Lines in the Sand

by Fran Marcee

Lani
The stranger at the bonfire has trouble written all over him—designer clothes, cocky smile, and hands that have never seen a day of real work. But when he asks about my boat like he actually cares, something flutters in my chest.

One night. A little fun with a guy who'll be gone by morning. Except now he's in my bed, tracing patterns on my skin, and whispering about forever.

He's trouble—I can see it in those blue eyes when he looks at me like I'm the only thing that matters in his world.

Tav
She's standing on her boat deck, all sun-kissed skin and fury, staring at the name painted across my yacht's stern while her father screams about finding "a goddamn Tavares" in her bed.

"Tavares," she whispers like it's poison. "You're one of them."

My father's company has been trying to destroy her family for years, and I’ve been lying to her since the moment we met.

"Lani, please—" Her hand cracks across my face before I can even finish.

For us, it's war on the water and fire below deck. But when pirates hijack my yacht and everything I thought I controlled slips through my hands, only one thing keeps me fighting—her. My anchor in the storm.

The question will I survive long enough to get back to her?
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Set against the turquoise waters of the Bahamas, Lines in the Sand is a high-stakes romance of legacy, betrayal, and love forged in the storm. The Willington Series begins here.

A forbidden love, enemies-to-lovers, billionaire hero, secret marriage romance set on a luxury yacht with steamy nights and high-seas adventure. Interconnected, standalone, and HEA guaranteed!

471 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2025

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 – 4 stars
Lani and Tav are destined to be together, but an insidious shadow looms over their budding romance—Tav harbors a life-altering secret: he is part of the very enemy Lani has been warned about. Although he knows her true identity, his undeniable attraction to her fuels his desire to pursue their connection. However, fate intervenes when Lani uncovers his secret before Tav can gather the courage to reveal it himself, and her discovery is nothing short of a shocking revelation.

Lines in the Sand is the opening to The Willington Series and marks my first journey into this author’s world. The novel deftly weaves together themes of heartache, betrayal, and the potent magic of love entwined with secrets and the promise of second chances. It dives deep into the intricacies of family bonds, the hidden truths lurking beneath the surface, and the immense bravery required to confront the ghosts of the past. With high stakes and an emotionally charged narrative, this story is nothing short of captivating.

[Ember Daley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed more stars truthfully. Enemies to lovers is one of my FAVORITE tropes and I am here for it all. This was my first book written by this author, and the characters were so easy to fall in love with. I will be here waiting for the next book, 100%!

[Courtney Boltz · Rating 5 out of 5]

“ Oh, look—it’s Captain Obvious. Fitting, since you’re always talkin’ about captaining a damn boat.”


Oh Fran , oh Fran what have you done. This book shattered me in all the right ways while putting me back together. It’s definitely a world building book as it’s setting the stage for more to come. If you love , heart break, betrayal, secrets, and enemies to lovers; Fran did not disappoint and served it up piping hot.
This book kept it all coming and never let up. Definitely one of my top ten for 2025. I laughed and cried and kept rooting for Trav and Lani.

[Heidi Sturgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those reads that you start and you think you’re not what you’re letting yourself in for but the more you read the more you’re surprised 😉and it just sucks you in !

Lelani and Mike come from very different backgrounds. Mike comes from wealth whereas Lelani is working class so naturally they’ll be sworn enemies especially if you take into consideration that Mike’s family has had it in for Lelani ‘s family but love doesn’t know boundaries does it …..


Lelani and Mike meet each other at a bonfire 🔥 and what seems like an itch being scratched unfolds into something a lot more intense ! His first mistake was hiding his real identity from her her and while I understand his motives he shouldn’t have done it but again who am I to judge 🤷‍♀️ I don’t think he was ready for his feelings either …

They have shared interests and their chemistry is something anyone with eyes in their head could see but they’ve got that family animosity it felt a little like a Romeo and Juliet war going on but without the tragedy …

I enjoyed watching these 2 fight and find each other , yes there was spice but there were also some seriously tense moments 🙈and the best thing is that this is book one which means there’ll be more to follow 😂😉 I kept saying one more chapter but I couldn’t quit because I was way to invested 😂 so let life and family know you’re going to be unavailable for a little bit 😂

[Amanda Kimble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lines in the Sand (The Willington #1) by Fran Marcee

5 out of 5 stars

This is the first book I've read by the author. Don't think this is just some cute beach read because it will grab you by your heart strings and tug real hard. I really didn't want the book to end and loved every minute of it.

Lani is told to stay away, but something in her doesn't want to. The family business is affected by Tavares family business. Little does she know she's going to be falling and falling hard for him. As she goes to clean up one day she finds herself being subject to staring from them. She tells her friend: “I was just down at the dock, cleaning up Rolle after the excursion, and I got this eerie feeling that someone was watching me. I look up, and the Tavares clan is standing on the bridge deck of that monster yacht, just… staring. I felt violated. Because before I even realized they were there, I pulled off my shirt like it was some kind of damn striptease right in front of them.”

Michael or Tav as he likes to be called is home finally. He has two weeks to party then he needs to get down to business. Taking over his dad's business when he steps down is next on his list. The thing is he's hiding a huge secret, he was in love once, but she passed away their senior year. When he sees his rival's daughter he knows he wants her. So when they get invited to a bonfire he tells his friends: “Hey, guys, listen. At the bonfire tonight, don’t call me Tav, all right? People see me as the spoiled rich kid. So, for tonight, I’m just Mike—flying under the radar.”

[Beverly Finnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leilani and Mike Tavares are from different worlds. He’s from a privileged world, she’s from a hard working middle class family. However when they cross paths in their home of their Bahamas they have undeniable chemistry. But there’s just one problem, they are the competition in the industry of hospitality and making sure tourists enjoy their vacation. Mike’s dad has been trying to crush her family business for years. However, that doesn’t stop Mike from going after her. But what he does do is hide his true identity, with hopes that when she finds out who he is, she’s so far gone they can fix it all.
I don’t think he understands who she truly is. But he’s about to find out Leilani is a force of all essences of life. And she has pulled Mike in. He can’t stay away. She’s gorgeous, independent, loves the water, they share everything in common, but is it enough?
Who is going to end up more hurt by the lies?
Will they survive it?
When the author wrote Lines in the Sand those were the questions they wanted the reader to ask. Question that would keep them invested till the end. It’s a story of curiosity that you know will get explosive in a figurative sense. But being a long for that ride made this book enjoyable. So check it out and see if you feel that same.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable and engaging enemies to lovers, forbidden romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Set against the turquoise waters of the Bahamas, this high-stakes romance is full of steamy nights and high-seas adventures. Lani and Tav our strangers who meet at a bonfire and share a fun night together. However, waking up to find him in her bed instead of leaving Tav is talking about forever. When Lani discovers that he’s a Tavares, the son of the man whose company has been trying to destroy her family, she realises that he’s been lying to her since they met. Tav’s life is in danger when pirates hijack his yacht and all he can think about is Lani. The chemistry between Lani and Tav sizzled off the page and led to some steamy scenes. The descriptive narrative brought the picturesque setting vividly to life making me feel fully immersed in the story. This is the first book in ‘The Willington Series’ of standalone but interconnected story’s. I always love a guaranteed HEA!

[Phylis Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It is hard to put down. Michael Known to his friends as Tav is a playboy. He is 19 years old and his father is a billionaire. When Michael finally graduates high school is Dad bought him a "boat" so that he could work in the family tourism business. The boat is a 110 Foot Super Yacht. It is parked across from the Rolle's daughter's boat. The family has been trying to run each other out of business for a long time.

Unbeknown to Lani, she met Michael and now her family is upset about them being together. Will they be able to pull it off or will they both not have a happy ending to keep their families happy.

Check out the story and see what happens.

[Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba · Rating 5 out of 5]

He comes from a privileged upbringing and she comes from a hard working middle class family. Michael and Lani couldn't be more different. Both families are in the hospitality business and Michael's family has been trying to get Lani's family to go out of business for years. Maybe he didn't intend to lie to her but he hid his identity from her since the moment they met. It seems to me he knew exactly what would happen if Lani found out his family name? While a war is raging on the sea between the families these two are creating a connection that could burn everything down.

[Finn Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lines In The Sand is book 1 of "The Willington Series" by Fran Marcee. This book will hit you right in your heart strings, dont be fooled into thinking this is just a simple beach read! Grab your tissues for this one because youre gonna need them! Im not gonna tell you too much about this one, trust me, just dive in!

[Astrid Tryon · Rating 5 out of 5]

There will be some “light spoilers”!
I have been overweight all my life and as a young woman I always was the girl the “cool guys” didn’t go for. That was the first thing this love story attracted me to. But it’s NOT the focus of the story. It’s just one of the elements. The second thing that attracted me? It takes place by and on the ocean! Everybody that knows me, knows I can’t live without the ocean! I’m a dang Pisces! And thirdly? Who doesn’t love a “forbidden romance”, one that reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet (but without the tragic ending)?

Lines in the Sand is a fast paced romance! No slow burn here! Lani and Michael know what they want and they go after it. It is a 3.5 pepper spicy romance and some of it will leave you breathless! But it doesn’t end there. There is actual piracy! Real life and death situations! Is their love story over before it begins? You’ll have to read it for yourself!

Oh … And the best thing? This is only the first book in the Willington Series! Each book is a standalone, but they are connected by the brotherhood of Michael, Colton, Will and Rashard, who we all meet in this book and will continue to learn more about in the next installments. And I can’t wait to see how their stories play out!

[Cynde Reneau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Lines in the Sand and WOW. My heart is still racing. Michael “Tav” Tavares has officially ruined me for all other book boyfriends. He’s confident, cocky, loyal to a fault!!! And yet underneath all that swagger is a man so full of longing and vulnerability it nearly broke me. Tav is the kind of hero who loves fiercely, protects completely, and isn’t afraid to fall hard… even if it means risking everything.

Leilani Rolle is the heart of this story. Strong, grounded, and definitely not the type to fall for a guy from the billionaire family that tried to take down her family’s business. I adored her resilience, her grit, and the way she held her own!! Even when the odds were terrifying. She didn’t sign up for this storm, but once she was in it, she faced everything with quiet strength and undeniable grace. I LOVE HER!!!

This book has it all:
• Forbidden romance
• A sizzling enemies-to-lovers dynamic
• An epic tropical yacht setting
• Actual pirates (yes, really)
• Emotional depth and real stakes
• A jaw-dropping plot twist I did not see coming

I was hooked from the first page, and by the end, I was clutching the book to my chest like a lifeline. Lines in the Sand is smart, sexy, action-packed, and emotionally rich in all the best ways. You’ll root for Tav and Lani, cry with them, burn with them, and beg for more.
If you love rivals-to-lovers stories with high drama, high seas, and high heat—this one is absolutely for you.

I can’t wait for the next book in the Willington Series.

[Kristi McChurin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so this book? Totally caught me off guard — in the best way. I picked it up thinking it’d be a cute beach read, but it turned out to have more heart (and heat) than I expected.

Lani is the kind of heroine I instantly liked — grounded, stubborn, loyal, and a little rough around the edges in that “don’t mess with me but I’ll still take care of you” way. And then there’s him — the city guy who clearly doesn’t belong but somehow fits perfectly with her chaos. The way they clash and connect? It’s got that delicious enemies-to-lovers tension that makes you grin and roll your eyes at the same time. You know exactly what’s coming, but you want it anyway.

The chemistry between them? Yep, it’s there — slow enough to build, but charged enough to make you kick your feet a little. And the beach setting? Ugh, perfect. You can practically feel the sand between your toes and the bonfire heat when they finally start letting their walls down.

Sure, it hits a few familiar romance beats — you can see some of the twists coming — but honestly, I didn’t care. Sometimes you don’t need surprises; you just need a story that makes you feel something. And this one did. It reminded me that love doesn’t always come from the perfect place — sometimes it shows up messy, inconvenient, and completely right.

My rating: 4 out of 5 — cozy, steamy, and full of that slow-burn tension that makes you fall a little in love right along with them.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Lines in the Sand. It’s one of those books that doesn’t shout for your attention it just quietly draws you in until you realise you’ve been completely pulled into these characters’ lives. Fran Marcee has such a gentle, observant way of writing people. The characters feel so real, flawed, kind, confused, hopeful. No one is all good or all bad, and that’s what makes them stick with you. They each carry a sense of history, like they existed long before the first page and will keep living after you finish. What I loved most is how the relationships unfold. There’s tension, affection, missteps, forgiveness, it all feels incredibly human. You can see yourself or someone you know in almost every moment. Marcee captures those quiet turning points in life, the ones that don’t look big from the outside but mean everything to the person living them.The writing itself is beautiful but never showy. The pace is calm, reflective, it’s more about the emotional journey than action, and I really appreciated that. I found myself slowing down just to savour certain lines.If you enjoy books that focus on character growth, connection, and the small but powerful ways people change each other, this one’s a gem. Thoughtful, heartfelt, and quietly moving.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in The Wellington Series. It is the first book I have read by this author and I have to admit I did enjoy it. This is a story of enemies to lovers, forbidden romance, secrets and betrayal and so much more all wrapped into a story with characters I was completely invested in. Once I started I couldn't put it down.

This is Trav and Lani's story. Trav has it all, he is the son of a billionaire and is about to start his life working in his fathers company. But he's for a bit of freedom before then freedom that leads him to a meeting with Lani.

Lani could sense that Trav was trouble but she doesn't realise just how much trouble until it's too late.
What should have been one night of fun turns into something much more when Lani realises just who Trav is or should I say who is family are and their role in destroying her family.
When Trav's ship is hijacked by pirates he has more than just his and Lani's family to fight against in order to survive.
Will they be able to push their families differences aside to follow the attraction they feel or will their families anger and conflict drag them apart before they even have a chance?

[Rhonda Pulk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lines in the Sand by Fran Marcee
5 Star Review
The ocean and her parent’s business have been Leilani Rolle’s life since she was a small girl. She spends her days working on her boat taking tourists out onto the ocean, and wouldn’t change it for anything. Mike Tavares is the spoiled playboy son of the billionaire business man who has been trying to put the Rolle’s family out of business for years. When he comes back after graduating high school from his fancy boarding school, things get interesting.
How many times in your life does "Mr. Or Miss Right" come into one’s life? Sometimes only once. So no wonder the characters in this book are devastated and conflicted when they fall in love with the only person they cannot have. This is a book about choices of the heart and being torn by expectations.
This book has a modern Romeo and Juliet feel. The heart knows what it wants, even when it is forbidden. Fran Marcee has woven a heart-wrenching tale that grabbed me from page one. The opposite characteristics of Tav and Lani are intriguing. I really like that she is not physically, the typical female main character. This is an entertaining and easy read. I highly recommend it!

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

Lines in the Sand is the first book in The Willington Series by Fran Marcee, and it appears to be the author’s debut novel. This is a contemporary romance with enemies to lovers, a secret marriage, billionaire MMC, drama, adventure, and intrigue set against the gorgeous backdrop of the Bahamas.
The story follows Lani whose life becomes intertwined with a stranger who appears at a bonfire. This man seems like trouble from the outset and their one-night encounter quickly escalates because complications soon arise as secrets and betrayal come to light when Lani discovers that the stranger she is attracted to is one of her family's long-standing enemies. She’s has been deceived… and so the sparks ignite!
I really wanted to love this book much more than I did, but I couldn’t connect with the characters – which then made it impossible to invest in them or the outcome of their story. But perhaps I am just having an ‘off’ reading day, so I might revisit this book again in a few weeks to see if I still feel the same way.
Happy Reading…

[Robin Rankin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lines in the Sand (The Willington Series)

I am always on the lookout for new/new to me authors to expand my library. Saw this book and was instantly intrigued so I gave it a try. It was a good choice.

We meet Michael Tavares "Tav" who is a spoiled rich kid spending time in the US at a boarding school. He deals with a heartbreaking situation but isn't quite the same after. He graduates and heads home to the Bahamas to work in the family business. He sees a beautiful woman and is fascinated with her though he doesn't know who she is.

Lani is an island girl through and through. She helps her family run their business and is overall happy in life. Has no idea what going to a club with her bestie was going to cause.

The beginning was a little slow for me, but it was all details that were pertinent to the story. Once we get to the meat of their love story I could not put it down. We get some love, danger and a happy ending. Book two will hopefully be coming out soon.

[Heather Bass · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read from this author and she now has a new fan. This is the first book in the Willington series. I love good enemies to lovers and this book exceeded all my expectations. You can’t help but fall in love with these characters right from the start. I could not put this book down until the end. It only took me a few hours to devour this amazing love story. I can’t wait to read book number two. I can’t tell this series is going to make me addicted.

Lani is not the popular pretty girl but she was ok in her skin. She goes to a bonfire and meets this very handsome stranger. Lani can tell this stranger is trouble right from the beginning but she loves danger. She has a beautiful night with Tav. Lani is told by her father that Trav is the enemy. She is so upset that Trav was lying to her the whole time. Lani was getting real feelings for him but is he too dangerous even for her?

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lines in the Sand by Fran Marcee. This is a new author and series for me and I really enjoyed it. It's the story of Michael aka Tav who is a 19 year old rich kid who has not been told no very often. His family are millionaires and they run a a hospitality business in the Bahamas on the beautiful waters and before Tav takes over the business he plans on enjoying 2 more weeks to sow some oats. Leilani is Tav's families competition and they have been sworn enemies as long as Leilani has known. Now Leilani is running her families business and she is very aware of her competition. When she goes to a club with her friend and runs into a guy who is very much a playboy she ends up having a one night stand with him. What she doesn't know is it was Tav her sworn enemy. Tav's plan was to make her fall for him but his little plan backfires and he is confused because he can't get Leilani out of his mind. Such a fun romance!

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this romance story from beginning to end. This is my first book by this author in which I enjoyed their writing skills that made the story pop. I also enjoyed their attention to details that made the character’s world realistic. This is a well written story about a secret marriage that has a lot of spice. Tav and Lani are great characters that have a strong chemistry and attraction is like no other. They are strong, connectable and I had no problem picturing myself in their world. I enjoyed watching their growth throughout which made their story hard to put down. I found this story fast paced and easy to read. I enjoyed this book and I look forward to seeing what is next for this author. I highly recommend this book.

[Kerry Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book expecting a nice, easy-to-read, enemies-to-lovers romance story that I would enjoy, but wouldn’t necessarily get overly invested in. What I got, however, was a much deeper story, with complex characters who were emotionally diverse and really interesting about. I was drawn to them from the moment I started reading and I loved the tumultuous journey they went through.
I thought the story was well thought out. It had all the elements you could want from a book like this, combined in a way that made you want to read more. Throw in some piracy to add to the excitement and this is a truly enjoyable book. For me, this is one of my surprise reads of the year and I would highly recommend it.

[Heidi Eich Woodring · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hooked. Completely by Lines in the Sand. When you enter this amazingly written book, you get enemy to lovers, forbidden romances, adventure, and so much more. Lani and Trav’s story truly was a read that I loved. A one-night thing sends leads to finding out the person that Lani feels something for is a long-standing enemy of her family. She feels betrayed but there was a spark between them. Add in some pirates to touch off this book.
You will get so much more then you think with this book. You have a story line and characters with depth that truly bring you into the story, Twists and turns, and an ending you do not see coming. This author has me hooked and can not wait to read more in the Wilmington Series.

[Hallie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. The description sounded interesting but when I started reading, the male main character was exactly what you would expect from the billionaire hero type. Too cocky, not hard working, the jokester, every stereotype and I wasn’t into it. And then I met the female main character, Lani. She is strong, independent, powerful women. Their story is one you do not want to miss. The friendships, the adventure, the romance; what a great story by Fran Marcee.

[Finley K. James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I initially thought “Lines in the Sand” would just be an easy read, but I NEVER expected as much sizzle and drama as it supplied. It has so much going for it: heat, chemistry, intriguing plot line that keeps you glued to the pages, and did I mention heat? It’s an incredible kick-off to a series that, hopefully, brings just as much amazingness to it. The characters are incredibly well-developed, and the spiciness (both physical and verbal sparring) is perfect. I’m already looking forward to reading the next book.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reallllly liked this book! Lani and Tav were stellar characters that really had me hooked!!! What a rollercoaster this book takes you on. The writers style felt familiar and natural and it just made the book so much easier to read! Fran may be a new author to me, still looking in to this, but she spun a tale with details that were just right and made one heck of a lead off for a good series! Can't wait to see what she has next!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book right here grips you from the beginning and takes you on a roller coaster of emotions. Mike seems like a typical playboy on the outside but the people that truly know him know there’s more. All Lani has ever wanted was to be a part of the sea and loved for who she is. When these two get together there is immediate fireworks. Be prepared to laugh, cry, swoon and be on the edge of your seat. Can’t wait to read other books by this author.

[Michelle Troyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book i have read by this author, and it did not disappoint! Rivals to lovers, suspense, romance, pirates. The book hooked me in from the beginning and all throughout. I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend!

[Betsy Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my!! I thought this would be a nice little romance-boy, was I wrong! It was hot, spicy, and kept me on the edge of my chair! Business rivals, lovers, pirates-this books has it all. Definitely recommend. Can't wait for the next one.

[Tenneal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good read!! Nothing like a Romeo and Juliet romance, I loved reading about Lani and Tav. So well written I could not put it down.