I’d wanted her from the first moment I’d seen her.
But Billie Rose hadn’t liked me. Not that I could blame her—I’d just been another of the annoying hockey players seemingly out to ruin her town. Thankfully, I’d finally gotten her to see me. To want me. But Billie was the most together person I’d ever met, and she regularly took on fixer-uppers of both the human and inanimate variety. I didn’t want her to see me as a project. I wanted her to see me as me. As the man she wanted. As the man she loved.
Scarlett Stone hates me. Every time she takes the mic during her popular sports podcast, she rips me a new one.
Some would call us enemies but I make it a rule not to make a rival of a smart, sexy woman like her. If I make one single error on the ice, she calls it out in a way that both frustrates me and turns me on.
When I find out she’s been assigned to cover me on a trip to Minnesota, I ask my agent to pull strings to get someone else.
Anyone else.
Turns out, I’ll have to smile and take it. Oh and try not to make things worse, but it seems even my breathing yanks her chain. I’d give anything to know why.
It almost seems… personal.
During the award ceremony, a huge snowstorm hits the area. One that makes it dangerous to be on the road so everyone has to hole away in a room for a few days. Except there’s only one room left in town.
I’m trying to be the good guy here but she’s not having any of it. She’s hell bent on making me pay. Which sucks because her attitude lights a fire inside of me.
But it’s fine. Because while she’s distracted by despising me, I’ll focus on winning her over.
About the Author: Colleen Charles is the USA Today Bestselling author of Perfectly Imperfect Romance for perfectly imperfect readers.
Take a chance and join her... you won't be sorry you did.
Colleen loves to hear from her readers, and she answers all communications personally. You can find her at:
Scarlett Stone hates me. Every time she takes the mic during her popular sports podcast, she rips me a new one.
Some would call us enemies but I make it a rule not to make a rival of a smart, sexy woman like her. If I make one single error on the ice, she calls it out in a way that both frustrates me and turns me on.
When I find out she’s been assigned to cover me on a trip to Minnesota, I ask my agent to pull strings to get someone else.
Anyone else.
Turns out, I’ll have to smile and take it. Oh and try not to make things worse, but it seems even my breathing yanks her chain. I’d give anything to know why.
It almost seems… personal.
During the award ceremony, a huge snowstorm hits the area. One that makes it dangerous to be on the road so everyone has to hole away in a room for a few days. Except there’s only one room left in town.
I’m trying to be the good guy here but she’s not having any of it. She’s hell bent on making me pay. Which sucks because her attitude lights a fire inside of me.
But it’s fine. Because while she’s distracted by despising me, I’ll focus on winning her over.
Much to my utter dismay, the Portland Icehawks chose me in the expansion draft, and now my estranged father is my hockey coach. No one on the team knows he's my dad. They think he’s a distant relative I don't get along with. They’re right about that last part. We hate each other. He blames me for the death of my sister, and I blame myself, too. He's unfairly targeted me, and his constant criticism is destroying my confidence and my game.
The only thing I look forward to is my time spent working with the homeless, especially one feisty, attractive female, but neither of us do relationships because those require trust and commitment, and we're too scarred to take the risk.
Can we conquer our demons so I can rescue her from the streets, and she can rescue me from my past?
Scarlett Stone hates me. Every time she takes the mic during her popular sports podcast, she rips me a new one.
Some would call us enemies but I make it a rule not to make a rival of a smart, sexy woman like her. If I make one single error on the ice, she calls it out in a way that both frustrates me and turns me on.
When I find out she’s been assigned to cover me on a trip to Minnesota, I ask my agent to pull strings to get someone else.
Anyone else.
Turns out, I’ll have to smile and take it. Oh and try not to make things worse, but it seems even my breathing yanks her chain. I’d give anything to know why.
It almost seems… personal.
During the award ceremony, a huge snowstorm hits the area. One that makes it dangerous to be on the road so everyone has to hole away in a room for a few days. Except there’s only one room left in town.
I’m trying to be the good guy here but she’s not having any of it. She’s hell bent on making me pay. Which sucks because her attitude lights a fire inside of me.
But it’s fine. Because while she’s distracted by despising me, I’ll focus on winning her over.
Scarlett Stone hates me. Every time she takes the mic during her popular sports podcast, she rips me a new one.
Some would call us enemies but I make it a rule not to make a rival of a smart, sexy woman like her. If I make one single error on the ice, she calls it out in a way that both frustrates me and turns me on.
When I find out she’s been assigned to cover me on a trip to Minnesota, I ask my agent to pull strings to get someone else.
Anyone else.
Turns out, I’ll have to smile and take it. Oh and try not to make things worse, but it seems even my breathing yanks her chain. I’d give anything to know why.
It almost seems… personal.
During the award ceremony, a huge snowstorm hits the area. One that makes it dangerous to be on the road so everyone has to hole away in a room for a few days. Except there’s only one room left in town.
I’m trying to be the good guy here but she’s not having any of it. She’s hell bent on making me pay. Which sucks because her attitude lights a fire inside of me.
But it’s fine. Because while she’s distracted by despising me, I’ll focus on winning her over.
Much to my utter dismay, the Portland Icehawks chose me in the expansion draft, and now my estranged father is my hockey coach. No one on the team knows he's my dad. They think he’s a distant relative I don't get along with. They’re right about that last part. We hate each other. He blames me for the death of my sister, and I blame myself, too. He's unfairly targeted me, and his constant criticism is destroying my confidence and my game.
The only thing I look forward to is my time spent working with the homeless, especially one feisty, attractive female, but neither of us do relationships because those require trust and commitment, and we're too scarred to take the risk.
Can we conquer our demons so I can rescue her from the streets, and she can rescue me from my past?
Welcome to Fort Lauderdale—where the days are hot and the Knights are hotter.
Wolf: I’ve been in love with the same girl since we were seventeen. Back before our careers took off and pulled us away from one another. No amount of fame, money, or puck bunnies could ever replace Scarlett. But she has a mind of her own, and dreams that don’t include me. We might not want the same things in life, but we still want each other. No matter how hard she fights it, she can’t deny that truth. I just need to prove to her it’s enough… we’re enough.
Scarlett: I didn’t want to have to choose between Wolf and surfing, but I couldn’t have both. As much as he hates to admit it, neither of us might be where we are now if I hadn’t walked away. His life is about being the best on the ice, and mine is chasing down the next wave. I refuse to give it all up for a guy— even if he is the only guy I’ve ever loved. A single mistake changes everything… turning both our worlds upside down. Now I have to figure out how to regain balance, not just in my life, but with Wolf. This time, there’s no bailing… even if it means a wipeout.
Author's note: There are some difficult themes in this story. For CW information, please check this book's page on my website.
About the Author:
USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author Kat Mizera is a South Florida native. Born in Miami Beach with a healthy dose of wanderlust, she's called Los Angeles, Long Island, upstate New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Atlanta home. She's never been able to pick which locale is her favorite, but if pressed, she'd probably choose the west coast.
A typical PTA mom with a wonderful and supportive husband (Kevin) and two amazing boys (Nick and Max), Kat can usually be found scrapbooking or indulging in her second love (after writing) - traveling. Greece is one of her favorite places in the world. She loves that Athens is a big city with a small-town feel. The food, beaches and culture keep her going back as often as possible.
Kat's been a working freelance writer for nearly 30 years. She sold her first article--a review of a rock concert--for $10 in 1985. Since then she's been an entertainment journalist, waitress, bartender, legal assistant, food critic, magazine editor, substitute teacher, and sports writer. She also spent some time working at A & M Records in Los Angeles.
As you can guess from her Las Vegas Sidewinders series, Kat loves hockey and occasionally writes articles about her favorite team, the Florida Panthers. The rest of the time, she writes novels: sexy, romantic fiction that she hopes makes you as happy as it makes her. There's something enticing about hockey players and romance...
Welcome to Fort Lauderdale—where the days are hot and the Knights are hotter.
Wolf: I’ve been in love with the same girl since we were seventeen. Back before our careers took off and pulled us away from one another. No amount of fame, money, or puck bunnies could ever replace Scarlett. But she has a mind of her own, and dreams that don’t include me. We might not want the same things in life, but we still want each other. No matter how hard she fights it, she can’t deny that truth. I just need to prove to her it’s enough… we’re enough.
Scarlett: I didn’t want to have to choose between Wolf and surfing, but I couldn’t have both. As much as he hates to admit it, neither of us might be where we are now if I hadn’t walked away. His life is about being the best on the ice, and mine is chasing down the next wave. I refuse to give it all up for a guy— even if he is the only guy I’ve ever loved. A single mistake changes everything… turning both our worlds upside down. Now I have to figure out how to regain balance, not just in my life, but with Wolf. This time, there’s no bailing… even if it means a wipeout.
Author's note: There are some difficult themes in this story. For CW information, please check this book's page on my website.
I’ve heard it all before. I need to grow up. Take things more seriously. Stop making headlines for anything other than my game.
Even though it wasn’t my fault that I recently got into a fight at a bar over a woman…yeah yeah, no one wants anymore excuses. My agent just wants me to overhaul my public image before I lose my contract.
How to do that is a mystery until my temporary housecleaner, Gemma, makes me an offer that I know I should refuse.
She asks me to pretend to be her boyfriend to keep her ex away. That’s easy enough. I’m a big guy—intimidating to most (though not to her)—and I have money and power as one of the top defensemen in the NHL.
But what do I get out of it?
The rehabbed image I need to keep playing the game I love.
Being in a relationship with a single mother tells people that I’m mature and serious. Two things they say I’m not. This could work… so okay… I take her up on it.
Even though it’s all pretend, I like that she has something else in her life besides me. Her sassy independence inspires me to be a better man. The kind of man that she could really fall for.
It’ll take a lot to convince her that I’m serious about changing, but I’ll stop at nothing to claim both Gemma and her daughter as mine.
*****
ICED is a full-length steamy sports romance from USA Today Bestselling Author, Colleen Charles. It has a small-town feel, a redemption theme, and a cocky hero (Kane) you'll root for until he gets his much anticipated happily ever after. It's the seventh book in the gripping MINNESOTA CARIBOU hockey series but can be read as a standalone.
About the Author:
Colleen Charles is the USA Today Bestselling author of Perfectly Imperfect Romance for perfectly imperfect readers.
Take a chance and join her... you won't be sorry you did.
Colleen loves to hear from her readers, and she answers all communications personally. You can find her at:
Welcome to Fort Lauderdale—where the days are hot and the Knights are hotter.
Wolf: I’ve been in love with the same girl since we were seventeen. Back before our careers took off and pulled us away from one another. No amount of fame, money, or puck bunnies could ever replace Scarlett. But she has a mind of her own, and dreams that don’t include me. We might not want the same things in life, but we still want each other. No matter how hard she fights it, she can’t deny that truth. I just need to prove to her it’s enough… we’re enough.
Scarlett: I didn’t want to have to choose between Wolf and surfing, but I couldn’t have both. As much as he hates to admit it, neither of us might be where we are now if I hadn’t walked away. His life is about being the best on the ice, and mine is chasing down the next wave. I refuse to give it all up for a guy— even if he is the only guy I’ve ever loved. A single mistake changes everything… turning both our worlds upside down. Now I have to figure out how to regain balance, not just in my life, but with Wolf. This time, there’s no bailing… even if it means a wipeout.
Author's note: There are some difficult themes in this story. For CW information, please check this book's page on my website.
Welcome to Fort Lauderdale—where the days are hot and the Knights are hotter.
Wolf: I’ve been in love with the same girl since we were seventeen. Back before our careers took off and pulled us away from one another. No amount of fame, money, or puck bunnies could ever replace Scarlett. But she has a mind of her own, and dreams that don’t include me. We might not want the same things in life, but we still want each other. No matter how hard she fights it, she can’t deny that truth. I just need to prove to her it’s enough… we’re enough.
Scarlett: I didn’t want to have to choose between Wolf and surfing, but I couldn’t have both. As much as he hates to admit it, neither of us might be where we are now if I hadn’t walked away. His life is about being the best on the ice, and mine is chasing down the next wave. I refuse to give it all up for a guy— even if he is the only guy I’ve ever loved. A single mistake changes everything… turning both our worlds upside down. Now I have to figure out how to regain balance, not just in my life, but with Wolf. This time, there’s no bailing… even if it means a wipeout.
Author's note: There are some difficult themes in this story. For CW information, please check this book's page on my website.
I’ve heard it all before. I need to grow up. Take things more seriously. Stop making headlines for anything other than my game.
Even though it wasn’t my fault that I recently got into a fight at a bar over a woman…yeah yeah, no one wants anymore excuses. My agent just wants me to overhaul my public image before I lose my contract.
How to do that is a mystery until my temporary housecleaner, Gemma, makes me an offer that I know I should refuse.
She asks me to pretend to be her boyfriend to keep her ex away. That’s easy enough. I’m a big guy—intimidating to most (though not to her)—and I have money and power as one of the top defensemen in the NHL.
But what do I get out of it?
The rehabbed image I need to keep playing the game I love.
Being in a relationship with a single mother tells people that I’m mature and serious. Two things they say I’m not. This could work… so okay… I take her up on it.
Even though it’s all pretend, I like that she has something else in her life besides me. Her sassy independence inspires me to be a better man. The kind of man that she could really fall for.
It’ll take a lot to convince her that I’m serious about changing, but I’ll stop at nothing to claim both Gemma and her daughter as mine.
*****
ICED is a full-length steamy sports romance from USA Today Bestselling Author, Colleen Charles. It has a small-town feel, a redemption theme, and a cocky hero (Kane) you'll root for until he gets his much anticipated happily ever after. It's the seventh book in the gripping MINNESOTA CARIBOU hockey series but can be read as a standalone.
I’ve heard it all before. I need to grow up. Take things more seriously. Stop making headlines for anything other than my game.
Even though it wasn’t my fault that I recently got into a fight at a bar over a woman…yeah yeah, no one wants anymore excuses. My agent just wants me to overhaul my public image before I lose my contract.
How to do that is a mystery until my temporary housecleaner, Gemma, makes me an offer that I know I should refuse.
She asks me to pretend to be her boyfriend to keep her ex away. That’s easy enough. I’m a big guy—intimidating to most (though not to her)—and I have money and power as one of the top defensemen in the NHL.
But what do I get out of it?
The rehabbed image I need to keep playing the game I love.
Being in a relationship with a single mother tells people that I’m mature and serious. Two things they say I’m not. This could work… so okay… I take her up on it.
Even though it’s all pretend, I like that she has something else in her life besides me. Her sassy independence inspires me to be a better man. The kind of man that she could really fall for.
It’ll take a lot to convince her that I’m serious about changing, but I’ll stop at nothing to claim both Gemma and her daughter as mine.
*****
ICED is a full-length steamy sports romance from USA Today Bestselling Author, Colleen Charles. It has a small-town feel, a redemption theme, and a cocky hero (Kane) you'll root for until he gets his much anticipated happily ever after. It's the seventh book in the gripping MINNESOTA CARIBOU hockey series but can be read as a standalone.
She had no time in her life for a man. Least of all a swoony hockey player who was allergic to commitment. Jules was just trying to give her kid a good life. She worked hard, kept her head down, and avoided men like the plague. Because men were a plague. There was a reason she was a single mom, scraping together an existence, and faking it for her kid. She’d been burned. Bad. It didn’t matter that Cas was successful and smart and could kiss like a dream… It didn’t matter that wanted her. She wouldn’t put her heart on the line. Not ever again.
Nate Delaying treatment for my bum knee until the off season isn’t the smartest move, but hey, I’m a big dumb jock. And pro hockey players play, come hell or broken bones.
That stupid knee sends me sprawling in front of the prettiest lady in Central Park. She’s also smart, and kind, and she bonds with my young daughter Quinn over strawberry cheesecake ice cream. Can’t hurt to ask her out for coffee, right?
Carly There aren’t many options for a laid-off au pair in New York City. I can’t live on couch surfing, ranty blogging, and less ranty freelance articles forever, but I won’t work with kids again. It’s too painful when it ends.
But coffee with a single dad can’t hurt, right? Maybe a second date. Heck, why not make it one steamy night in his bed? But when Nate has to go under the knife, he asks me to help care for his daughter. I don’t want to be a nanny again, but I can’t turn him down. I’ll just have to keep my guard up to protect my heart.
About Kelly Jamieson
Kelly Jamieson is a USA Today bestselling author of over 40 romance novels and novellas.
Her writing has been described as “emotionally complex”, “sweet and satisfying” and “blisteringly sexy”. She likes black coffee, white wine and high heels…and of course cheering on her Winnipeg Jets during hockey season!
She had no time in her life for a man. Least of all a swoony hockey player who was allergic to commitment. Jules was just trying to give her kid a good life. She worked hard, kept her head down, and avoided men like the plague. Because men were a plague. There was a reason she was a single mom, scraping together an existence, and faking it for her kid. She’d been burned. Bad. It didn’t matter that Cas was successful and smart and could kiss like a dream… It didn’t matter that wanted her. She wouldn’t put her heart on the line. Not ever again.
She had no time in her life for a man. Least of all a swoony hockey player who was allergic to commitment. Jules was just trying to give her kid a good life. She worked hard, kept her head down, and avoided men like the plague. Because men were a plague. There was a reason she was a single mom, scraping together an existence, and faking it for her kid. She’d been burned. Bad. It didn’t matter that Cas was successful and smart and could kiss like a dream… It didn’t matter that wanted her. She wouldn’t put her heart on the line. Not ever again.
I grew up bleeding to survive, so getting paid to play the game of hockey is a life richer than I ever dreamed possible. I’ve got it all, or so I thought until meeting Lucy Cain. My teammate’s sexy sister is a ray of sunshine in my otherwise gray world. Though fighting on the ice is second nature to me, in Lucy I’ve discovered something I’ve never had before—someone worth fighting for. But will she still want me when she sees the beast inside?
Lucy
I’m leaving my life behind. As soon as I get my brother back on his feet, I’ll start over in a little seaside town to escape the dark secret I discovered about my ex. My plan hits a roadblock, though—a six-foot, inked up Russian one. My brother’s teammate Konstantin is more likely to throw a punch than crack a smile, but once I slip beneath his stoic, steely façade, I never want to let him go. As my past closes in, though, Kon and I aren’t just fighting for our future, but for our lives.
Nate Delaying treatment for my bum knee until the off season isn’t the smartest move, but hey, I’m a big dumb jock. And pro hockey players play, come hell or broken bones.
That stupid knee sends me sprawling in front of the prettiest lady in Central Park. She’s also smart, and kind, and she bonds with my young daughter Quinn over strawberry cheesecake ice cream. Can’t hurt to ask her out for coffee, right?
Carly There aren’t many options for a laid-off au pair in New York City. I can’t live on couch surfing, ranty blogging, and less ranty freelance articles forever, but I won’t work with kids again. It’s too painful when it ends.
But coffee with a single dad can’t hurt, right? Maybe a second date. Heck, why not make it one steamy night in his bed? But when Nate has to go under the knife, he asks me to help care for his daughter. I don’t want to be a nanny again, but I can’t turn him down. I’ll just have to keep my guard up to protect my heart.
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