Lakes Hockey
You only feel scared because you’re doing something really brave. It’s going to be okay. If you ever need anything, just ask.
1. BEFORE WE CAME by Sloane St. James
SYNOPSIS
Birdie
Her funeral unraveled decades of secrets hidden from me—horrible secrets. This rabbit hole I’ve fallen down has revealed my past is much more sinister than I could have imagined. Everything I thought I knew has been a lie and now there’s only one place for me to turn: back to the people who have been searching for me all these years.
One of those people is my newfound brother’s best friend: Lonan Burke, star defenseman for the Minnesota Lakes. His dirty talk and praise offer an easy escape as I shift into my new life. I’m ready to start anew with the ones who love me, but I’m not so sure I can settle down when I’ve just been set free.
Lonan
She’s back. We were kids the last time I saw her, but my innocent crush from childhood is full-grown now. And it’s not so innocent anymore. She’s a breath of fresh air from the series of one-night stands since being drafted into the NHL. I’ve only got one shot with her, and I’m not taking it for granted. I may give her the passion she’s been craving, but she’s the intimacy I’ve waited for my whole life.
When her story hits the media, she needs a place to hide. I offer her sanctuary in my penthouse. For the first time, this frigid condo feels like a home, and she’s made me believe the future I’ve always wanted is within reach. For now, I’m willing to hold her hand during the day and pin them down at night. But I want more.
2. STRONG AND WILD by Sloane St. James
SYNOPSIS
Micky
I’m new to this city, but things are looking up. My bestie’s husband hooked me up with a great apartment above the hockey bar where I currently work, and I’ve got a great side gig bringing in plenty of cash to help fund my dream of opening my own cocktail lounge, Sugar & Ice. Life is sweet. My new neighbor, on the other hand, is not.
When he reveals his true self, I hate what I discover. Until some of his secrets unravel, proving we have more in common than I realized, and I don’t mean hobbies like rock climbing or outdoor concerts. No, we have the good stuff—shared trauma. I promised myself I’d never let that negativity back into my life again, but my heart tells me Rhys is worth it.
Rhys
Hockey comes first. Always has, always will. I’ve got a one-year contract, 365 days to prove to them I’m worth the investment—which is why I need to stay far away from the woman across the hall. She thinks we’re strangers, but we know each other quite well. I need to keep it that way.
The problem is she’s everywhere. Across the hall, on my laptop, bartending where my team hangs out. Micky is like a loose thread that I can’t stop tugging. Then one night, she steps in to do me a favor, and all my defenses get shot to hell. Now I’m showing her the real me, but it might not be enough for her.
3. IN THE GAME by Sloane St. James
SYNOPSIS
Raleigh
Growing up, the ice was my safe space. I excelled at playing hockey. However, these days, it’s hockey players that provide sanctuary—one bed at a time. We have an arrangement, I offer them a night of pleasure, and in return, they grant me all the temporary, artificial love I can get my hands on. A chance to feel whole. Happily ever after doesn’t exist where I come from, but I crave it just the same. It was a foolproof system.
Until Barrett. One night with him was all it took to tear down walls and crack the facade I worked so hard to build. The connection we had felt real, which made it all the more heartbreaking when it was time to leave. To him, I was simply another puck bunny. I never planned on seeing him again, until I discovered our one night changed my life forever. When I tried to reach out, he turned callous and cruel. That was the day I swore I’d never allow Barrett back into my life.
Barrett
It’s been over five years since our one-night stand and I still can’t get her out of my head. No woman has ever come close to making me feel the things she did that night. But when I wake up the next morning, I’m alone, without any way to contact her. Trust me, I tried. Over the years searching for her has become an obsession and I’ve faced endless ridicule from my teammates, but I’ll never give up. She’s out there and I’m gonna find her.
That day finally comes after a spontaneous meet and greet with a new Minnesota Lakes sponsor. Suddenly, there she is, more beautiful than ever. But if looks could kill, I’d be six feet deep. Raleigh’s convinced we are done for good, but now that I’ve found her, I’ll stop at nothing to make her mine. Because this time she has a four-year-old son—and he looks just like me.
4. STAND AND DEFEND by Sloane St. James
SYNOPSIS
Jordana
I live my life head over heart and never rock the boat. Which is how I wound up engaged to Bryan Davenport—the biggest mistake I ever made. We were a power couple, but no one knew how cruel he could be behind closed doors. When I decide to leave, my fiancé shows just how ruthless he can be and sends me running to the last person I expected: his best man.
Camden Teller is a cocky, selfish, womanizing, daredevil—and my new favorite person. Who knew a bad boy would be such a good influence? For the first time, I’m breaking rules and living unapologetically. Our unexpected camaraderie quickly morphs into a no-strings arrangement, which I don’t mind, because even though he’s become my closest friend, he’ll never be my type.
Camden
I may be the new Minnesota Lakes hockey captain, but I’ll always be Banksy on the ice. Over my career, I’ve been in countless fights, being protective is part of my nature, so when the beautiful Jordana Landry shows up with nowhere to go, I don’t hesitate. Unfortunately, she’s also sophisticated, polite, and educated, which would be fine, except I’ve got a corruption kink.
The more we hangout, the closer we get—and the harder it is to resist each other. Until we stop resisting. I never sleep with the same woman twice, but once with her will never be enough. However, it’s not long before I realize she’s not as innocent as she lets on. Jordan says I’m not her type… but she’s exactly mine.
