Happy 2026! I hope your new year is off to a wonderful start!
I just got back from the most magical Christmas in Minnesota with my family, and I have to share this moment with you. My granddaughter (we’ll call her Little Storyteller) decided to regale her cousin Joshua with what I can only assume was the most riveting tale ever told.
Just look at that hand gesture! That facial expression! That rapt attention from her audience of one
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She had passion. She had commitment. She had absolutely no idea what she was saying (she’s two), but by golly, she was selling it.
And you know what? That’s basically how I felt when my daughter Sarah and I decided to co-write our first book together. 
We had passion (lots of it!). We had commitment (maybe too much coffee). And we just kept telling each other the story…so fun! Sometimes?
I am beyond excited to introduce you to THE NOT SO NEUTRAL ZONE – the first book in our brand-new Blue Ox Boys series!
Yes, that Blue Ox team. Conrad’s team. Your favorite Minnesota hockey boys are getting some new teammates, and trust me—you’re going to fall HARD for them.
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Brody “Candy” Kane is hockey’s golden boy with a smile that melts ice and a reputation that needs serious damage control
Chloe Dawson is the girl he ghosted after one perfect day in Barcelona—and she hasn’t forgotten (or forgiven)
When they crash into each other (literally—coffee everywhere, total disaster), they strike a deal: fake date through her sister’s wedding extravaganza, fix his image, survive family interrogations, and walk away clean
The problem? You can’t fake chemistry this real. And five wedding events is a LOT of opportunities to fall for someone you’re definitely, absolutely, positively not supposed to fall for.
IT’S GOT ALL THE TROPES WE LOVE!
- Fake Dating
- Second Chance Romance
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Forced Proximity
- Hockey Players (need I say more?)
- Wedding Chaos
HERE’S THE BLURB:
Writing with Sarah has been one of the greatest joys of my career. We laughed until we cried (her goal was to make me laugh with her margin comments—mission accomplished). We debated character choices over family dinners. We texted each other at midnight with “WAIT, WHAT IF—” ideas.
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And we created something I’m incredibly proud of: a story about second chances, found family, faith, and learning that you’re worthy of being chosen—exactly as you are.
Plus, hockey boys. Did I mention the hockey boys?
This is book ONE in the Blue Ox Boys series, which means MORE hockey romance is coming your way. Each book features a different Blue Ox player finding their happily ever after (with plenty of cameos from your favorites—yes, Conrad and Penny might make an appearance 
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HOW TO GET YOUR HANDS ON IT:
Early Access on the Sunrise Shop: January 27th
Amazon Release: February 24th
(Pro tip: Early access readers get it FIRST, and you know I love my early readers! 
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If you’ve ever felt overlooked, forgotten, or like you’re waiting for your turn to be chosen—this book is for you. Chloe’s journey to believing she’s worthy of being first (not just convenient) is one I think will resonate with so many hearts.
And Brody? Well, he learns that vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s the only way to truly be loved.
Some hearts are worth the penalty. Some second chances are worth the risk. And some fake relationships? They heal real heartbreak.
I can’t wait for you to meet Brody and Chloe. They’ve stolen my heart, and I have a feeling they’re going to steal yours too.
Did I mention it’s going to a be a fun year? More to come!!
Thank you for reading!!!
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P.S. – Did I tell you that my first book in the Call of the Wild series came out on Tuesday? If you’re looking for wilderness adventure, suspense, and romance set against the breathtaking Alaskan backdrop, you’ll want to check it out!
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