Western Wildcats Hockey

It all starts with a bucket list and a romance novel… I've known Ryder McAdams my entire life. We're neighbors and our families are besties. He's also friends and teammates with my younger brother, Maverick. But Ryder and me? We've never been close. In fact, I've always gotten the distinct impression he doesn't like me very much. He goes out of his way to ignore me. Know what makes it worse? The electricity that hums in the air every time our gazes collide. It sizzles through my body until I feel it in the tips of my fingers and toes. Whoever said that you can't control who you're attracted to was, unfortunately, right. I've done my best to stomp it out. We've been at Western for three years and only come in contact when forced to interact. He's busy partying it up and getting it on with his fangirl club. I've spent most of my college experience studying at the library so I can apply to the med school of my choice. One drunken night changes everything when Ryder takes me home and finds the bucket list I wrote before freshman year. Know how many things I've ticked off since then? Zero. Zilch. Nada. For some strange reason, Ryder decides he'll be the one to help tackle each item before graduation. That would be all fine and good, except there's some pretty schmexy stuff on there… Like the big O.

It all starts with a little game of truth or dare... That was my first mistake. I've never been able to resist a dare and he damn well knows it. Trust me, I realize it's a personal flaw I need to work on. My second mistake? If I had to hazard a guess, I'd say it was when I agreed to a frenemies-with-benefits situation in order to get him out of my system once and for all. The third one, just in case you're wondering, was in thinking this wouldn't explode in my face if I came up with a list of rules for us to follow. 1- This is in no way a relationship. It's strictly dickly. 2- No sleeping with other people while knocking boots. 3- Our situationship stays on the down low. But then he tacked on one of his own- no getting myself off unless it's in front of him. Oh...did I forget to mention that the guy in question is Ford Hamilton, my ex-stepbrother? The very same one who may or may not remain an ex for long. There's only one thing left to say... FML.

Colby McNichols, otherwise known as the baby-faced assassin, is the left wing for the Western Wildcats hockey team. All he has to do is sign his name on the dotted line and he'll play for the pros after his senior season. What I've heard from the girls on campus, who aren't shy about spilling the tea, is that he's totally earned his reputation. And then some. It's just one of the reasons I choose to steer clear. Trust me when I say that my life is complicated enough without getting tangled up with a player. For reasons I can't fathom, Colby has decided to insert himself in my life. Everywhere I go, there he is. Which makes holding him at a distance nearly impossible. He might be smoking hot but there's zero point in starting something with this guy. Especially since I can't be honest about who I am. Unfortunately, a weekend spent in Vegas changes everything. Turns out that our friends weren't the only ones who tied the knot in Sin City. I can only hope that what they say is true-what happens in Vegas stays there. Because if it doesn't… I'm screwed. And not in a good way.

What could be worse than having a one-night stand with my twin's biggest rival on the ice? Umm…nothing. Nothing is worse than that. It's the reason why my brother can never find out that I hooked up with Maverick McKinnon, ridiculously hot defenseman for the Western Wildcats. It doesn't matter if the memories from our night together are enough to make my toes curl and my panties- Well, you get the idea. He's the first guy to come along and not treat me like I'll shatter into a million pieces when he lays his hands on me. Even if there's a teeny tiny part within that would like to see him again, the fallout would be brutal. I have enough to deal with. Like trying to break out of the box my family has placed me in since my diagnosis. The only problem? I've lost something valuable. Something I need back. And I'm pretty sure whose bed I'll find it in.

After my life imploded last year, Dad decided that a change in scenery was necessary and moved us across the country. Ive done the one thing I never thought I wouldleave the competitive skating world behind in the rear view mirror. It hasnt been easy. Especially when the person buried in my past no longer wants to stay there. Ever since stepping foot on campus, Ive gone out of my way to avoid the hockey players that strut around like theyre Gods gift to the female species. Theres a reason for that. My father is Reed Philips, head coach for the Western Wildcats.The number one rule in our house has always been that I keep a healthy distance from his players. Thats never been a problem. And its not necessarily one now. Except Ive just had a major run in with Hayes Van Doren. One that includes me walking in on him freshly showered in the locker room and him thinking I was there to deliver a special birthday present by dropping to my knees. Oh, trust mehe got a treat all right. One that left him singing soprano. I might have spent most of this year flying under the radar where Hayes is concerned, but thats no longer possible. Everywhere I go, there he is. Forcing his way into my life. Hes a complication I dont need. Or want. Unfortunately, hes decided to change my mind about that. The question iswill I let him?

Can you really blame me for loving the scandalous texts exposing Bridger Sanderson for the jerk he is? As far as I'm concerned, it's sweet karma for ghosting me after we hooked up two years ago. Cocky, infuriating, and way too gorgeous for his own good, Bridger thinks he's untouchable. The best part? He's convinced I'm behind the messages. Ha! I wish. Unfortunately, my life takes a turn for the worst when Bridger uncovers my secret side hustle. Now he's blackmailing me, forcing me to stick close-we're talking 24/7-until he figures out who's airing his dirty laundry on campus. I should hate him for dragging me into his mess. And I do… Mostly. Except… the more time we spend together, the harder it becomes to ignore how he looks at me. It's almost like he can see straight through the walls I've built to protect myself. Or how his own guard slips, revealing the cracks in his armor when he thinks I'm not paying attention. The only person who's ever gotten this close is ColdAsIce17, my anonymous confidant on the school chat app. With him, I can totally be myself. But what happens when the lines blur between the guy I hate and the one I can't stop thinking about? What happens when I realize... they might be the same person?