PENALIZED LOVE by EMERY PAIGE

So far, nothing is going to plan for Isla Johnson, but she’s determined to navigate her new reality on her terms. After being forced to cut her semester abroad short due to her overprotective parents, Isla can’t help but be devastated. Her vow never to attend her hometown’s college because of a certain someone is thrown up in flames once her father pulls a few strings to get her transferred to Crestwood University. The only thing that makes her feel whole is her camera, which helps her look at the world through a different lens—one without pain.

Asher Bennett’s focus needs to be on hockey. Between helping his mother and sister financially, his studies, and his commitment to his teammates, his schedule is packed. But with Isla’s unexpected return to town, his whole world is flipped upside down, and all he can think about is the summer fling they had years ago.

Isla is pretending she doesn’t want anything to do with him, and he shouldn’t want to be involved with her, either. After all, Isla is now the new team photographer for the Crestwood Red Wolves, and she’s the coach’s daughter.

But they could have an encore before he finally lets her go.

Challenge: Accepted.