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New Series! Welcome to Moonlight Valley...
Mason Scott’s motto is ‘If you don’t take chances, you aren’t living.’ And chances are what won him and his team the Stanley Cup. Mason was ready to relax and enjoy being a champion in his hometown. The dedication and hard work it took to win meant keeping with the daily grind and keeping the partying to a minimum. He stayed focused the whole season and his perseverance paid off and now every player is waiting for the chance to hold their dream in their hands. But although his dream came true, he was still missing one thing… The girl he left behind— and now he was coming home, it was time to take another chance...and get her.
Emily Hill was enjoying a long-needed night out with the girls. With the passing of her mother, her father’s illness and her family’s business close to bankruptcy, it has all taken its toll on her these last years. She hadn’t kept up with the hockey circuit, she never really had, so imagine her surprise when she sees her childhood lover hoisting the game-winning trophy at Moonlight’s local bar. Sure he’s been back to his hometown off and on over the last three years and she’d managed to avoid him, because really — what does a celebrity want with a small-town girl like her? But it’s been getting harder and harder to dodge his persistence and soon she may have to tell him the truth…a secret she’s kept from him for far too long and the hardest part is, she’s falling for him all over again. Mason knows Emily still cares for him, especially when he finds out what’s been keeping her away. All he needs to do is woo her again, because if there’s one thing he’s certain. He’s not leaving Moonlight without her. Chapter One
One hundred and fifty patrons crowded into TJ’s Tavern, which was only built for a seating capacity of seventy-five. Mason had expected his hometown to celebrate his success, but he didn’t know it would be an all-day event starting with a mid-day parade, followed by an afternoon street party and then a social gathering at Moonlight Valley’s most popular hangout. Mason moved slowly through the crowd, squeezing between close-talkers and ducking under a beverage tray held high above his head. Stepping out into a pocket of breathable space, he lifted his chin and scanned the crowd for a recognizable face. She had been on his mind since leaving Washington, DC. He thought of her plenty over the years, but it was after winning the cup, when the hollow sensation returned, that he knew he had unfinished business. The space filled up again, and he strained to see his first love. She had long blonde hair and a pretty shaped mouth he must have kissed hundreds of times. He licked his bottom lip and stared hard, taking in the women around him. He caught sight of a woman with blonde hair. She turned around, and his stomach rose and fell. Then, another woman with darker blonde hair bounced through the crowd toward the guy waving her on. “Welcome home!” Mason Scott felt a hand on his shoulder as he stepped out of the group of well-wishers. A little shake to say congrats. He couldn’t blame their excitement. It wasn’t everyday Moonlight Valley, Washington shut down its streets and organized a parade for one of their own. “Oh, hey. How’s it goin’?” Mason snapped out of his daze and rubbed his hand behind his neck. “People came from as far away as Spokane to be part of this,” Brad, his childhood friend said, dangling a bottle of beer. “They came to buy wine.” Mason rubbed his three-month-old scruff and scratched under his ear. He had never kept facial hair for this long, but then, he hadn’t been in a playoff winning streak, either. “They came to meet you. You know that?” Brad pushed out his hand, his bottle of beer touching Mason’s arm. “You’re a celebrity.” Mason lifted a shoulder while a grin tweaked his lips. He didn’t need bragging rights to bring home the Stanley Cup. Playing in the NHL carried enough status, but he was proud to belong to an organization that was widely respected. Brad clutched his beer and nestled it to his chest. The wave in his dirty-blond hair moved as he brought up his chin. “Good to see the town alive again.” “Did Moonlight grow since the last time I was here?” Mason glanced beside him and scanned the pub for the face he was craving to see. “Looks like everyone who’s not a minor is here. Surprised this place isn’t shut down.” He eyed his firefighter friend. “That’s Keith’s job.” He raised his bottle and pushed it out in front of him. “He’s letting it slide tonight.” Keith wasn’t there because, if he was, he’d be responsible for ending the night, and he was too good of a stepdad to make the call. Mason appreciated him for his dedication to the community and making his mom happy. “What kind of trouble is going to happen?” Brad asked. “They’re all here to see you.” He rubbed his chest. He could get used to all the love. “Mace! Have you seen your old man yet? He’s sitting at the bar.” Andrew raised his chin slightly, eyes directing him over. “In case you wanted to talk to him.” His voice lowered with doubt. Mason’s stomach turned. His stare leveled at the tables across from him and reverted back to his friend with a shake of his head. The last time Mason spoke to his dad was when he had come home for Christmas, then again one summer after a low-scoring season, and finally, last year after a first-round deletion in the playoffs. Their conversations were distant and flat, like two strangers who ran into each other at a high school reunion. Talking about the weather was always a safe bet, but the NHL was always top of mind, though the mistakes that were made were hard to forget. Mason held a grudge against the man he wanted to know, but he was afraid of the outcome. As the years went on, Mason put his dad out of his mind, throwing his feelings into a trunk to be left without any intention of opening it up again. Avoiding William was easier than revisiting regret and anger. “I don’t see him now,” his friend said, squinting across the room. His clean-shaven face and short haircut suited his doctor image. “But I’m sure he’s around. He wouldn’t want to miss this.” Mason wasn’t so sure. William missed a lot of his hockey games and big scoring moments, so why would he care to attend a homecoming party for his son? “There’s a table of people leaving.” Brad cocked his head. “We should grab it.” “I don’t mind standing.” He wanted to be able to spot his dad or Emily, and it was the only way he could stop the bounce in his knees. Mason felt a pat on his shoulder. It’s her. He turned around to meet her with a smile. “Hey man! Congratulations,” a voice behind him said. “You need a beer? I’ll get you one.” The guy pointed to Mason’s empty hand. “Whatcha drinkin’?” Mason’s smile disappeared. His shoulders dropped, and he put out his hand, waving him off. “I’m okay right now. Thanks.” Mason reminded himself about tonight and why he was there. He dreamed of winning the cup. As a kid, he, Brad, and Andrew would play street hockey with the other boys, and when they won, they’d cheer with a constructed replica of the Stanley Cup, made of cardboard and tinfoil. His stomach elevated, and he suppressed a sigh. Hockey wasn’t just about the game. It was about everything that went with it: friends, experiences, and acceptance. Without it, Mason didn’t know who he was. Hockey was his life. It was all he knew, and after twenty-seven years, he was itching for more. Something else that could define who he was. “I’d love to buy Mason Scott a beer,” the guy said with a cackle. Mason chuckled and bumped against someone else, leaving the conversation. “That was a close game, eh?” the fan said. “You guys pulled it off with like forty seconds left. I couldn’t believe it.”He whistled. “The whole place was on edge.” He raised his hands above his head. “Haven’t seen it like that before. People were shouting, celebrating. It was packed.” He shot him a smile and patted Mason’s shoulder. “Thanks to you, we all get to see the Stanley Cup for the first time.” Mason grinned, remembering the anticipation and excitement of the game. The emotion was still fresh, giving him a chill of relief and satisfaction. It was the hardest game he’d ever played. He did it for his teammates. He did it for his hometown. And, truth be told, he wished he had a wife and kids to bring it home for. Maybe one day he’d be lucky enough to win the cup again and share it with a family of his own. “And the goal was something else. I thought it would go to review. It was so close.” The guy jumped, hands flared. “It was hard to see on the screen. You knocked it in, and there was still something like five, six seconds left. The whole place was on edge. Unbelievable. Wasn’t it? And how you scored with three guys on yeah is unreal.” He swayed his head. “And I get to congratulate you in person.” Mason shook his hand. “Thanks. It’s good to be home.” He held a steady smile and took another step backward to make breathing room. The guy cheered, raising his glass. “Good to have you home, buddy. You put Moonlight on the map again.” Mason turned to the side for another glance around. The low light at TJ’s was packed with people he hardly knew. Would he recognize his dad at first glance? Did he still have the same brown hair with short sideburns like himself and the same dark eyebrows that hovered above his eyes? “Mace!” Brad elbowed him. “Here.” He put a bottle of beer in Mason’s hand. “I’m good. I’m good.” He dropped his shoulders. “At least hold on to it. You’ll look relaxed if you do.” Brad gave a quick nod as though to say he had his back. Feeling a little guilty for not keeping in touch with his childhood friend, he accepted the beer and took a little sip. He wasn’t much of a drinker. His intense physical training wouldn’t allow for it, and he didn’t like the way it made him feel when he worked so hard to get the body and mind he needed to win. “Having fun tonight?” the waitress asked, throwing out her hip. Her tied-up T-shirt was filled with large breasts that bumped against Mason’s arm when she spoke. “You know how to throw a party.” He gave a quick smile and brought the bottle up to his mouth, pretending to take a sip. She giggled and batted her lashes. “The band is on at ten. Save me a dance, will you?” Her bottom ruby-red lip sagged as she waited for his response. “Sure.” He planned to shut down the place anyway. This was his party. He had tried for six years to the win the cup with different teams, and playing for the Rivermen proved successful. Some guys played their whole careers and never won it; the least he could do to show the town his appreciation was to enjoy their festivities. Mason stepped aside to where there was an opening in the crowd. People had gone outside for a smoke and fresh air. He didn’t recognize half the people there. The last few times he came home, he kept to himself and only socialized with a few of his childhood friends, avoiding confrontation and opening up old wounds. Mason wasn’t going to do that this time. He wanted to live his summer freely, like he did three years ago when he got together with Emily Hill. What he would give to relive that summer. He’d think about it from time to time, but that was the past, and he was a little older now. This time he wanted a commitment and a house that felt like home. Mason shuffled his feet, turning his body this way and that, getting acquainted with his surroundings. Everywhere he looked, people smiled and waved. He moved forward, eyes fixed on a set of tables farther away. Laughter erupted across from him, and a flashback of Emily caused his insides to electrify. Mason licked his lips and clutched his cold bottle against his side. His eyes followed the voice to a booth of women, and there, sitting at the edge of her seat, was the blonde he was looking for. She threw her head back with laughter. His heart leaped out of his chest. Mason took a breath and smiled, zeroing in on her profile. She tucked a strand behind her ear, showing off the pink apple of her cheek and the soft curve of her lips. He drank her up with one hard stare and sauntered over to reacquaint himself with the electrifying voice. His Game, Her Rules - book 1 in the Warriors series
Ty Caldwell is one of the Warriors’ most valuable players—and one of Vancouver’s most eligible bachelors. His moves are part of his charm, so he’s surprised by how strongly he’s drawn to the team’s new skating coach—and even more surprised when she cross-checks his advances. But Ty loves a challenge, and the same persistence he flaunts in the rink may help him off the ice…Eileen Francis is a world-class skater with a gold medal to prove it. But professional hockey is still a man’s world—so when she lands the job as the interim coach for The Warriors, her curves are way bigger news than her turns. To take control of this bunch of alpha males, Eileen is going to have to play cold as ice and twice as hard. But she’ll have to break her own rules to get the team’s MVP to play up to his fullest potential…
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Here's what people are saying about His Game, Her Rules...
"I loved this Book!!! I heard another sequel is coming soon. I hope so! Couldn't put the book down. Hurray! for females in a man's world! Finally! Worth reading!"
"This is a great sports story where you have two very strong characters who have their ideas and ways of doing things. I thought this was a nice fresh concept and really glad i was able to read. Im looking forward to seeing more from Charlene Groome in the future, for sure!"
"I enjoyed the plot. There are multiple things going on that kept me interested in the story and invested in the characters. The characters grow in the novel overcoming both personal and professional issues. The story is well-written and extremely believable."
"This is a fun page turner that you don't have to think too hard to enjoy."
"Hot diggy. I love Ty. I love Eileen and respect her talent....If you love sports and successful women then this is a very good story."
"I loved this Book!!! I heard another sequel is coming soon. I hope so! Couldn't put the book down. Hurray! for females in a man's world! Finally! Worth reading!"
"This is a great sports story where you have two very strong characters who have their ideas and ways of doing things. I thought this was a nice fresh concept and really glad i was able to read. Im looking forward to seeing more from Charlene Groome in the future, for sure!"
"I enjoyed the plot. There are multiple things going on that kept me interested in the story and invested in the characters. The characters grow in the novel overcoming both personal and professional issues. The story is well-written and extremely believable."
"This is a fun page turner that you don't have to think too hard to enjoy."
"Hot diggy. I love Ty. I love Eileen and respect her talent....If you love sports and successful women then this is a very good story."
COLD AS ICE -book 2 in the Warriors series
The Warriors take to the ice again in Charlene Groome’s sensational series about hockey players and the women who love them. But the team’s new addition may have to work for a warm welcome…Defenseman Devin Miller has bounced from team to team and city to city, but he’s finally ready to settle down—professionally and personally. The Warriors seems like the perfect fit. Now all he needs is the right woman to start a family with—and he’s willing to put in the practice to find her.
Sports anchor Carla Sinclair already doesn’t like Vancouver’s hot new acquisition. So when she’s persuaded to interview him, she’s not prepared for the chemistry between them. But though Devin seems eager to show Carla his moves—on and off the ice—he keeps his personal life off-limits. Frustrated by him in more ways than one, Carla decides to track down Devin’s secrets on her own—and soon must decide if their attraction is worth the hit to her fragile heart…
COLD AS ICE reviews
"This was a fun read. I really enjoy contemporary romance novels that feature the sports world. Baseball and football players get a lot of attention in the genre, but it was refreshing to read about hockey. The author writes well and crafts a realistic story that had you cheering not only for the Warriors, but for Devin and Carla to open up to each other."
-kiltsandswords.com ( go to website for an in-depth review)
"I liked this one but the first one still has my heart. I can't wait to see who's next in this series."
"Cold as Ice is a believable novel. The plot was carefully thought out and entertaining. A lot of things happen to make them revisit their past. I enjoyed the characters and story"
"This was a fun read. I really enjoy contemporary romance novels that feature the sports world. Baseball and football players get a lot of attention in the genre, but it was refreshing to read about hockey. The author writes well and crafts a realistic story that had you cheering not only for the Warriors, but for Devin and Carla to open up to each other."
-kiltsandswords.com ( go to website for an in-depth review)
"I liked this one but the first one still has my heart. I can't wait to see who's next in this series."
"Cold as Ice is a believable novel. The plot was carefully thought out and entertaining. A lot of things happen to make them revisit their past. I enjoyed the characters and story"
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT- book 3 in the Warriors series
She’s in the front office. He’s a star player. It’s a match-up guaranteed to melt the ice…
Left winger Jared Landry is one of the (gorgeous) faces of Vancouver’s Warriors hockey team—except he’s not comfortable in the spotlight. He gets that charity events are important to the community, he just wants to contribute in his own way. Face-time with the fans puts him in a vulnerable position, bringing up past memories—and present complications. But a certain fiery newcomer won’t take no for an answer...
Meghan O’Riley is the Warriors’ new events coordinator, and she wants everyone on board—including Jared. Meghan knows he has a history of flaking out on important occasions, and she has no patience for his devil-may-care attitude. But Meghan will have to hone her rookie flirting skills to get the star to commit to the team—and maybe even to her…
Left winger Jared Landry is one of the (gorgeous) faces of Vancouver’s Warriors hockey team—except he’s not comfortable in the spotlight. He gets that charity events are important to the community, he just wants to contribute in his own way. Face-time with the fans puts him in a vulnerable position, bringing up past memories—and present complications. But a certain fiery newcomer won’t take no for an answer...
Meghan O’Riley is the Warriors’ new events coordinator, and she wants everyone on board—including Jared. Meghan knows he has a history of flaking out on important occasions, and she has no patience for his devil-may-care attitude. But Meghan will have to hone her rookie flirting skills to get the star to commit to the team—and maybe even to her…
Jessica Livingston is ready to put the past behind her and start living her dream.
She’s moved to Whistler to open her very own bath and body store, Making Scents. She wants to forget about her ex and her best friend’s betrayal and focus on her happiness. She’s far enough away from the people she left behind to forget about her past, but when her old friend—the guy she’s always loved— surprises her for her grand opening, she thinks he’s there to patch things up between her and his sister.
Regan Davis has loved Jessica since they were kids, but never pursued her, afraid it would jeopardize their friendship. He trusts her opinions and advice, so when his relationship with his girlfriend is moving quicker than his heart is telling him, he wants Jessica’s advice about his future.
It will take courage and hope to find out what they are truly missing during the holiday season and learn that love is the greatest gift of all.