It’s just my bad luck to have the world’s hottest next-door neighbor. A neighbor who happens to be the star goalie for the Salt Lake City Sting. Even worse? I’m stuck working with him all season.

When I left for college ten years ago, I swore I would never come back. Why would I after everything that happened? But here I am, back in the same city and the same house. And it’s filled with the same bad memories.

Now, I have to face them without the one person who promised they would always be there for me. The empty house is just a reminder that I’m on my own.

But I’m so much stronger than I was back then. And I only have to make it through one year. What’s the worst that could happen?

Brant Morrison throwing himself in front of me like he’s taking an assassin’s bullet. That’s what.

I have everything under control until he stomps into my life. With those eyebrows of his. And those abs. There’s no way abs like that are legal in Utah.

Then, because every dark night can always get a little darker, I find out he’s the goalie for the Sting. The same team that hired me as their new assistant athletic trainer. Now I’m stuck with him for the season.

It’s just one year. Then I can go back to the life I’ve been building for myself. There’s no room for Brant Morrison in that life. And there’s certainly no room for the feelings he brings out in me. Feelings that make my skin so warm I’m staying away from dry brush, just in case.

Maybe this year is going to be more difficult than I thought.

Home Ice is a spicy, funny—sometimes angsty—standalone professional hockey romance featuring a transgender heroine and her way-too-hot hockey goalie neighbor.

Tropes:
Next Door Neighbors
Forced Proximity
Found Family
He Falls First
Slow Burn
Dual POV

Their connection is instant and the sparks fly

In a clash of two worlds, Sarah finds herself caught between her carefree, hippie upbringing and the responsibilities of the real world. After losing her beloved father, she’s left with a reputation as the girl with the eccentric mom—a reputation that threatens her dream promotion at a nearby resort. Enter Ben, an attractive and sophisticated businessman whose arrival seems to jeopardize Sarah’s chances even further. However, as an undeniable attraction and closeness develop between them, Sarah begins to question Ben’s true motives. Is he there to destroy her dreams or is there something more to his presence?

In this captivating romance novel, join Sarah and Ben on a journey of passion, mystery, and self-discovery. As Sarah struggles to unravel the truth behind Ben’s intentions, she is torn between her desire for a successful career and her growing feelings for this enigmatic man. Will she trust her instincts and follow her heart, or will she let the past dictate her future? With Sarah and Ben’s lives becoming intertwined, their connection deepens, leading to surprising revelations and unexpected twists. Prepare to be swept away in a tale of love, redemption, and the power of embracing life’s uncertainties.

One confirmed bachelor + One curvy woman who is injured and stranded + An unexpected snowstorm and just one bed = A mountain man romance that will have you cuddling in front of the fireplace!

I like my life on King Mountain. Me and the guys do our job, protecting the mountain, running a couple rentals to finance everything (including the secret work we do), and that’s it. And no women to complicate my life.

Until Teresa.

Damn city girl shows up to a cabin, claiming to be the granddaughter of the owner. Shows up in impractical pink boots, impractical jeans (that hug her curvy a** and make me want her in my bed). Shows up with a mouth full of sass.

I end up saving her when she hurts her ankle and can’t walk.

Of course, I do what any honorable, red-blooded male does. I get her back to her cabin, and then stay with her to make sure she’s ok. The more we talk, the more she cracks the walls around my heart. I can’t explain why I’m drawn to someone like her, but I know I don’t want to let her go. I want her in my arms and in my life.

After a massive storm, we’re snowed in. Can’t say either of us seem sad about more time together. When I learn about why she’s up on the mountain, I ache with need to make her understand she’s an incredible woman. Then the power goes out.

That night, there ain’t much sleeping going on. I’m overwhelmed by the depth of my need and desire for her. This kind of soul connection can’t be real…can it? She’s nothing like me, but now I can’t imagine my life without her. And that fking terrifies me.

I make a flimsy excuse and head out the next morning, which is the last thing I want to do, but the only thing I can do, despite knowing it hurt her, but I need to figure out what tf is going on in my heart.

When I get it together and realize how much of an idiot I was to leave her like that, I work on a gift for her, showing her both that I see who she is and love her for it, and also something that shows I want her to stay.

But will she give me a second chance?

Rugged Protector is the first in the new series, set in the world of Heartland Heroes. If you like small-town and mountain man romance with a strong sense of community, featuring military veterans, blue collar alpha men, and the curvy women they can’t live without, get ready for a series you’ll fall in love with, because that’s what you’ll get with the men who live on King Mountain. Steamy HEAs guaranteed, no cheating, no ex-drama — always just two people who can’t resist each other forging a new and loving future together.