Lendle

Secret Crushes, Sizzling Chemistry, and a Fake Romance That Feels All Too RealThea Sharppe doesn't believe in giving up on her goals, no matter how daunting they may seem. With top brand endorsements under her belt and leading the Ice Crew, she's set her sights on becoming the first female rinkside reporter for the Springfield Cyclones. But there's one more challenge on her checklist: capturing the attention of Ian Novak, the team's star forward, whom her late father believed was her perfect match. However, when Ian appears more focused on outdoing Bobby Davidson—Thea's best friend on the team—Thea devises a fake dating scheme to provoke Ian's competitive nature. Despite Bobby's initial reluctance, he knows Thea's determination all too well and finally agrees. Bobby is every hockey fan's 'old reliable'. They want him on the ice in overtime, but they don't necessarily draft him first in their fantasy leagues. He's charming, yet humble; intelligent, yet unassuming; and successful, yet approachable. Above all, he's Thea's rock and will do anything to make her happy—even if it means ripping his own heart to shreds while winning her the attention of the self-centered Ian Novak. As the lines blur between reality and pretense, Thea stands at a crossroads where each path demands a sacrifice of a part of her identity. Will she honor her father's dream for her, or break free from predetermined expectations to follow her heart? Read today and skate into a romantic world of passion, unexpected love, and a fake dating scheme that turns all too real.Embellishment is the first full-length novel in the Springfield Cyclones series of interconnected (happy ending) standalones featuring the hockey players of Springfield, Massachusetts. They do not need to be read in order, but you will gain glimpses of past/future characters/couples in each book. Book Tropes: fake dating, opposites attract, friends-to-lovers, workplace rivalry, professional hockey player, mid-steam romance