Bøker av Susan Scott Shelley

This is the season for the Buffalo Bedlam to win the Cup. All the pieces are in place. Getting sidelined by multiple concussions wasn't part of Dylan Fraser's plan. Yet, the team captain is starting off the playoffs on the injured list and hating every minute of it. He knows the detrimental effects concussions can have on the brain but if this is his last shot at earning his place on the most hallowed trophy in hockey, like his dad and his brother, he'll do whatever it takes to get back in the game.¿ Assistant athletic trainer Blair Proch knows all too well how concussions sustained during a player's career can still affect them decades later. Her own father is living proof. After months of her and Dylan dancing around, their friendship has finally become more, but she won't allow anything to detract from making sure the stubborn hockey player is taking care of his health. She'll take on the league, the team, even Dylan himself to keep him safe.¿ When Dylan returns to the ice, Blair faces her worst fears with every hit he receives or dishes out. Dylan is falling hard for Blair, but with the Cup so close, he can't turn his back on his dream, despite his concerns about his health and his future. Can love survive with these friends-to-lovers facing off on opposite sides?

Joseph Parelli gave up everything familiar when he moved to Buffalo, New York to be with his boyfriend, Vince Forsberg. He isn't settling in as well or as fast as he'd hoped, and there are still ties that pull him back to his former city. Ties that cause arguments between him and his better half. But as the holiday season grows closer, Joseph is determined not to let anything get in the way of having a perfect Christmas with Vince. Vince Forsberg knows he should be happy. He has everything he ever wanted: A career playing hockey, a great group of friends, and best of all, the love of his life, Joseph, by his side. But he worries that the rough patch Joseph is facing in Buffalo might be enough to make him move back to New Jersey. Permanently. And Vince can't let that happen. He needs to make sure their first holiday together is perfect enough to show Joseph that life in Buffalo with Vince is where he belongs. The pressure is overwhelming, and with every holiday mishap, "perfect" slips further away. Can they save Christmas, or will their first holiday together be their last? This story was previously published in the Hockey Holidays anthology and has since been expanded.

When Leo Brennan is traded to the Buffalo Bedlam two weeks after knocking their captain out of the line up on a badly timed hit, the enforcer's dream life becomes a nightmare. He should be happy about going to a Cup contender, but the fans hate him, his teammates are lukewarm, and everything that could go wrong with the transition, does. He vows to play through the next few months to fulfill his contract, hopefully win the Cup, and then get as far from Buffalo as possible.¿ No way will he stick around. Kelsey Fraser pulls double duty working for player services and the Bedlam's fan outreach team. When the organization tasks her with leading a series of media events designed to change the fans' negative opinion of Leo, she wants no part of him, after all, he gave her brother a concussion. But the opportunity would take her career in the right direction. She can't turn it down. Professionalism will have to surpass her desire to hit him with a hockey stick. Spending hours together, Kelsey and Leo learn they are far more alike than different. Both are fiercely protective of and devoted to their families, and their chemistry is strong enough to make them reconsider everything they thought they wanted. The question of what will happen after the playoffs looms like an impending blizzard. They must decide what matters most… and if they can give it to each other.

Rod Fraser should be on top of the world-his hockey team just won the Cup. But as the backup goaltender, he didn't see any ice time during the playoffs, and the victory felt hollow. Now a free agent, he's hoping for a starting job with another team, and returns to his hometown to wait for news and enjoy the summer break. When he sees his best friend's sister, who he's had a thing for forever, and who is now single, nothing can hold him back from pursuing her heart.¿Arielle Charton returned to Holiday, NY to rebuild her life and mend a broken heart, and for the last eight months, she's done just that. The shy artist can't believe that Rod, her first crush, wants her too. She can't afford-literally or emotionally-to allow another man to distract her from her goals. But Rod is a temptation she can't resist.¿Rod and Arielle's summer fling has the potential to be so much more, but can their relationship survive the defenses she's built and the uncertainty of what happens when summer ends?

Greer Fox is a teacher, an actor, and a hopeless romantic. He has a life he adores, but longs to find a love like his friends have with their partners. Despite getting bruised, he keeps his heart open. Catching feelings for Owen Kim, his secret hookup buddy from his rugby club surprises Greer, but he's open to exploring whatever might come from a relationship with Owen. Physical therapist Owen Kim's life has revolved around building and expanding his practice. In his black and white world, Greer provides the color. What started out as fun and casual has now opened his eyes to what he's been missing, and Greer is the catalyst to exploring what he hasn't let himself have in years. A new year's eve spent dancing and kissing with their mutual crush, meteorologist Storm Breen, gives the trio a taste of what can happen when desires are explored and the knowledge that they want more of what they can bring to each other. Fitting each other into their lives is almost seamless and the trio clicks together like nothing else they've ever experienced. But their deepening bond also brings vulnerabilities to light. Neither Greer nor Storm have been in a relationship with more than one person before, and Owen fears the reason his last triad ended could repeat itself. Sharing secrets, needs, and feelings isn't easy for three men who have good reasons for keeping defenses in place, but if they don't learn to trust in each other, they risk losing everything.

Ryder Stone loves making people happy. He's worked hard to turn Striker, the mascot for the Philadelphia Power, into a beloved fixture and fan favorite. Being Striker has given Ryder his livelihood, his friend group, and his best friend Sawyer, who's been Ryder's biggest cheerleader in their nearly decade-long friendship. But now, he's seeing Sawyer in a new light. A romantic one. Starting goalie for the Power, Sawyer Garcia, is a dog lover passionate about pet adoption, painting, hockey, and his friendships. The veteran hockey player has spent the last nine years in Philly, and his best friend Ryder is the reason the city feels like home. He's a planner, but doesn't know what to do about the feelings he's developed for Ryder, the most important person in his world. One impulsive kiss changes everything and turns their worlds upside down. They've always clicked so well together and know each other better than anyone. Crossing the line from best friends to lovers has the potential to ruin their friendship, but also to give them more than they ever thought possible.

Calder MacKinnon has worked hard all season, striving to be the best player for the Philadelphia Power on the ice and off. Receiving the nomination of Rookie of the Year is gratifying after a year of devoting himself to the game, and it's the perfect opportunity to ask his year-long crush, tailor Riggs James, to design his suit and be his date to the star-studded awards show. With the pressure of the season behind him, Calder can finally relax and is free to pursue the pull that draws him toward Riggs.Riggs has worked hard making a name for himself designing custom fashion. Saying yes to Calder's request to a weekend-long first date in New York City is a risk worth taking. Being among the biggest names in the game will give Riggs the chance to grow his brand and expand his clientele and experience a deeper connection with the man who's sparked his interest through their year of flirtations. The thoughtfulness Calder pours into their date echoes the same caring detail Riggs stitches into the clothing he crafts for the man, and Riggs is surprised by how well-suited they are. Calder finds he can open up to Riggs faster and deeper than with anyone else, and longs for more than sharing just one weekend. The threads weaving them together tempt them to wonder, have they found their perfect fit in each other?

Vince Forsberg hasn't been back to Asbury Park, New Jersey in years. Not since his first serious boyfriend broke his heart. But when he receives an invitation to his childhood best friend's thirtieth birthday party, the pro hockey player is thrust back into his old haunts... and comes face to face with the one man he can't make himself forget. Joseph Parelli always looked at Vince as the one who got away. He may have messed up once, but he's older now and more mature. After a life-changing experience, he knows what he wants and who he wants. The night club manager will do whatever it takes to convince his first love to give him a second chance. Over hot days and hotter nights, Vince and Joseph rediscover each other. But when the past threatens to repeat itself, will their second shot at love be a game-winner or just ring hollow off the post?

During a rugby practice, Easton Santiago is tackled by the revelation that he and his teammate are dating the same man. Confronting his boyfriend's deception also forces him to face the feelings he's refused to acknowledge for his teammate, Kade. Kade March is furious to learn that the man he's been dating for three weeks has been using him to cheat on Easton, one of Kade's favorite people. Being hurt is one thing, but someone hurting Easton is something Kade won't allow. He cares too much, too deeply, and can't deny it any longer. Mutually breaking up with their cheating ex bonds them and sets them free to explore the allure of each other. But Easton's been burned one time too many, and Kade's self-doubts run deep. One touch, one admission, one kiss, sets off a chain reaction neither of them expected, and risks their friendship, their team, and how much they depend on each other.

Slater Knox is known around the league as the tough enforcer for the Buffalo Bedlam. His popular social media accounts and open relationship with the fans have made him one of the most beloved players in hockey. They've also earned him a spot in the All-Star game, and an invitation to be a bachelor at a charity auction. For all his living in the spotlight, he's hiding a secret... He's in love with his best friend and keeping quiet grows harder each day. Noah Alzado is the newest addition to the Bedlam, and has spent the last few months joined at the hip with his best friend Slater. Slater is everything Noah wants, but won't let himself have. They are best friends, roommates, and teammates, that's three complications too many. Plus, Noah guards his private life as fiercely as Slater shares his own. His best option is to keep his head down, help his team win, and not do anything stupid... like kissing Slater again. Everything comes to a head during All-Star weekend, where the best in the league compete for ultimate bragging rights, and at the auction, where temptation is hot enough to melt the ice. The chemistry between Slater and Noah is scorching, but can they lower their defenses enough to make a play for love?

Florist Seth Stevens loves his job, even if being the sole bearer of his family's legacy weighs too heavy at times. Needing to hire short-term help for the winter, he's shocked when his ex-boyfriend Devonte volunteers. For the first time in the fifteen years of friendship since their college romance, both men are unattached. Though he shouldn't mix business with pleasure, Seth longs to resume what they once had. Devonte Brooks prides himself on being a good son, a hard worker, and a loyal friend. He's always ready to lend a hand, and when it comes to Seth, Devonte will do anything for the man who still holds a large portion of his heart. Working at Seth's gives him supplemental income until the landscaping business he inherited from his uncle resumes in the spring, but won't solve the problem of a new, rival company poaching his clients. Spending nearly every day together, the pair realize how in sync they are in work, play, and strive to help each other achieve their dreams. But family ties and new opportunities tug Devonte toward a life that will take him far away from Seth, as they did fifteen years ago. With history threatening to repeat itself, will they choose each other, or will all the petals fall off their blooming relationship?

Firefighter Gage Garrison prides himself on being strong and reliable. Since his last relationship's humiliating end, he's kept to himself, but thanks to the rec league rugby club he joined, he's slowly gained new friendships and a place to belong. A place that is threatened when his attempts to rescue a kitten in a tree thrusts his secret fear of heights into the spotlight, in full view of his new friends, and the teammate he's been crushing on all season. Dendrologist Valentine Bartley loves plants and trees with a passion. Settled in a new city, a new house, and a new job, he's now part of the rugby club he used to love playing against, and has formed some solid friendships there. He's also developed a crush on his fearless teammate Gage. Taking part in the tree rescue gives him a glimpse behind the tough mask Gage shows the world and he's determined, quirks and all, to pursue the intriguing man. Caring for the kitten bonds the men. Sharing vulnerabilities and wants, they find support, honesty, and a connection that feels like the solid foundation for a relationship. But with Gage's worries over how his phobia could color Valentine's and his teammates' opinion of him, and Valentine's doubts over whether he can trust Gage to keep his word when others haven't, will fears of history repeating itself keep them from the promise of new beginnings they've found in each other?

Jalen Daniels loves his job as a hockey coach to kids in the Philadelphia Power's youth league. Coaching in the same league he played in and volunteering his time to a charity that brings the game to underserved communities takes up a lot of his time. The rest is filled with playing hockey in a rec league and bouncing at a nightclub. Meeting Leif Larsson, star player for the Power and father of one of the kids he coaches, knocks Jalen's busy life off balance and leaves him craving Philly's favorite Swede. Philadelphia Power defenseman Leif Larsson has devoted the last four years to being a dad and a hockey player, in that order. Focusing on being the best dad for his daughter and the best teammate and player for the team was all that mattered. But when he sees Jalen at a charity event, their connection is strong enough to push his heart into pursuing the talented, surprising, handsome man. Amid the bustle of hockey season, the sparks between Jalen and Leif ignite into something bigger and brighter than they've ever experienced. But navigating a relationship when their conflicting schedules make meeting up close to impossible is harder on their hearts than they anticipated. Can they find a way to score a win for love?

Everson Montgomery's entire life is devoted to ensuring the success of his pro football career. Strict rules about his diet, sleep habits, and training schedule keep him running like a well-oiled linebacker machine. There's zero room for distractions… until he meets his teammate's brother and is instantly smitten with the friendly, gorgeous, generous man. Ryan Brennan has had a crush on the gridiron giant for years. When the opportunity to work together on a charity drive arises, he's all in. Spending time with Everson, he sees the sweetness and vulnerability beneath the stoic exterior, and opens up his heart and his home. He's learned the hard way that getting too close, too fast isn't smart, but something keeps drawing him to Everson. Everson doesn't do relationships and Ryan doesn't do hook ups, but they can't stay away from each other. When chaos on the field and in the locker room spills over into everyday life, and past ghosts return to haunt them both, will they chase after their hearts or will their relationship be tackled before they have a chance to score?Mad Scramble was originally featured in Love is All: An Anthology, and has since been expanded.

Grieving the loss of his husband, Anderson Wagner has spent the past four years existing but not living. The recreational rugby club he plays in and occasional outings with his buddies are the sole bright spots. That is until he met Penn Padlowe a year ago. Sixteen years his junior, Penn ignites desires Anderson thought had died with his husband, but he's been hesitant to take those first steps toward a life different than the one he envisioned.The first time florist Penn Padlowe saw Anderson, he was hooked. For the past year he's flirted and watched the intriguing man, hopeful that the pull between them will lead to something more. Penn understands the grieving process, and realizes that a relationship with Anderson could be risky, but Anderson is a risk worth taking.An unexpected kiss at a Halloween party changes everything. The more time they spend together, the deeper Anderson falls, grappling with guilt, desire, and the feelings Penn arouses. Each moment they share proves to Penn how good the two of them together can be, and he yearns for Anderson to see there's room in his heart to love Penn too. With the thorns of fears piercing their relationship, can love blossom between them?

When tight end Xavier Brennan is asked to participate in a charity baking competition with his teammates, the pro football player is torn. He doesn't know the first thing about baking, and he doesn't want to become a laughingstock on national TV. But he is a team player, and he can't say no to helping a charity, especially one so close to his heart.¿Bakery owner Ashley Yates is desperate to win the competition. It's her last hope at saving her bakery and her mother's legacy. Being paired with an athlete known for partying makes her nervous, but he assures her that he's committed to the cause. As they bond over shared heartache and shared recipes, their connection becomes harder to deny.¿Every touch, every taste, every moment spent together holds the promise of more. But attraction is a distraction. Will working together be a recipe for love, or will they both end up getting burned?¿Hometown Hero was originally featured in the Love, Philly anthology, and has since been expanded.

App developer, photographer, and nightclub owner Wyatt Holt's life is never dull. A frequent traveler, he's found a home base in Philly and though opening up is difficult, friends who accept his attention-jumping self as he is. But he yearns for someone special to share things with. Someone like Rocco, the burly Italian in his rugby club who calls to Wyatt with every sparking interaction, and who seems determined to keep him at arm's length. All work and no play defined chef Rocco Accardi's life in the years since his second restaurant rose from the ashes of the first one's failure. Thriving professionally with a team he trusts, he can relax enough to resume playing in a rec league rugby league with his longtime friends. Wyatt's arrival mid-season tempts him to see if he can make room in his life for someone else, and to break his rule against dating someone so many years away from his own age. Though he tries to stubbornly hold out, Wyatt is hard to resist, and Rocco can't deny the pull he feels toward the vibrant younger man. As the holiday season unfolds, Rocco and Wyatt find more in each other than they ever imagined. But Rocco wrestles with loosening the reins at work and fears Wyatt's penchant for jetting off on adventures isn't compatible with a life so consumed by his business. And longing for companionship, Wyatt struggles with Rocco's almost nonexistent work-life balance and whether there's a place for him in it. Can they find a way to gift each other what they need most or will they end up alone under the mistletoe?

When horror novelist Jack Kramer is guilted into joining his best friend's softball team, he's not expecting to come face to face with the inspiration for his next novel. But one look at Gabriel Spencer, and his muse is off and running. Good thing too, as his deadline is looming. Shadowing the baker at work will aid his research, and for a sugar addict like Jack, Gabe's cupcakes and cookies are impossible to resist. Much like the man himself.Voracious reader Gabriel abhors anything with blood and gore, but he's intrigued by Jack and agrees to help the author who has captivated him since the moment he spied Jack across a crowded room. Gabriel isn't expecting the white hot chemistry that builds every moment he and Jack are together, or to find they have any interests in common despite their many differences, but Jack surprises him.The more time they spend together, the deeper their connection grows. But Gabriel doesn't know how to handle dating someone who pushes him so far outside his comfort zone, and Jack struggles with remembering a world exists beyond his keyboard. Opposites attract, but are they too dissimilar to write their own happy ever after?