When viral humiliation sends influencer Piper Meadows fleeing to rural Alaska, the last thing she expects is a grumpy hockey captain with trust issues—or a fake relationship that just might save them both. After her ex dumps her live on camera, Piper’s glittering online life implodes. Desperate for a fresh start, she lands in Ashwood Falls, Alaska—nosy. Between spotty Wi-Fi, over-involved neighbors, and one unforgettable incident involving a moose, anonymity isn’t exactly guaranteed. Enter Ryder local hero, firefighter, and semi-pro hockey captain one scout’s call away from his big break. Problem is, his brooding personality isn’t exactly sponsor-friendly. Their solution? Fake date for the cameras. Her image rebounds, his career looks golden… until the lines between performance and reality start to blur. Between snowstorms, late-night fires, and stolen glances beneath the northern lights, Piper and Ryder find themselves in over their heads—and hearts. Now they’ll have to decide what’s worth their careers… or the real connection they never saw coming. A small-town, grumpy/sunshine, sports romance about love, second chances, and finding something real in a filtered world.
Author
Annie Carlisle is the author of steamy romantic suspense novels, including the beloved Hibiscus Harbor series. She crafts stories with resilient women and challenging men, offering readers a perfect mix of love, intrigue, and excitement. A Florida native, Annie has worn many hats throughout her life, including working as a street paramedic and flight medic, but her favorite role has always been storytelling. When she’s not writing, Annie is a lover of all animals, especially dogs. She’s an avid collector of all things Goofy and believes in the magic of happily ever after, both on and off the page. Married to a retired Sheriff’s Deputy, Annie enjoys spending time with her husband and their dogs, whether at the beach, the dog park, or relaxing at home. To learn more about her work, visit her website: www.AnnieCarlisle.com.
