quick read but it has so much depth to it and the characters were very original which I loved!
For my spice girlies you are going to DEVOUR this because some of the spice has been etched in my brain because it was done so well!!!
Bridgette Lucine is a talented author and I can’t wait to read more from her!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a contemporary romance between are 2 leads Naire and William. Their banter was off the charts, and boy do they know how to flirt!
This was a great friends to lovers! It was written so well and her feelings for William pulled out my heart and had me kicking my feet! This is a BFF’s Brother trope where our FMC has been crushing on him FOREVER!
This was a quick read but it has so much depth to it and the characters were very original which I loved!
For my spice girlies you are going to DEVOUR this because some of the spice has been etched in my brain because it was done so well!!!
Bridgette Lucine is a talented author and I can’t wait to read more from her!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 14, 2026
Oh em goodness. If you like ex SAS Scottish MMCs, plus size POC FMCs, READ THE DAMN BOOK! This cozy friends to loves book is PERF! This is an author to watch, folks!!!
I loved falling in love with Nairie and William. They have such a beautiful chemistry! The struggle Nairie has with being a first generation daughter of immigrants is so well told, for those of us that aren’t we can sympathise with her struggles of being her own person and being who her family wants her to be because of how beautifully her story is told. As well as watching William fight (and win) his own demons that take physical form of his older brother.
Aunt Lilit is a dang HOOT! And I loved her every time she came into scene.
Im so very excited to see Finn and Elspeth’s story! I also can’t wait to see if William’s other brother’s in arms get their own happy ending.
I loved falling in love with Nairie and William. They have such a beautiful chemistry! The struggle Nairie has with being a first generation daughter of immigrants is so well told, for those of us that aren’t we can sympathise with her struggles of being her own person and being who her family wants her to be because of how beautifully her story is told. As well as watching William fight (and win) his own demons that take physical form of his older brother.
Aunt Lilit is a dang HOOT! And I loved her every time she came into scene.
Im so very excited to see Finn and Elspeth’s story! I also can’t wait to see if William’s other brother’s in arms get their own happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2026
DNF 62%. In Chapter 8 I made the note “this book is an interview” and here at the 62% mark, that is still ANNOYINGLY true. There’s nothing to this story, these characters aren’t moving or doing anything. They’re talking about her art or they’re telling us that his big scary Scottish drug kingpin brother (lol) is a danger to them all. This would have worked so much better as a slower burn because I am bored as hell as they rehash the same polite conversations over and over. They just went on a date and the post-date pillow talk starts with “I submitted my art to the art contest.” wtf did you talk about that entire date?! Also this book contains some consent-free kink shit, when he without warning pulls her over his knee and spanks her? No thank you.
February 12, 2026
✨Friends to Lovers
✨Best Friends Older Brother
✨Scottish MMC
✨Special Forces
✨Dual POV
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Book 1 in the Mission To Serve series. Nairie is the most giving person, she helps her parents in their store, she’s helping her best friend take care of her sick mom, she never takes anything for herself. When her best friends older brother shows up it’s time to pick something for herself.
This book really has everything, great banter, humor, a good balance of plot to spice and it made me cry. Chapter 1 is one of my favorite chapters of all time, it had me clapping my feet. See the next page😂 I can’t wait for the rest of the series.
✨Best Friends Older Brother
✨Scottish MMC
✨Special Forces
✨Dual POV
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Book 1 in the Mission To Serve series. Nairie is the most giving person, she helps her parents in their store, she’s helping her best friend take care of her sick mom, she never takes anything for herself. When her best friends older brother shows up it’s time to pick something for herself.
This book really has everything, great banter, humor, a good balance of plot to spice and it made me cry. Chapter 1 is one of my favorite chapters of all time, it had me clapping my feet. See the next page😂 I can’t wait for the rest of the series.
August 17, 2025
Really beautiful
Wow, what a lovely read! I really like the childhood back story & crush.
I’m so looking forward to more books in this series and in general from Brigitte Lucine. I stumbled upon her page on Instagram, and I’m glad I did because she’s so nice and her book was beautiful.
Romantic, funny, seriously the beginning? I couldn’t stop laughing (not going to be specific here because you have to read that, I’ve never seen that in a book.)
I actually laughed out loud a few times whilst reading this.
It’s offical, I’m a fan.
Wow, what a lovely read! I really like the childhood back story & crush.
I’m so looking forward to more books in this series and in general from Brigitte Lucine. I stumbled upon her page on Instagram, and I’m glad I did because she’s so nice and her book was beautiful.
Romantic, funny, seriously the beginning? I couldn’t stop laughing (not going to be specific here because you have to read that, I’ve never seen that in a book.)
I actually laughed out loud a few times whilst reading this.
It’s offical, I’m a fan.
August 6, 2025
I don’t even normally read about humans, but this book really kept me entertained. It was very spicy, but every character had real depth and the author showcased different cultures SO well. Neither the FMC nor the MMC was a shameless copy/paste of something generic. They were real with real backgrounds and hopes and dreams and. I’m gushing because the spice was great, but it was also very sweet (and gave me the warm and fuzzies).
August 25, 2025
This book had me hooked since the beginning and the spice 🥵. Their flirtatious banter. They had known each other since they were kids and they always had a way of seeing each other for who they really were. She loved him since she was 7. He always had something for her too, he just didn’t know it yet. And OMG ch 9!!.. I love aunt Lilit, everyone needs someone like her in their life.
September 23, 2025
Add to your TBR
I loved reading this as I had found out about it on Instagram. I am glad I decided to find this book and give it a read. This couples story was a great one to read as you see both characters overcome their fears and stand up to both of their families to find happiness with each other. I would definitely recommend this one if you have not read it yet.
I loved reading this as I had found out about it on Instagram. I am glad I decided to find this book and give it a read. This couples story was a great one to read as you see both characters overcome their fears and stand up to both of their families to find happiness with each other. I would definitely recommend this one if you have not read it yet.
November 9, 2025
A great contemporary romance! I absolutely loved this book! The way Brigitte Lucine developed Nairie and William, paced their story and weaved in the settings all added to the joy of the read. Act on Instinct was a light read with depth, and each character was distinctly unique. The groundwork's been laid for the rest of the series and I can't wait to see what comes next!
November 21, 2025
Scottish Hunk
I absolutely love a Scottish hunk in my romance novels, and this delivered! Nairie and William have known each other for years and a death in the family brings them back together. This is a sweet love story with some spice and some tense thriller action. Will definitely read more from this author!
I absolutely love a Scottish hunk in my romance novels, and this delivered! Nairie and William have known each other for years and a death in the family brings them back together. This is a sweet love story with some spice and some tense thriller action. Will definitely read more from this author!
March 10, 2026
You should pick up this quick read. I devoured this Curvy fmc crushing on her bffs Scottish brother! These two go through ups and downs but it always seems like they are drawn together ❤️ Once they finally give in! Chefs kiss! There is an element of suspense that added an extra umph to this otherwise sweet read!
Debut for Brigitte and I cannot wait to see her growth from here!
Debut for Brigitte and I cannot wait to see her growth from here!
June 12, 2026
Yessss!
The perfect read! Nairie and William ❤️ There were ups and downs. I loved that there was a supporting sister for William. There was love, adventure, heartfelt moments, heartbreak and so many emotions. And William’s naughty mouth 🤤 I wanted to hurry up and read but didn’t want it to end. I can’t wait for Elspeth and Finn!
The perfect read! Nairie and William ❤️ There were ups and downs. I loved that there was a supporting sister for William. There was love, adventure, heartfelt moments, heartbreak and so many emotions. And William’s naughty mouth 🤤 I wanted to hurry up and read but didn’t want it to end. I can’t wait for Elspeth and Finn!
August 9, 2025
I loved this book. I was engaged the whole way through. such a sweet love story with just enough tension to hold me in it. I read it nearly start to finish in one sitting. Falling in love with William was inevitable!
September 15, 2025
This book was sweet and romantic and SPICY! I was definitely giggling and fanning myself a few times while I was reading this. This is a great start to the series and I can't wait to see what follows next with all the Scottish lads. ;)
November 2, 2025
I saw a tiktok from the author as I was finishing up a book. Honestly, I wouldn’t have found this book otherwise and I’m so happy I did! I love these characters and their stories. Great read and perfect spice. (Page 109 is burned into my memory)
December 26, 2025
Act on Instinct
While this book kept me entertained I did feel like it needed more development is the best way to put it. It’s an easy book to read during a busy holiday weekend during downtime.
Open Door Romance
While this book kept me entertained I did feel like it needed more development is the best way to put it. It’s an easy book to read during a busy holiday weekend during downtime.
Open Door Romance
March 14, 2026
I freaking LOVED William. Nairie was pretty cool, too. He was down bad and so freaking adorable
She did get a little on my nerves with her dad situation and a sort of third act breakup but it was a cute read solely bc of William.
She did get a little on my nerves with her dad situation and a sort of third act breakup but it was a cute read solely bc of William.
July 7, 2026
My only gripe is this book wasn’t long enough. I happened to stumble upon this book on TikTok, downloaded it on my kindle at 5, couldn’t put it down and finished it at 11. Wow wow wow. I’m obsessed with William and Nairie and Scotland! Can’t wait for book two!!
July 21, 2026
Such a sweet story, with some great spice!
Childhood crushes, hot Scottish man, perfect amount angst and drama. Not to mention the spice! All around this was a great read. I can't wait to read more of the Mission to Serve series!
Childhood crushes, hot Scottish man, perfect amount angst and drama. Not to mention the spice! All around this was a great read. I can't wait to read more of the Mission to Serve series!
July 26, 2026
Adorable, sexy, and overall amazing!
This book was a fantastic read and I loved how it gave me a quick glimpse into another culture. One of the best "my best friend's brother" love stories!
This book was a fantastic read and I loved how it gave me a quick glimpse into another culture. One of the best "my best friend's brother" love stories!
September 13, 2026
Pretty good! Quick, easy read. Came across this on TikTok from the author's page. I am looking forward to seeing where the series goes. The characters were fun, side characters were interesting, and the little bit of drama was just enough.
August 7, 2025
Fantastic!
I definitely love this book and I cannot wait for the next one hopefully it being about Finn and Elle!!
I definitely love this book and I cannot wait for the next one hopefully it being about Finn and Elle!!
September 26, 2025
Beautiful story!
This was beautiful story of family, love and coming of age with some good spice😉 Definitely invested in this series and ready for next book!!
This was beautiful story of family, love and coming of age with some good spice😉 Definitely invested in this series and ready for next book!!
October 7, 2025
The beginning was a bit rough, it felt like the story was a tad all over the place. By the middle though it finally came together.
✨HEA ✨No Cheating
✨HEA ✨No Cheating
October 9, 2025
I loved this book. Just knowing he was from Scotland made me hear him with an accent!!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews