The Call-Up

I’ve been in love with Ryan Christianson since I was fourteen.

Eight years ago, he was my brother’s teammate, billeted in our home, and completely off-limits. Now, as I’m called up to the NHL for the first time, the moment I discover Ryan is my new linemate is also when I realize I’m still hopelessly gone for the man who calls me Baby Bouchard.

As rookies go, I’m doing well; hat-trick-in-my-third-game, heading-to-the-playoffs well. But I’ll always be just a kid to Ryan, who makes it clear there’s a line we’re not crossing. He says I’m too young, too new to the league, that getting involved would be a disaster. He’s probably right. But he’s also the one fixing my hair before media interviews, teaching me his signature backhand shot, and looking at me like he’s one second away from forgetting every reason we shouldn’t do this.

The smart thing? Finish the season, keep things professional, protect our careers.

But I didn’t make it to the NHL by playing it safe.

A sexy, forbidden love, MM hockey romance featuring rookie dreams, found family, and the courage to risk everything for love on and off the ice. Perfect for fans of Heated Rivalry, Tal Bauer, and Sarina Bowen.

Readers love K.C. Carmichael’s hockey romances:

“I can’t put what I read into words, but there is one word that can describe it and that word is WOW!!!!!!!!!!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I absolutely adored this!… The romance was so freaking cute, all that rivals-to-lovers tension had me kicking my feet the whole time! The chemistry between them was unreal and the ending made me so happy. I loved it. If you loved Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid, this one will be right up your alley, same emotional depth, same heat, and just as much heart. Loved every second.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I absolutely loved it right from the start… [The MMCs] captured my heart from the beginning and their chemistry and dynamic was excellent… One of my favourite reads of the year.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“By far one of the cutest MM hockey romances I’ve read… Their chemistry is undeniable, and watching them move from wary teammates to something much deeper was an absolute delight. The grumpy/sunshine dynamic and the opposites-attract tension had me hooked from the start… A warm, heartfelt romance with just the right mix of angst, banter, and steam.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Had me hooked. I devoured it in less than 24 hours. The chemistry between the leads was amazing… The blend of rivalry, slow-burn tension, and heartfelt moments made this such a satisfying read… filled with banter, tension, and emotional depth.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I absolutely ADORED the banter in this book, not only between our main characters but all of our side characters too… Honestly I could go on for hours about my love of this book but I’m gonna insist you read it for yourself and want to punch Connor Sr with me. The ending tore at my heartstrings and made me so incredibly hopeful for a future of queer people in sports. I am just so grateful for books like this.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐