Inevitable

by J.S. Scott

A brand new series from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author J.S. Scott. Meet the small town Michigan team of Last Hope. This is a stand alone series inspired by the Last Hope men of The Billionaire's Obsession Series California.

Marshall

As the leader and founder of Last Hope, I had no room for anything but my volunteer rescue operation in my life.

I lived and breathed Last Hope nearly every minute of the day, and I liked it that way.

I might be an older guy with a messed-up leg from my days as a SEAL commander, but at least I still had an important purpose in my life.

Really, what else did I need?

I wasn't the kind of guy who did relationships or any kind of emotional entanglements. I was too old and set in my ways to deal with that kind of drama.

I was perfectly content with staying solo for the rest of my life.

Or so I thought....

Until the only woman on the planet who had always made me wish I could be a different kind of guy became a hostage in need of rescue.

I hadn't seen Emma in fourteen years.

It shouldn't matter that we'd known each other briefly a long time ago.

Unfortunately, I sucked at lying to myself.

For once in my life, an operation was going to get personal for me, whether I liked it...or not.

267 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 24, 2025

About the author

J.S. Scott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance. She's an avid reader of all types of books and literature. Writing what she loves to read, J.S. Scott writes both contemporary erotic romance stories and paranormal romance erotics. They almost always feature an Alpha Male and have a happily ever after because she just can't seem to write them any other way! She lives in the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her husband and two very spoiled German Shepherds.

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Reviews

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inevitable❤️‍🩹

Inevitable is a book I didn’t even know I needed, but absolutely loved🙌

Marshall is the brains behind the Last Hope group that helps to rescue hostages and help them acclimate when they get back home. When his team in Michigan asks for help to rescue one of the friends who has visited Lania recently, to work with Prince Nick, Marshall is surprised that the person in need of rescuing is the one woman he never forgot, Emma🤔

A fantastic story with mature aged characters who get their second chance at romance, which is heartfelt. I had some tears at one point in the story…hoping we get more stories for the Michigan Team that work for Last Hope, Seth, Brock, Gage and Nate🤞

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review🥰

[Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The moment I started this story and couldn’t put it down. “Inevitable” is a heartfelt, swoony and sweet second chance at love later in life story that was a great start to this new series.

Colin Marshall is a former Navy SEAL and works with Last Hope, a company that goes in and rescues hostages from extreme situations. In his latest mission, he wasn’t expecting to rescue the woman he has thought about for the last fourteen years, Emma. Emma Lockwood was kidnapped in Lania when she was there working on the marketing of the island. Emma is just as surprised to see him but knows she’s safe from the moment she lays eyes on him. The connection they had all those years ago is there and this could be their chance at a second shot at forever.

I loved Marshall and Emma from the beginning and they deserved their second chance at finding each other again. Marshall had devoted the second part of his life to Last Hope and was content. He had a missing piece in his life that he didn’t know about until he saw Emma again. Emma is a brave, smart and truly genuine person. She had never forgotten about Marshall either. The days they spent together after her rescue were so important and solidified how much meant they were to be. I loved how they really got to know each other and were able to open up about what they had been doing the last fourteen years. There’s a plot twist that I loved and just made the story even more memorable. The ending was so sweet and I enjoyed this story so much.

[Mrs Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so happy Marshall finally got his story 😍

Marshall is an intelligent ex seal commander, and after his military career ended because of a leg injury, he used his time in creating and becoming the founder of last hope, a secret rescue organisation.
Last hope gets a mission to help a woman called Emma who is captive in Lania, when Marshall see's the photograph of the woman in question he is determined be more involved as usually he runs missions from Last Hopes headquarters. This is a woman that he has thought about for the last 14 years after a brief fling.  When they both reunite, Marshall realise's that Emma has never forgotten about him.  This book did not disappoint and is full of surprises.
Brilliant once again from J S Scott, so ready for what story comes next ☺️

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful drama based love story about soul mates getting a second chance at love!! No where near ready for love this couple walk away from each other 14 years ago after a chance meeting!! Neither forgot the other and continued on with life but cursed their regrets!! Life throws them together again but Emma is in danger!! A must read story about Marshall who risks everything to rescue the love of his life!! This book has many twists and turns as Marshall risks it all to find Emma and bring her home!! A must read book that will keep you at the end of your seat!! Soul mates that once together finally have to admit that their love is Inevitable!!!

[Suzanne Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant release in the Last Hope series.

Second chance romance for Marshall and Emma.. When the creator of last hope gets a call from his team as they are worried about their missing friend Marshall gets more than a surprise when he see a picture of their friend.

14 years previous he walked away from the only person to smash the grumpy mans walls down. Not letting anyone else volunteer to resuce her Marshall chooses to get involved in her rescue, but he cant walk aqay this time frm the only person he ever cared about more than Last Hope.

[Jackie Human · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating, beautiful story

I absolutely loved this story, book 1 in the what I hope will be a Last Hope book series? There are a lot of characters needing their story and I can’t wait!
This book also brought in characters from previous stories and it was lovely to catch up with them. Having said that you can easily read this as a standalone without knowing the other characters.
Marshall was an older guy, totally focused on his job with no time in his life for romance. He was surly, highly intelligent but caring and supportive to those he worked with.
Emma had divorced several years ago from a less than perfect relationship.
Marshall and Emma had met and had a very brief fling 14 years earlier while on vacation and this story charts there reconnection and eventual HEA.
I am not going to spoil the storyline, you really need to read it and you won’t be disappointed. There are lots of twists and turns, emotional at times, sad times but J S Scott has a unique way of writing, she doesn’t use unnecessary angst in her stories but you still get all the feelings. I couldn’t put this book down, I was so keen to get to the HEA I was so NOT disappointed!
I felt the length of the book was just write, the characters interesting and engaging, the storyline had you worried for the main characters and relieved when it eventually worked out.
I so hope there is going to be more stories about the characters that shared this story, and I literally can’t wait!
Thank you J S Scott, another triumph ❤️

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved Marshall. He is Last Hope. The reason for its existence. The steady presence. Last Hope has another job. This one is closer than most. Emma Lockwood lived in Cherry Cove, Michigan and was very close to four guys who also worked for Last Hope. Brock, Nate, Gage and Seth were determined to keep a close eye on Emma while she was visiting Prince Niklaus in Lania. Lania was supposed to be better, but there were a lot of people who did not like Prince Niklaus politics. Emma missed a daily check in and the guys were frantic to get to Lania to see what was going on. Marshall, as always, was in the background setting things up until he saw a picture of Emma. Marshall knew Emma. They had spent time together 14 years ago and he had never forgot her. Marshall knew he could not sit on the sidelines for this mission. He had to save the woman he never forgot.

Stoic Marshall became attentive Collin when he finally got to Emma. He refused to leave. There was something about Emma that drew him to her. He did not know the half of it. Will our stoic Marshall finally find something more important than Last Hope? Emma is of the mind that that's what all her guys need. A woman that will make them think of them before Last Hope. Brock, Gage and Nate a contented living their lives. Are they ready to accept this new Marshall? They have known him this whole time and he is different with Emma. Will Marshall and Emma get over their hurts in the past to see what could be? Y'all know I love this series. I have read every book and I am so excited for these new guys. I can't wait to see what they get in to.

[Marian Chawner · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic start to what looks like another great series. Old characters are smattered through out and new ones begging to be developed. Marshall is an alpha dominant male in this book. A loner, former seal, with many a chip on his shoulder. Uber intelligent, and ex seal, injured during service and unable to maintain his Commander status, he now works and directs Last Hope. A rescue team that we’ve encountered before. Emma our lead female is kidnapped whilst on Lanai, looking at the prospects of developing a site that the Prince, Nick, has in mind. An encounter 14 years earlier, make Marshall want a more active roll in rescuing Emma. Who knows him as Colin. A wonderful story unfolds, with drama, twists, turns, intrepid adventures and a sizzling romance. Once reality kicks in. There were times that I felt I’d like to knock their too heads together, but that was all part of their personal insecurity and terror to commit. Hidden secrets are shared , and trust by all is grown. A fabulous HEA, and a great experience.

[Heather Mcsweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inevitable, book 1 in a new, spin-off series, Last Hope, finally brings use the story of Marshall, the quiet, reclusive man that we have met many times in prior books, but has always been a man of mystery. As part of running Last Hope, he is generally the one issuing the orders, but on the current mission, he needs to be there. Could it be the woman he spent a few glorious days with 14 years ago? Emma? It couldn't be. But it is. Marshall, who is known as Colin by Emma (he goes by his last name with everyone else) swoops in and rescues Emma, alongside a few other members of the team who happen to know Emma quite well. They never exchanged numbers or even last names, so Emma and Colin had no way of contacting each other since their chance meeting. And do they ever have a lot to talk about. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am always a sucker for a HEA.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5 stars*

Great start to a new series…

Last Hope is just that – where someone goes to get the help no one else can offer. Luckily for Emma, unknown to her she had friends that would move heaven and earth to see her safe – and they did just that…

Emma was strong and capable but kidnapping was not on her bingo card. Her friends knew what to do though and a blast from her past meant that not only was she being rescued, there was even more to live for. I know, that sounded corny even as I typed it, but that’s what happens when you go from the depth of despair to realizing that a long-held dream might come true.

There was danger, action as well as love and friendship, making this series starter a fast-paced, emotional-fueled read…

*I happily reviewed this story

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colin Marshall, the stoic, pragmatic, extremely capable leader and founder of Last Hope while falling in love with the J.S. Scott’s California Billionaires. All the while, I was hoping that she would give this mature, handsome and somewhat reclusive man his chance at a happily ever after. Emma, the strong and capable woman and mother of a beautiful daughter, who was a brief part of his past and brought into his future because of her capture in Lania is the perfect match. Grab your readers and enjoy this wonderful and heartfelt story as we begin to enter the world of Last Hope and the men who risk everything to save those in need.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inevitable

Your life as you know it Is unchangeable, d/t being in the navy. You are a hero in all sense of the words, a commander on the seal team. One who works tirelessly himself finds himself attracted to someone when on leave for a week, and she after a heartbreaking break up, find themselves drawn to ease other. Years later, another country, another mission, and kidnapping, they meet again, what do you expect? Dealing with lost love, rescuing lives, coming to grips with being a parent and feelings of love and father hood.absolutely beautiful story, one of your best.

[Samantha]

I am SO glad Marshall found love and what a perfect way for it to happen. A lost relationship, a kidnapping, a rescue, and more! As always, J.S. Scott takes you through a soul searching journey as two lives work to find their way to each other. There were moments that were tough to read as they hit my soul and yet they left the soul a little more healed.

[Phyllis Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such An Amazing Book!!

I fell in love with Emma Lockwood and Colin Marshall's story. Fate had plans for these two, but fate drug it out. This book made me smile a lot. A fling that turned into more, but life interrupted it. Than fate jumped to attention and made sure these two found each other through a dangerous situation. Could not put this book down! A must read.

[Sharon A Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Left wanting

This book should have been a novella. I don't think it's one of the better books written by this author. I struggled to complete it. If you forgot that this is about an older couple you were reminded almost on every page. I think this book lacks substance. I'm being generous in giving it 3 stars.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inevitable

I so enjoyed this book. I loved Marshall and felt bad for all he went through with his leg but was so happy that he and Emma found a second chance at happiness. It was refreshing that both were older and mature and knew what they wanted. Also, there was no third act breakup which was a huge plus as well! Would highly recommend!!

[Lisa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last Hope

The story with Marshall and Emma started with a bang. A lot of scary and pleasant surprises. Marshall a seal Team Commander for the Navy and Emma a graphic designer or marketing not sure. But they spent five beautiful days together and then said goodbye without exchanging personal info to contact at a later date. Date will bring them together again.

[Barbara Best · Rating 5 out of 5]

Together at Last

This is an amazing story of finding love at a low point in life and losing it. Emma and Colin denied the love between them for 14 years. But inevitably, they find that true love prevails in the end. Loved their story!!

[Lindsay Thompson-Sublett · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 STARS

A new series has started with JS Scott and I enjoyed this one. I can't wait to read the rest in this series and I love how it's a spin off. I enjoyed their story and how it played out. Another book I recommend.

[Cindy Beasley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Together at last

Colin and Emma had met and spent a week together to be thrown back together 14 years later by her being a hostage and him the rescuer. Fate brought them back together and he learns he has a daughter. I love they found how to make it work and become a family.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book I really enjoyed it

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

second chances

This was an amazing story of love and fate. Emma and Colin should have always been together. They both got their second chance at love and family. True love won!

[Victoria P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it💙

Reading about a strong man and woman that finds each other during difficult time in there life’s shows that it can be done. Am I’m sure that this goes in real life.

[Nicole Dearman · Rating 5 out of 5]

swoon

I love a ‘I can’t forget you love story. Add a secret child and bam…. A great story!. Grab it you won’t regret it.

[Stacie Marquart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

[Crystal Lee Polson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second chances aren’t for everyone—especially when the first one came from a completely impulsive choice. Marshall’s whole world revolves around Last Hope and the missions he runs, but when his Michigan teammates call about a missing friend, he’s suddenly thrown back to the one moment he’s regretted for the past 14 years.

Emma is strong, confident, and successful—a woman who turned a “no strings attached” week into the start of her own incredible journey. She’s built a thriving business from nothing, but being kidnapped definitely wasn’t part of the plan. And seeing Marshall again as her rescuer? That had to be a dream.

Was that week between them really just a fling, or was there always something more? As the truth from the past 14 years unravels, secrets come out and logic flies right out the window, leaving both of them struggling with feelings they never truly let go of.

J.S. Scott does an amazing job pulling you right into the story. Inevitable feels so real and emotional—it’s like you’re living Emma and Marshall’s second chance right alongside them.

[Cilicia White · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new series that is based on Last Hope, a group of former military members who use the skills they learned in the military to rescue those who the government deem to dangerous to try and rescue. Marshall has given his life to help those who need it. He never imagined that Emma a woman from his past would need his services. Even though it was fourteen years since they saw each other the chemistry between the two never changed and soon Marshall will learn about the secret that Emma is hiding? This was a great second chance story and a start to a new series. Can’t wait to see what’s next for the Last Hope team. I was given a copy of this book for a honest review.

[Meghan901 · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

Inevitable: A Last Hope Novel by J.S. Scott completely stole my heart. I went in expecting a typical romance, but this one hit so much deeper. It’s about love, redemption, and learning that sometimes the hardest person to forgive is yourself.

Emma is such a strong yet beautifully vulnerable heroine. She’s been through so much, but she never lets it harden her. Watching her slowly open up and trust again was just… chef’s kiss. I adored her quiet courage.And Marshal- he’s the kind of hero who carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. You can feel his guilt, his need to make things right, and how deeply he loves even when he doesn’t think he deserves it. His character growth from closed-off and broken to emotionally present and brave was literally everything.

The chemistry between Emma and Marshal is intense but tender. It’s not just attraction — it’s connection, healing, and two people finally finding peace in each other.

Overall, Inevitable was a great read! The emotions were genuine, the pacing was perfect for the story, and the ending left me smiling through tears. If you love stories about second chances, emotional healing, and love that feels meant to be, this book is exactly what you need.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

No matter how long it takes.

Marshall has been alone almost all his life. He’s married to the Last Hope Foundation and isn’t relationship material. He had one fling fourteen years ago and hasn’t wanted another woman since. But who would want him? He’s older and has a bum leg from his last mission as a Navy SEAL commander. When he hears Emma, that woman, has been kidnapped, he puts himself on the front line to rescue her. Emma is in a bad situation, and when she’s rescued by none other than the man she hasn’t gotten out of her mind for fourteen years, she can’t believe it’s real. Not only do they still have the same attraction after all this time, but there is more that connects them.

Once again, I fell into a story by J. S. Scott and didn’t find my way out until it was over. I have been hoping for Marshall’s story, as he has been the backbone and the man behind the curtain of Last Hope. I loved this story and the wonderful emotions that Marshall (Colin) was finally able to express and receive from Emma. The two of them made a perfect team, and to realize there is someone else who needed his guidance and protection filled his heart more than he ever thought possible. I love this new series and I am eager for the rest of the Michigan team to find their soul mates.

[Zoe Jones-Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Emma and Marshall it was supposed to be a fling. They didn’t agree to stay in touch. However their chemistry was so powerful they’ve never forgotten each other. Fast forward 14 years. Marshall and his covert organisation get reports of a kidnapped friend in trouble - it’s Emma. He takes it upon himself personally to help save her. Getting her back is only half the battle, once he’s reconnected with Emma, he’s set to find out their fling had consequences. Their chemistry is still as strong as ever and they are both determined not to let each other go again. However it’s been 14 years and their lives have been built in different cities. Marshall has been married to the job and never thought he would see Emma again. She now challenges his well ordered life. He’ll need to rethink his priorities in life, but can he still have his job and Emma. They’ve been granted a second chance at love, will they finally take it? This story has everything, A daring rescue, A caring knight in shining armour, new beginnings, a second chance love and family. It’s also a heart felt, heart warming enjoyable read.