The Sailor

Alpha Cove, Book 2

By: Susan Stoker

Narrated by: Stella Bloom, Ryan West

In a sizzling return to New York Times bestselling author Susan Stoker’s Alpha Cove, a former Navy chef meets his match in a woman who holds her own in a man’s world…and he wants her to be a part of his.

Like his brothers, Zach Young has recently moved home to Maine after the untimely death of his father. In addition to helping his mom maintain Lobster Cove, the family’s beloved property, the Navy cook has big dreams of opening his own restaurant…but, for now, has reluctantly settled for a lobster shack. Not exactly what he had in mind, though a new lobsterwoman in town has made his daily trips to the docks worthwhile.

Having been literally bullied out of her last port city a little farther down the coast, Marit Phillips isn’t in Rockville long before the familiar grumblings begin…hardened lobstermen thinking a petite woman can’t possibly do the job, no matter how experienced. Fortunately, her new boss judges her based on work ethic…and the handsome cook who visits their boat every day? He seems to see things in Marit that even she doesn’t.

But as much as Zach builds her up, there’s another man in town, his polar opposite, trying to tear her down. And he proves more determined than the couple thought possible…

©2026 by Susan Stoker. (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Nice story

As usual Susan Stoker creates another series of well done, captivating stories. it is easy to become invested in the family members and to hope each one finds their happily ever after. She delivers the right amount of drama, heat and well written storyline to keep the reader's interest and well scripted. the audio was performed well.

Like Coming Home

Loved the narrators, who have both narrated other Susan Stoker titles, especially Stella Bloom. Good story, great characters. *sigh* Good stuff.

Good addition to the series.

Good story! Second in the series! I loved that she is a lobsterwoman. Plus it shows the trials that she suffers while just trying to do her job.

🦞🦞🦞🦞❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

Zach & Marit: triggers- bullying, stalking, kidnapping, mention of sexual assault (no actual sexual assault), domestic abuse, loss and grief. so far I am enjoying this series. this book follows the second Young brother who was a Navy chef. he now owns a lobster shack which he enjoys. his life changes when he meets a woman, Marit who works as a lobster woman, out in the trenches catching lobster with some of the best. but someone doesn't like that a "woman" is doing work that's meant for a "man" to do and will stop at nothing to make her drop. really good story.

Excellent book and Susan always gives us the BEST narrators!

Ryan West and Stella Bloom are excellent as the narrators. I highly recommend the audiobook to fully enjoy this story.

There’s nothing I love more than a strong, fierce, determined female character with a heart of gold. That describes Marit Phillips perfectly. Susan Stoker never disappoints with her writing of female characters so I’m not surprised how much I enjoyed Marit. A lobster woman? Maintaining her strength and work ethic in a male dominated profession, Marit is a joy to get to know and Zach Young certainly takes notice.

Zach falls hard for Marit but tries to take it slow as she’s new to town and doesn’t trust easily. Marit has a history of being on her own so Zach’s family initially frightens her a bit, but their
warmth, inviting nature soon wins her over. As does Zach. He’s the owner of the Lobster Buoy, a lobster shack where Zach cooks up some gourmet meals. As the relationship between Zach and Marit grows, Susan gives us some steamy scenes of course, but it’s wonderful to also read about their mutual respect and support for each other. Much of this story is like a big hug. Now when danger strikes (cause it is Susan Stoker) Zach is determined to save the woman he’s grown to love. The townspeople stepping up is a bonus - this story is a page turner for sure.

This is book 2 in Susan’s latest romantic suspense series and I guarantee you’ll fall in love with the coastal Maine town of Rockville, its lobster fishing community and especially the Stone family. This book absolutely can be read as a stand alone but once you meet the Stone brothers you’ll want to go back and read book 1, The Soldier, I guarantee.

Susan likes to tease the next book in a series using the epilogue and oh yes, I’m soooooo looking forward to book 3!