Ridge Carter’s hockey career might be over, but his purpose and passion are reignited when Calliope Porter leaves her oppressed past behind to start fresh in Knox Creek…
This existence I’m surviving passes alongside the bars of an invisible cage.
Until one night when there’s a choice I can take.
I flee the oppressive barriers without a backward glance.
The adjustment is a steep incline.
Unknown obstacles lurk in every direction.
But those turns are part of my journey, which makes them treasures to cherish.
The most meaningful of them all is crossing paths with Ridge Carter.
The former hockey star is intimidating but irresistible.
He’s the opposite of the men I’ve been raised to fear.
Rather than restrain my newfound freedom, he shows me what it means to thrive.
That gives me the courage to wade deeper.
Ridge’s stony exterior rarely cracks, except for me.
He’s different when I’m nearby and I like that. A lot.
It has me seeking him out, but I never have to look far.
Maybe I should question his close proximity that has little to do with him living next door.
I choose to trust instead.
Ridge acts like I’m a bigger score than any goal he made on the ice.
But the experiences he’s giving me are just the beginning.
And once again, a single choice has the power to change everything.
Some might consider Ridge’s interest to be extreme. He’s just protecting the one he plans to make his. Permanently.
This story starts with Callie making her escape from the cult where she was raised by her abusive father and subservient but loving mother. Harper is the first real friend she’s ever had, and the helping hand she needs to make her own way in the real world. It’s not easy, but Callie is determined to be free, although she has a lot to learn about life. Ridge has been gone for her since the moment he first laid eyes on Callie, but he knows they have to move at her speed. When she needs a new place to live in a hurry, he seizes the opportunity to not only make Callie his neighbor but to show her she can count on him.
He’s a grumpy hard ass to the rest of the world but he’s a big ol’ cinnamon roll for Callie alone and it’s adorable. She’s so very innocent but not because she wants to be, so Callie is eager to broaden her horizons and experience all the things she lived without before moving to town. With Ridge as her guide, she goes on dates, has a cocktail and attends her first hockey game. She has no idea the man at her side is a famous former-NHL star, but she takes it all in stride and embraces life to the fullest.
Callie brings out Ridge’s protective instincts and he relishes the opportunity to take care of his dream girl. These two are just so stinking cute but as Callie gets more comfortable with Ridge, things quickly heat up. I really loved these two and their sweet yet steamy story. I’d like to thank the author and Candi Kane PR for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
