The rules are simple: protect my secret and never—ever—fall for a player.
Coaching college hockey was supposed to be a fresh start for the next year anyway. A chance to leave behind the royal spotlight and just be Nils, the guy who loves the game. No one knows I’m a Swedish prince, and I plan to keep it that way.
Then I meet Adan. Talented. Fiercely competitive. And somehow, despite every rule and reason not to, I can’t stop wanting him.
He’s not much younger than me, but I’m assigned to work one-on-one with him. I’m technically his coach, and I’m supposed to be the line he doesn’t cross. But then we kiss and everything blurs. For Adan, it’s a first. His first time with a man. His first time questioning everything he thought he knew about himself. For me, it’s a risk I shouldn’t take—because if anyone finds out, I could lose more than just my job. Adan thinks I’m afraid of getting caught. But he doesn’t know what’s really at stake.
When her hometown launches a holiday scavenger hunt with a life-changing cash prize, Marissa Henry jumps at the chance to save her fledgling business—until she’s partnered with the most gorgeous but infuriating man in town.
Marissa’s catering company is her passion project but it’s swiftly turning into a financial disaster. With bills piling up and her culinary dreams crumbling faster than aged cheddar, she’s determined to win the prize money.
There’s just one problem: she’s been paired with William Graff, who wrecked her carefully curated display when she catered his wealthy family’s party and who she’s convinced is an entitled jerk. But as they race through holiday challenges, from Christmas light chaos to competitive snowman-creation, Marissa discovers there’s more to William than his trust fund and his ugly holiday sweater collection.
Soon Marissa has something new to fight for: a chance at an unexpected romance that could really change her life.k
This is a delightful blend of festive fun, heartfelt emotion, and small-town charm. Ellie Alexander crafts a story that’s as cozy as a mug of hot chocolate on a snowy evening, mixing holiday cheer with authentic, relatable relationships.
At the center are Marissa, a hardworking caterer chasing her dream with her new business Yes, Cheese, and William, the town’s most eligible bachelor from a wealthy family. When they’re paired up for a high-stakes holiday scavenger hunt, what begins as an unlikely partnership soon turns into something much deeper. Their slow-burn chemistry is sweet and satisfying, but what makes the story shine is the inclusion of Hilary and Ben’s mature marriage arc. Hilary’s struggle with empty nest syndrome and marital distance adds emotional weight, grounding the romance with realism and depth.
Alexander weaves multiple perspectives effortlessly, allowing every thread to connect in a warm, meaningful way. With humor, heart, and a touch of holiday magic, this is a feel-good festive romance that celebrates love in all its forms—new, rekindled, and enduring. A charming holiday escape.
My Sanctuary 