Lately, Jessa Myers has been batting a thousand in the dating game. No exaggeration, its brutal out there. But, shes not giving up. Doesnt matter how much she loves Elvis Pawsley and Marilyn Purroe, Jessas determined not to become the spinster town cat lady.

Only one problem: No guy has yet to live up to her childhood crush/teenage infatuation/adult obsession, Ethan Steele. The big, bad, brooding U.S. Marshal is yes, ridiculously hot, but also way too overprotective. Its that way with everyone who knew her before her long-awaited heart transplant. They all get the same hyper-worried look when she so much as sneezes still. Sure, intense hulk-growl concern is swoony and all, but she wants a man to see her as more than that girl she once was.

So, if that means she needs to settle for someone not nearly as knee-wobbling as Ethan, then thats just what she needs to do

Lately, Ethans been at his wits end. No exaggeration, loving Jessa for as long as he can remember hasnt been easy. But, shes worth it. Doesnt matter how much she insists that his mere existence in her past means zero possibility of a future for them, hes not giving up.

Only one problem: Jessas been dating loser after loser to try and find her Mr. Perfect to one day marry, probably have more cats with, and a long happy future. She just refuses to believe Ethan doesnt see her as the girl he once worried over. No, the only thing worrying him now is the stubborn beauty hes crazy in love with continuing to let her head overrule her heart and slipping out of his life for good.

So yes, asking Jessa to be his temporary fake girlfriend to avoid the very real incessant matchmaking they both endure isnt the most brilliant plan ever, but if it means theyll get their chance at forever, then thats just what he needs to do

Stand-alone Whisper Lake romance, complete with HEAand plenty of heat and heart along the way!

Authors Note: Always Been You was previously published as Whisper of Surrender