Expected Release: January 2026

Garrett “Bucky” Buckman has never called any place home. A bottom-sixer on the fourth line, he’s always been expendable, and he holds his breath through every March trade deadline in the Major Hockey League. After being traded to four separate teams within three months of one season, Bucky broke the MHL record for most teams by a single player in the shortest span of time—the only record he’s ever likely to break. This past season, he was traded twice, and got lucky when he landed on the Boston Bears. The only constant in his life is change … oh, and his dogs: Gretz, Bobby, Gordie, and his new little pup, Sid the Kid.

Kristin Hale can’t skate and doesn’t know the first thing about hockey, but she’s the only dogsitter Bucky has ever trusted to watch his dogs when he leaves for away-game road trips. She dotes on them, grooms them, trims their nails, takes them on long hikes along the rocky shoreline, cooks them special meals, and leaves them smelling like oatmeal-honey shampoo when he returns. She also takes the opportunity to live at Bucky’s house while he’s gone—his nice pad sure beats the women’s shelter where she’s slept since running away from a jealous ex-boyfriend. When Bucky discovers she’s camped on the couch, he offers her his guest room. One minuscule box of belongings later, the two are accidental roommates.

Bucky’s lonely life turns upside down. They like the same movies, books, music, coffee, and rainy weather, and her fascination with stage theater is a whole new world to him. The dogs instantly unite them, especially Kristin’s love for the heart-stealing puppy, but what unites them most is her newfound interest in learning how to skate and play the game Bucky loves. When Kristin comes home one day with an unexpected foundling that purrs instead of barks, Bucky doesn’t know what to make of the dynamic of their relationship, or, worst of all, his new allergies. But he’s willing to put up with an irritating cat far more than he is with the jealous ex-boyfriend showing up at the games to harass and “reclaim” Kristin, whose new love of hockey has made her a Bears fan for life. To add more stress to Bucky’s plate, another dreaded March is looming over his head. Will his recent sense of home, security, and connection survive this season’s trade deadline?

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Tropes + Styles: Rom-com, adorable dogs, adorable cat

Interests: Dogs, cats, stage theater, Boston, New England

CW: Coming soon

Reading Level: Medium

Contains: Sex ✔ Condoms ✔ HEA ✔ Language ✔ POV: 3rd Person

Primary Characters: Boston Bears (Team), Garrett “Bucky” Buckman, Kristin Hale

Secondary Characters: Bobby (Dog), Gordie (Dog), Gretzky (Dog), Sid the Kid (Dog), Greta (Cat)

Tertiary Characters: Coming soon

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