Breaking the Ice

Cole Hartley left Willow Creek ten years ago to chase his NHL dreams, breaking Emma Chens heart in the process. Now
a career-ending injury brings him home to the small Vermont town he never wanted to see again.

Emma has moved on—or so she tells herself. Her café is thriving, shes beloved by the community, and her heart is
safely locked away. The last person she needs disrupting her peace is the grumpy ex-boyfriend who ghosted her a decade
ago.

But when Cole reluctantly agrees to coach the struggling youth hockey team that Emmas café sponsors, proximity
becomes unavoidable. Late nights planning fundraisers lead to vulnerable conversations. Grumpy meets sunshine. Old
feelings resurface.

Just as Emmas walls crumble, she discovers Coles been hiding a secret job offer that could take him away again. In
a town where second chances are earned, not given, Cole must prove hes ready to stay. And Emma must risk her heart
one more time.

A swoon-worthy small-town hockey romance with second-chance feels and a guaranteed HEA.