Claiming Hearts Best Friend

by Annalise Whelan

What happens when history doesn't stay dead? As a specialty cosmetologist, Emma accesses the mansions and gated estates of the wealthiest Olde Towne residents. When she's mugged on the street, the attacker's demands suggest Emma is targeted, but she has no idea why. Thankfully, she doesn't need to confront mysterious villains alone. Jayce is Emma's best friend, but Olde Towne knows him as the wealthy owner of True Security. He's consumed with business meetings and making the next deal while Emma is all about laughs and good times. But when she needs a bodyguard, who better than her old college pal?
The attack ignites Jayce's protective instincts and forces them into close proximity, something they have avoided since a long-ago kiss that fizzled.
When the threat intensifies, they work together to uncover the villain while keeping Emma hidden with a security team. She can't deny her friendly feelings have changed, and Jayce is irresistible. She's determined to spark a romance, but Jayce has secrets of his own. He'll protect Emma, and their friendship, no matter the sacrifice. When history comes for the present will it steal their future?

A clean, romantic mystery with light suspense set in a historic small town. If you enjoy slow-burn kisses with a twist of adventure, you will love Emma's pursuit of truth, justice, and Jayce.

323 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 14, 2020

About the author

Annalise Whelan lives on the Alabama Gulf Coast with her husband, two mixed-breed dogs, and a cat named Gumbo.

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a best friend's romance and it is Jayce and Emma's story. This is the first book that I have read by Annalise Whelan but definitely not the last as it was so well written. I couldn't put this book down as it had twists and turns along the way that you didn't see coming and that is what makes this book a real page turner. The characters and storyline pulled you in right from the first page and kept you turning the pages to see what would happen next. I definitely recommend you read this book and you will not be disappointed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unidentified Threat . . .

This Jayce and Emma's suspenseful story that will pull the read in as the danger escalates. Jayce and Emma have been best friends since college. She is an opposite personality to him, fun-loving where he is serious and always moving his business forward. But when Emma is attacked, Jayce goes into protective mode, which grabs her attention to notice he has matured beyond the college guy friend and is now an irresistible man. They continue to look for whoever is after her while he keeps Emma hidden with his security team.

Emma now wants Jayce to see her as a woman and open to love. But will Jayce’s secrets keep them apart?