EXPECTED RELEASE SEPTEMBER 30th, 2025
THIS IS A PRE-ORDER ITEM; RELEASE DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE/DELAYS

From the #1New York Times bestselling author of Better Than the Movies LynnPainter comes a heartfelt and banter-filled rom-com about childhood sweethearts whose icy reunion in their hockey-loving hometown unexpectedly thaws when they fake a romantic relationship.

Growing up, Dani couldnt help but follow around the adorable son of her moms best friend. Funny, kind of nerdy, and a little soft, Alec was always down to hang with Dani when they were little. From play dates on the playground to sneaking into movie theaters, Dani and Alec were inseparable. Until Dani moved away. Alec promised theyd stay in touchexcept, they didnt.

Flash forward and Dani is back in Minnesota for her senior year, she and her mom living with her grandfather. Dealing with the fallout of her parents devastating divorce, Dani wouldnt mind a nerd-out with the cozy and comforting Alec (and maybe a chance to confront him on his MIA status for all these years). But teenage Alec is nothing like the kid Dani remembers. Hes a hockey star in a town where hockey players are worshiped as gods. Danis place as his shadow has been taken up by drooling female fansand he loves it.

Dani is resolved to ice out her former best friend until an unlikely series of events brings them togetherand forces them to fake being a couple. Once forced together, the former childhood sweethearts begin to reconnect, unearth complicated family secrets, and face their true feelings towards each otherincluding the real reason Alec has been pushing Dani away all these years.

Hardcover | Ages 14+ | 448 pages | 5.50″ x 8.25″