He was my brother’s best friend – my teenage crush. Until one night—one beautiful mistake—changed it all. He took off to play college ball for Michigan, and my brother and I never set eyes on him again. Now, three years later, I’m in Houston for a romance writing conference. He’s at the same hotel for the MLB playoffs. That’s when our past catches up with us, and the real games begin. This time, I plan to fix past mistakes and rewrite our ending. All is well until he discovers a secret that sends my plot in a new direction, one where happily ever after just might not exist.
As a bookworm in rural Nova Scotia, a girl who always orbited the popular crowd, I craved acceptance. During my freshman year at Scotia Academy, I devised a plan to transform myself. My reinvention, however, leads to a chain of unsettling events, blurring the boundaries between my true self and the façade I've created. When a baby unexpectedly appears outside my dorm room, I'm forced to live with my best friend's brother Kace Andrews—a notorious hockey player who loves all the puck bunnies. Well, all the puck bunnies except for me. But soon enough, he begins to see beyond my disguise, which leads to soft kisses, tender touches and late nights between the sheets. We’re on a journey of self-discovery as we play house, but when a reckless mistake catches up with me, bringing up old hurts Kace can’t seem to outrun, I question whether our love is enough to help rebuild our shattered trust in a world consumed by betrayal.
Dane Taylor: Scotia Storms biggest player. A rule-breaker who is wild, reckless and fun. He’s everything I’m not allowed to be—or be around—thanks to an overbearing brother who just happens to be Dane’s captain. But when Dane rescues me from a bad situation, I can’t help but want him, which leads to a secret relationship that allows me to grow. Then, the worst thing that could ever happen to me, happens. And one bad decision leads to another. I find myself hurting everyone I ever cared about. Maybe I should have listened to my brother—since all I do is make mistakes--and maybe I never should have kept secrets from the player who was never playing at all when it came to loving me.
After spending my life in the shadows, all I ever wanted was to feel special, to be seen. So, when the hottest guy on our hockey team decides he wants me, I’m shocked, and thrilled. Until a player from a rival team challenges my boyfriend to a bet—and wins. Oh, did I mention I’m the prize. For one solid month I belong to the enemy. Except it’s hard to think of him as the enemy when he showers me with tender touches, soft kisses, and shows me what it’s really like to feel special, to be seen. How could I not fall for a guy like that? But, when our thirty days end, and the enemy proves to be the man I’ve always needed, I’m faced with an unsettling truth—it’s possible he’s the only one who doesn’t believe it. Was I nothing more than a pawn in a game of hate?
I hate everything about him. Everything from his boyish good looks to the flawless fit of his jersey. But you know what I hate the most? That his family, owners of the biggest seafood company in Lunenburg, is trying to run our small, family seafood business into the ground. But when fate takes a turn and Liam comes to my rescue, I begin to see another side of him. That’s when I soften. Can you say stupid? Yeah, I know, I can too. Because we all know that getting involved with the enemy—even secretly—is not a smart move. But his touch shuts down my brain, and my ability to think with reason. Soon enough I’m consumed by the hockey player who wants me, and me only. Or at least I thought he did. Until he does something that could destroy my family, destroy us, leaving me with the burning question of how I can possibly navigate a path forward and salvage what remains of us.
In 'Jack Harvey's Adventures; or, The Rival Campers Among the Oyster Pirates' by Ruel Perley Smith, readers are transported into a thrilling tale of adventure and rivalry set against the backdrop of the mysterious world of oyster pirates. The book is characterized by its vivid descriptions, engaging narrative style, and intricate plot twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Smith's attention to detail and ability to create a sense of place make this book a captivating read for those interested in classic adventure literature. The novel also reflects the literary context of the time, with its focus on nature, adventure, and the spirit of exploration prevalent in the late 19th century. Through the character of Jack Harvey, Smith captures the essence of youth, friendship, and the thrill of discovery, making it a timeless coming-of-age story. Ruel Perley Smith's background as an educator and writer sheds light on his ability to craft a compelling narrative that resonates with readers of all ages. His experience with storytelling and knowledge of the natural world likely influenced the creation of this captivating tale. I highly recommend 'Jack Harvey's Adventures' to anyone looking for a riveting adventure story that combines elements of friendship, rivalry, and the beauty of the natural world in a seamless blend. This book is a must-read for fans of classic adventure literature and those who appreciate a well-crafted story that stands the test of time.
